Ram Brands For Mac

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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)*

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)
Ram

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)

Mac

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), 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
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

Ram brands for mac computers

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

Ram Brands For Mac Pro

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.)

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

Mac

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.

If your iMac makes a tone after you install memory

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.

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.

Mac Pro (2019) has 12 DIMM (memory) slots that support up to 1.5TB of 2933MHz memory when all 12 slots are full using DDR4 ECC DIMMs.

8-core, 12-core, and 16-core Mac Pro models support up to 768GB of memory.

Before you begin

2018

You can use either R-DIMMs or LR-DIMMs with your Mac Pro, but you can't mix these memory types. To check if you have R-DIMMs or LR-DIMMs installed and view your memory status, choose Apple menu  > About This Mac, then select the Memory tab.

Make sure that you use the same type of memory when installing additional DIMMs or replacing DIMMs. Learn more about Mac Pro (2019) memory specifications.

Apple recommends that you use Apple-approved DIMMs. You can purchase memory upgrade kits by visiting an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Reseller. If you need to order replacement memory, contact Apple.

Check supported configurations

Mac Pro supports up to 12 DIMMs installed in configurations of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 DIMMs, as shown in the images below. These images can also be found on the inside of the DIMM covers. For maximum performance, install DIMMs in a 6 or 12 DIMM configuration. If you have R-DIMMs that aren't identical in capacity, learn how to install R-DIMMs of mixed capacities.

A 1 DIMM configuration is for diagnostic use only.

4 DIMMs

6 DIMMs

8 DIMMs

10 DIMMs

12 DIMMs

Each number represents a DIMM slot. For each DIMM configuration, insert DIMMs only into the dark grey slots and leave the light gray slots empty.

Installing R-DIMMs of mixed capacities

If you use 32GB DIMMs with other capacities, such as 8GB or 16GB, they must be installed according to these requirements:

  • Use only R-DIMMs.
  • Use a supported configuration.
  • Install the 32GB DIMMs in the first slot of each channel pair.

Not all memory channels are used for every DIMM configuration. For example, an 8 DIMM configuration uses channels A, B, D, and E.

DIMM Channels

In the image above, the 12 slots on the left form 6 channel pairs as shown on the right. Each channel pair has slots designated DIMM 1 and DIMM 2.

Installing LR-DIMMs of mixed capacities

To install LR-DIMMs of mixed capacities, install your DIMMs in the slots determined by your configuration.

Remove or install memory

Learn how to remove the housing of your Mac Pro, remove DIMMs, and install DIMMs.

Remove the housing or memory access door

Follow the steps to remove the housing on Mac Pro (2019) or the access door on Mac Pro (Rack, 2019).

Mac Pro (2019)

  1. Shut down your Mac Pro.
  2. Wait approximately 5-10 minutes for the computer to cool down.
  3. Unplug all cables except the power cord from your computer.
  4. Touch the metal housing on the outside of the Mac Pro to discharge any static electricity, then unplug the power cord.
    Always discharge static before you touch parts or install components inside your Mac Pro. To avoid generating static, don’t move around the room until you finish installing the memory and slide the enclosure back onto the computer.
  5. Flip the top latch up, then twist left to unlock the housing.
  6. Lift the housing straight up and off of the computer. Carefully set it aside.
    Mac Pro won't turn on when its cover is removed.

Mac Pro (Rack, 2019)

  1. Shut down your Mac Pro.
  2. Wait approximately 5-10 minutes for the computer to cool down.
  3. Unplug all cables except the power cord from your Mac Pro.
  4. Touch the metal housing on the outside of the Mac Pro to discharge any static electricity, then unplug the power cord.
    Always discharge static before you touch parts or install components inside your Mac Pro. To avoid generating static, don’t move around the room until you finish installing memory and install the access door back onto the computer.
  5. Stand your Mac Pro on its end.
  6. Push in the top of the latches, then pull the latches to remove the access door.

Remove DIMMs

Your Mac Pro ships with DIMMs preinstalled in some or all of the DIMM slots. Before you can install memory, you might need to remove some of the DIMMs to match a supported configuration or to meet mixed capacity R-DIMM installation requirements.

  1. Slide each lock to the left to unlock and open the DIMM covers.

  2. Remove the DIMM covers.
  3. Locate the DIMM(s) that you want to remove. Each slot is labeled with a number. Push down on the DIMM ejectors on each end of the DIMM, which slightly raises the DIMM out of the slot.
  4. Use your thumb and index finger from each hand to gently grip the DIMM at each end, then carefully remove the DIMM by pulling the DIMM straight out of the DIMM slot. Don’t twist or force the DIMM out of the socket or damage might occur.
  5. Place the removed DIMMs into an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protective bag.

Install DIMMs

  1. Locate an empty DIMM slot.
  2. If possible, use canned air to blow dust out of the DIMM slot. Keep the can vertical.
  3. Gently hold the DIMM ends and insert it into the slot. Make sure the DIMM is aligned with the slot before applying any force to insert it. When you insert the DIMM, make sure to follow these guidelines:
    • Don’t force the DIMM. If the DIMM doesn’t insert, verify that the notch and connectors are aligned with the notch in the DIMM slot.
    • Don’t rock the DIMM into the seated position.
    • Don’t bend or twist the DIMM when you insert it.
  4. Insert the DIMM gently until the bottom edge of the DIMM is touching the gold contacts, then apply more force to fully seat the DIMM. The DIMM ejectors click into place once the DIMM is fully seated.
  5. Replace the DIMM covers. Push down on the left side of the covers until they click into place.


If you don't replace the DIMM covers, system performance may be affected.

Reinstall the housing or top cover

Follow the steps to reinstall the housing on Mac Pro (2019) or the top cover on Mac Pro (Rack, 2019).

Mac Pro (2019)

  1. Lower the housing over the Mac Pro.
  2. After the housing is fully seated, twist the top latch right and flip it down to lock it.

    Top: Locked position (dots match)
    Bottom: Unlocked position (dots do not match)
  3. Connect the power cord, display, and any other peripherals.

Mac Pro (Rack, 2019)

  1. Reinstall the access door.
  2. Reinstall your Mac Pro into the rack.
  3. Connect the power cord, display, and any other peripherals.

Verify your memory

Ram For Mac Pro

To check the status of your memory, choose Apple menu  > About This Mac, then select the Memory tab.

If your DIMMs should be configured in different slots to maximize performance, macOS notifies you with recommendations for which slots to use for your currently installed DIMMs.

Ram Brands For Mac Catalina

Other configurations

If you want to test any single channel or the DIMM itself, you can use a 1 DIMM configuration by installing a single DIMM into the first slot of a channel. If you want to test the second slot of a channel, install DIMMs into both slots of a channel.

Best Ram Brands For Mac

Learn more

Ram Brands For Mac And Cheese

  • If you received a replacement part from Apple, follow the steps to send your original part back to Apple.
  • Look up Mac Pro (2019) memory specifications.
  • Learn about some of the PCIe cards you can install in your Mac Pro.
  • Install and replace parts in your Mac Pro.