2009 iMac running slowly on Mavericks

[Groovybrewster]

The issue seems to be the RAM, from what I can gather looking on forums. I need to know what product to buy as I need 2 x 4GB. The spec says:
"The iMac (Early 2009) computer has two SDRAM slots in the bottom of the computer and comes with at least 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM installed as 1GB DIMMs into each slot.

The maximum amount of RAM you can install in the computer is 8 GB (a 4 GB SO-DIMM in each slot).

You can use any Small-Outline dual inline memory modules (SO-DIMMS) that meets all of these criteria:

PC3-8500
Unbuffered
Nonparity
204-pin
1066 MHz
DDR3 SDRAM
You can use RAM module sizes of 1 GB, 2 GB or 4GB in each slot. "
This is confusing to me as I'm not very technical. Basically - what product should I be looking to buy?

Any help appreciated - thanks

 

[pigoo3]

I need to know what product to buy as I need 2 x 4GB.

This is confusing to me as I'm not very technical. Basically - what product should I be looking to buy?

Easy. Just go to either:

- Crucial
- Other World Computing (OWC)

Both have easy systems to find the ram you need.

- Nick

 

[harryb2448]

As you can install up to 32GB memory, you can see what a HUGE difference this would make. Used matched pairs and 4 x 2GB as a minimum for Mavericks. Use OWC and/or Crucial only as suggested.

 

[chas_m]

If you are in the US, buy from Other World Computing or the Crucial website. Both have RAM configurators to tell you what RAM is right for your machine.

PC-8500 was ridiculously common in Macs of that era. Just max out the RAM on that model (which should be 2x4GB modules for a total of 8GB).

 

[chas_m]

Harry: where are you seeing 32GB max? I'm looking at everymac.com for the four models of early 2009 iMac, and it says 8GB is the max for all of them.

 

[pm-r]

You need to make sure of which 2009 iMac model you have, but you state early 2009, but make sure, which you can do at:
Apple iMac Specs (All iMac Tech Specs) @ EveryMac.com

And as for RAM, the already mentioned links are excellent and if you live in Canada, have a look at:
Canada RAM sells memory in Canada - Apple Macintosh iMac intel Core2Duo, CoreDuo 17", 20" and 24"

Most early 2009 iMacs can only use a max. of 8GB and must have the 1st slot filled first if ever using a single module. Later 2009 iMac models can use more.

 

[harryb2448]

Whoops my bad must have looked at later 2009 modles. 8GB it is and a lot better than what you have.

Apologies OP.

 

[pm-r]

Whoops my bad must have looked at later 2009 modles. 8GB it is and a lot better than what you have.

Apologies OP.

Maybe you got into too much Duff beer down there that a read that they have to stop selling after the store's stock is all gone. Doooh!!

 

[harryb2448]

What's Duff?

The only expression have heard relates to pregnancy!!

 

[pm-r]

What's Duff?

The only expression have heard relates to pregnancy!!

I guess you never watched The Simpsons, and Duff was Homer's favourite beer that eventually got made and released commercially in some areas, and Australia was one of them.

Almost a spoof and joke on beer.

 

[harryb2448]

Duff? Never ever came here and that is from a dyed in the wool beer drinker.

That whatsit Homer drining it would have been a turn off anyway.

 

[pm-r]

Duff dumped: Woolworths' Simpsons beer ruled 'highly appealing to children'

Duff beer discontinued after complaint

etc. etc. but no real loss I gather.

 

[harryb2448]

Ah Woolworths enough said. Anything for a quick buck!