16 Gb Ram For Mac

Sometimes we think too much into whether we can – so much so that we don’t question whether we should. This is a dilemma which faced me several times as I pushed the envelope, took the risk, and got away with jamming 64 GB of RAM right into my Mac Pro 2,1.

  1. 16 Gb Ram For Imac
  2. 16gb Ram For Macbook Pro Mid 2010
  3. 16gb Ram For Macbook Pro

Mac Mini - Newest macOS - 16 gb Ram - $380 (Anaheim) condition: good. QR Code Link to This Post. Model A1347 Late 2012 Intel Core i5 2.5GHz processor 16 gb of Ram, 500 gb hard drive Wifi built-in, bluetooth Intel HD Graphics 1.5 gb Run Catalina, newest updated Working perfect, no issues at all Will hook up for a test.

  1. MacBooks tend to come with up to 16 GB RAM which provides ample capability for most uses. Processor: Determining how fast a computer is, a high-speed processor like the Intel Core i7, often is designed with a dual-core or quad-core for added performance. The speed of a processor is measured in GHz and can be enhanced by the turbo boost function.
  2. Mac Specs By Capability Actual Maximum RAM Mac mini Models. The actual maximum RAM of each Mac mini is listed below along with its compatible RAM type, default amount of RAM pre-installed, common identifiers suitable to identify a Mac mini in order to determine its RAM capacity, and more. If you are not sure which Mac mini you have, and the Model Identifier and EMC Number below are not.

In this article, I will explain my research and the type of RAM I used, should you decide to do what I’ve done.

First of All, Can It Be Done?

It’s easy to ask the question, but hard to find an answer. It required jumping through some hoops to find an answer. Here’s my research process:

  • In order to find out the genuine RAM ceiling, we must do some research. Apple claims this is 16 GB, but many users found this wasn’t the case, as reports surfaced over time about 32 GB working in this Mac Pro model. But was 32 GB the actual limit? Something seemed off, and indeed it was.
  • The Mac Pro 2,1 uses two x5365 Xeon CPUs.
  • The CPUs belong to the Intel 5000X memory controller, which can support up to 64 GB, according to Intel. https://ark.intel.com/products/27749/Intel-5000X-Memory-Controller
  • Apple’s claim is sometimes only half of what the Mac can truly handle, so the reports of 32 GB aren’t unusual findings, but 32 GB is the limit only due to the 32-bit EFI for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion.
  • 64 GB of RAM is addressed by the Mac Pro regardless of what OS is running. It will chime. However, your Mac will not boot into OS X Lion and earlier with 64 GB of RAM.
  • Using Piker alpha’s Boot.EFI mod or Collin Mistr’s patcher. By booting into Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or later (10.11.6 preferred), your Mac Pro can easily address 64 GB of RAM, just as the 5000X series chipset is able to.

How Can It Be Done?

  • By matching the RAM brand/config to the same manufacturer and spec that was present on the Mac Pro’s original RAM, we eliminate most issues, down to higher capacity/density RAM.
  • Most Mac Pros (I think) shipped with Micron brand RAM. The picture below shows the exact type of RAM module I ordered for my Mac Pro 2,1 and my other Mac Pro, a 1,1.
  • It’s PC2-5300F 667 MHz DDR2 FBDIMM SDRAM 8x8GB kit. This is the search term you’ll want to use when looking on eBay, Amazon, or Google. Look for the bright blue colored shielding on the RAM, and make sure it’s strictly labeled Micron, with no other branding on it. I’ve not tried other branding, and that’d run the risk of incompatibility.
  • MAKE SURE that it’s 2RX4, NOT 4RX4. 4RX4 will NOT work in here regardless of how else the RAM sticks match up. If you find matching 2RX4 8 GB FBDIMMS or kits that aren’t Micron brand, comment below so I’ll know what other brands to add to this article.

Simply slide them in like normal sticks. You’ll find random LED errors from time to time; rest assured, it’s normal. Just keep swapping around the sticks until something works. Try not to touch the gold pins on the RAM sticks or the riser boards themselves. Also try not to reseat the RAM too often, as that can cause premature RAM stick failure due to static electricity. After some minor trial and error, the RAM registers in the system, and you can happily use 64 GB of RAM inside your Mac Pro 1,1 or 2,1.

The End Result

Choose your iMac model

If you're not sure which iMac you have, you can identify your iMac and then select it from the list below.

27-inch

24-inch

21.5-inch

  • iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)*
  • iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)*
  • iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)*
  • iMac (21.5 inch, Mid 2014)*
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)*
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012)*
16 Gb Ram For Mac

20-inch

17-inch

* Memory is not removable by users on iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014), iMac (21.5-inch, 2017), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019). If the memory in one of these computers needs repair service, contact an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. If you’d like to upgrade the memory in one of these models, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can help. Before you schedule an appointment, confirm that the specific Apple Authorized Service Provider offers memory upgrade services.

Memory in iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015) is not upgradeable.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Number of memory slots4
Base memory8GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs)
Maximum memory128GB (4 x 32GB DIMMs)

For optimal memory performance, DIMMs should be the same capacity, speed, and vendor. Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

  • PC4-21333
  • Unbuffered
  • Nonparity
  • 260-pin
  • 2666MHz DDR4 SDRAM

If you have mixed capacity DIMMs, see the install memory section for installation recommendations.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Number of memory slots4
Base memory8GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs)
Maximum memory64GB (4 x 16GB DIMMs)

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

  • PC4-21333
  • Unbuffered
  • Nonparity
  • 260-pin
  • 2666MHz DDR4 SDRAM

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Number of memory slots4
Base memory8GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs)
Maximum memory64GB (4 x 16GB DIMMs)

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

  • PC4-2400 (19200)
  • Unbuffered
  • Nonparity
  • 260-pin
  • 2400MHz DDR4 SDRAM

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

Mac

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Number of memory slots4
Base memory8GB
Maximum memory32GB

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

  • PC3-14900
  • Unbuffered
  • Nonparity
  • 204-pin
  • 1867MHz DDR3 SDRAM

For these 27-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
  • iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
  • iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)

Memory specifications

These iMac models feature Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Number of memory slots4
Base memory8GB
Maximum memory32GB

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

  • PC3-12800
  • Unbuffered
  • Nonparity
  • 204-pin
  • 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM

Installing memory

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
  2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
  3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
  4. Open the memory compartment door by pressing the small grey button located just above the AC power port:
  5. The memory compartment door will open as the button is pushed in. Remove the compartment door and set it aside:
  6. A diagram on the underside of the compartment door shows the memory cage levers and the orientation of the DIMM. Locate the two levers on the right and left sides of the memory cage. Push the two levers outward to release the memory cage:
  7. After the memory cage is released, pull the memory cage levers toward you, allowing access to each DIMM slot.
  8. Remove a DIMM by pulling the module straight up and out. Note the location of the notch on the bottom of the DIMM. When reinstalling DIMMs, the notch must be oriented correctly or the DIMM won't fully insert:
  9. Replace or install a DIMM by setting it down into the slot and pressing firmly until you feel the DIMM click into the slot. When you insert a DIMM, make sure to align the notch on the DIMM to the DIMM slot. Find your model below for specific installation instructions and notch locations:
    • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom, slightly left of the middle. If your DIMMs are mixed in capacity, minimize the capacity difference between Channel A (slots 1 and 2) and Channel B (slots 3 and 4) when possible.
    • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom, slightly left of the middle:
    • iMac (27-inch, Late 2012) and iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom left:
    • iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) and iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014, Mid 2015, and Late 2015) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom right:
  10. After you install all of your DIMMs, push both memory cage levers back into the housing until they lock into place:
  11. Replace the memory compartment door. You don't need to press the compartment door release button when replacing the compartment door.
  12. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

Your iMac performs a memory initialization procedure when you first turn it on after upgrading memory or rearranging DIMMs. This process can take 30 seconds or more, and the display of your iMac remains dark until it's finished. Make sure to let the memory initialization complete.

For these 27-inch and 21.5-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

  • iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
  • iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010)
  • iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)

Memory specifications

Number of memory slots4
Base memory4GB (but is configured to order)
Maximum memory16GB
For iMac (Late 2009), you can use 2GB or 4GB RAM SO-DIMMs of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM in each slot. For iMac (Mid 2010) and iMac (Mid 2011), use 2GB or 4GB RAM SO-DIMMs of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM in each slot.

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

iMac (Mid 2011)iMac (Mid 2010)iMac (Late 2009)
PC3-10600PC3-10600PC3-8500
UnbufferedUnbufferedUnbuffered
NonparityNonparityNonparity
204-pin204-pin204-pin
1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM

i5 and i7 Quad Core iMac computers come with both top memory slots populated. These computers will not start up if only a single DIMM is installed in any bottom slot; these computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any top slot.

Core Duo iMac computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any slot, top or bottom. ('Top' and 'bottom' slots refer to the orientation of the slots in the pictures below. 'Top' refers to the slots closest to the display; 'bottom' refers to the slots closest to the stand.)

16 Gb Ram For Mac

Installing memory

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
  2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
  3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
  4. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of your computer:
  5. Remove the access door and set it aside.
  6. Untuck the tab in the memory compartment. If you're replacing a memory module, gently pull the tab to eject any installed memory module:
  7. Insert your new or replacement SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the keyway of the SO-DIMM as shown below.
  8. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly:
  9. Tuck the tabs above the memory DIMMs, and reinstall the memory access door:
  10. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

For these 24-inch and 20-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

  • iMac (24-inch, Early 2009)
  • iMac (20-inch, Early 2009)
  • iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
  • iMac (20-inch, Early 2008)
  • iMac (24-inch Mid 2007)
  • iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007)

Memory specifications

These iMac computers have two side-by-side Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots in the bottom of the computer.

The maximum amount of random-access memory (RAM) you can install in each computer is:

ComputerMemory TypeMaximum Memory
iMac (Mid 2007)DDR24GB (2x2GB)
iMac (Early 2008)DDR24GB (2x2GB)
iMac (Early 2009)DDR38GB (2x4GB)

You can use a 1GB or 2GB RAM module in each slot for iMac (Mid 2007) and iMac (Early 2008). Use 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB modules in each slot for the iMac (Early 2009).

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

iMac (Mid 2007)iMac (Early 2008)iMac (Early 2009)
PC2-5300PC2-6400PC3-8500
UnbufferedUnbufferedUnbuffered
NonparityNonparityNonparity
200-pin200-pin204-pin
667MHz DDR2 SDRAM800MHz DDR2 SDRAM1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM

DIMMs with any of the following features aren't supported:

  • Registers or buffers
  • PLLs
  • Error-correcting code (ECC)
  • Parity
  • Extended data out (EDO) RAM

Installing memory

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After your iMac cools down, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
  2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
  3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
  4. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of the computer:
  5. Remove the access door and set it aside.
  6. Untuck the tab in the memory compartment. If you're replacing a memory module, untuck the tab and pull it to eject any installed memory module:
  7. Insert your new or replacement RAM SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the keyway of the SO-DIMM as shown above.
  8. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly.
  9. Tuck the tabs above the memory DIMMs, and reinstall the memory access door:
  10. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

For these 20-inch and 17-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

  • iMac (20-inch Late 2006)
  • iMac (17-inch, Late 2006 CD)
  • iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)
  • iMac (17-inch, Mid 2006)
  • iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)
  • iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)

Memory specifications

Number of memory slots2
Base memory1GBTwo 512MB DIMMs; one in each of the memory slotsiMac (Late 2006)
512MBOne DDR2 SDRAM installed into the top slotiMac (17-inch Late 2006 CD)
512MBTwo 256MB DIMMs; one in each of the memory slotsiMac (Mid 2006)
512MBOne DDR2 SDRAM installed into the top slotiMac (Early 2006)
Maximum memory4GB2 GB SO-DIMM in each of the two slots*iMac (Late 2006)
2GB1GB SO-DIMM in each of the two slotsiMac (17-inch Late 2006 CD)
iMac (Early 2006)
Memory card specificationsCompatible:
- Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR SO-DIMM) format
- PC2-5300
- Nonparity
- 200-pin
- 667 MHz
- DDR3 SDRAM
Not compatible:
- Registers or buffers
- PLLs
- ECC
- Parity
- EDO RAM

For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
*iMac (Late 2006) uses a maximum of 3 GB of RAM.

Installing memory in the bottom slot

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
  2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
  3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
  4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door on the bottom of the iMac and set it aside:
  5. Move the DIMM ejector clips to their fully open position:
  6. Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the bottom slot, keeping in mind the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM:
  7. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot with your thumbs. Don't use the DIMM ejector clips to push in the DIMM, as this might damage the SDRAM DIMM. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory fully.
  8. Close the ejector clips:
  9. Reinstall the memory access door:
  10. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

Replacing memory in the top slot

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
  2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
  3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
  4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door on the bottom of the iMac and set it aside:
  5. Pull the two levers on each side of the memory compartment to eject the memory module that's already installed:
  6. Remove the memory module from your iMac as shown below:
  7. Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the top slot, noting the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM:
  8. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot with your thumbs. Don't use the DIMM ejector clips to push in the DIMM, as this might damage the SDRAM DIMM. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory fully.
  9. Close the ejector clips:
  10. Reinstall the memory access door:
  11. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

16 Gb Ram For Imac

If your iMac makes a tone after you install memory

16gb Ram For Macbook Pro Mid 2010

iMac models introduced before 2017 might make a warning sound when you start up after installing or replacing memory:

  • One tone, repeating every five seconds signals that no RAM is installed.
  • Three successive tones, then a five-second pause (repeating) signals that RAM doesn't pass a data integrity check.

If you hear these tones, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your iMac and that it's installed correctly by reseating the memory. If your Mac continues to make the tone, contact Apple Support.

Confirm that your iMac recognizes its new memory

After you install memory, you should confirm that your iMac recognizes the new RAM by choosing Apple () menu > About This Mac.

The window that appears lists the total memory, including the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the newly added memory. If all the memory in the iMac has been replaced, it lists the new total of all installed RAM.

For detailed information about the memory installed in your iMac, click System Report. Then choose Memory under the Hardware section in the left side of System Information.

16gb Ram For Macbook Pro

If your computer doesn't recognize the memory or doesn't start up correctly, confirm that the RAM you installed is compatible with your iMac and that it's installed correctly by reseating the memory. If you continue to have issues with the memory in your iMac, contact Apple Support.