Accessing ram slots on a 27 iMac

I just received a new 27 iMac and I’m thinking about adding an additional 4GB of ram. I’m not very excited about laying this big boy down onto its face to add the extra ram. Is it possible to place the machine on the edge of a table and tilt it back to access the ram slots?

Thanks for the responses. So I agree with you guys about following the directions. I'm trying to visualize the best way for my wife and I to tip it onto it's face. Should I hold the sides while my wife holds the arm in the back? Or should we each take a side? I'm trying to avoid getting a bunch of finger prints on the screen or stirring up dust that might exist inside the machine.
I know I might seem overly paranoid but it's been four month ordeal for me to get where I'm at right now. I would hate a screw something up at this point in the game.

Similar Messages

  • Kernel Panics - testing RAM slots

    After frustrations dealing with constant kernel panics, I have gotten Apple Hardware Test to identify that one RAM slot on the G5 iMac is probably defective. Each slot carries a 500Mb chip from Crucial.
    The test indicates a RAM error/defect in DIMM slot 1, but when I SWITCH the two chips, it is still DIMM slot 1 which comes up as defective.
    Questions:
    Which of the two slots in the 20" G5 iMac is DIMM 1, and which is DIMM 2?
    Do others agree that if the chips themselves were defective, a switch would have changed the id of the slot exhibiting the error?
    If we elect to repair the DIMM slot, how much hardware must be replaced? Tests here and in the Apple repair shop consistently say the logic board is fine.
    If I can identify the good slot, and put in a single 1Gb chip in that slot and leave the other empty, will things get by ok?
    Thanks in advance for all the help. The OS has been cleanly reinstalled numerous times, and I've been sold a replacement HD I suspect may not have been absolutely necessary, though it is nice to have the larger capacity.
    Owen in Oregon, at the end of his rope.

    You are on the right track by swapping devices from one slot to the other, but you've not definitively identified a slot issue as opposed to a DIMM device issue, as you report that your devices are identical. While the evidence still points to that, it would be helpful to swap in a different type of compatible memory to pin down the issue.
    If you slot is indeed defective, only the logic board need be replaced. If your machine is under warranty or an AppleCare extension to it, Apple will replace the defective logic board at no cost for either parts or labor. You can identify which is DIMM slot 1 and which is two simply by leaving one empty, restarting and again launching the System Profiler. If it panics, swap the single module to the other slot and leave the other empty, restart and again check with System Profiler. I believe that slot identifiers are screened on the board and that the right slot is slot 1, and the left, slot 2. But, I am not certain that is the case.
    There may be an issue with seating modules in what appears to be defective slot, with the clips that lock them into place, with the edge connector itself or with the UL3 memory controller, if your DIMMs are not defective. There may also be material obstructing the slot in question, so examine it carefully to determine that no foreign material or debris is present.

  • Are all 4 RAM slots USER-UPGRADABLE in 27", 2.8MHz, i7 iMac?

    I haven't dug into my iMac yet but am wondering if all 4 RAM slots are user-upgradable... before I fork out the money for more RAM.
    Currently I have 8GB (4x2GB). I thought the 8GB would be enough for the graphic designing I do (was managing with my previous 1GB on my other iMac), but quickly found out that I need a lot more. The max is 16GB (4x4GB).
    Anyone know if ALL four RAM slots are USER-UPGRADABLE?
    Thanks!

    Yes, look in your manual and it will show you how that all four slots are user upgradeable. If you want to upgrade to 16 GB you will need 4 x 4 GB chips. OWC's memory is highly regarded on this forum because they specialize in Macs and provide quality products and service. Memory there can be found at:
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S16S/
    Regards,
    Roger

  • Upgrade Early 2008 from 10.5.8, to ? PLUS a broken RAM slot

    I have a Early 2008 white MacBook, 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo. 
    As I understand it, if I want to upgrade to 10.7, I need to first purchase a 10.6 DVD, correct?
    Is a multi license DVD available?  I have 2 machines running 10.5.8, the MacBook and an iMac.
    Also, the MacBook has been dropped, and now only 1 of the 2 RAM slots works.  (I think the Logic Board is damaged)
    It looks like it could normally support 6GB (4+2), but since I can only use 1 slot, can I use a single 4GB, or just a 2?  (It currently only has 1GB)
    I realize I should probably just buy a newer machine, but honestly this one does all I need.  The only reason I am even updating the OS is because Firefox will no longer work, and some other similar things that are software related.
    Thanks!

    With the Snow Leopard OS X 10.6 retail DVD, the license is usually for one computer at a time to be using the installed system. However as soon as each computer is upgraded to 10.6.8 and running adequately, any computers fated to access the App Store or  Mac App Store for OS X upgrade to 10.7.5, would no longer be running Snow Leopard 10.6; so the license would be open for another upgrade at least to 10.6.8.
    The ailing Mac with only one RAM slot should probably not be upgraded to a higher OS X than 10.6.8, in fact you'd likely need all the supported RAM an undamaged computer would normally have in a full upgrade, for a later OS X to work adequately. Given the damaged machine is running on borrowed time, and needs a hardware repair (such as a specialist authorized Apple repair service can do, in or out of warranty) the least effort involved would be better.
    The older iLife and other applications that ran OK in Leopard 10.5.8 & earlier won't do so well after Snow Leopard 10.6.8 because a feature is not available after 10.6.8 by the name Rosetta to run older powerPC based applications that were common. Those will not run in later 10.7+ or without Rosetta installed from the Install disc in 10.6.8. This may add a layer of difficulty if you have application installers from another era.
    There are a few fairly good highly capable portable Mac repairer service companies that could fix the issue in the partially failed MacBook for reasonable cost, and inspect the rest of the computer, before offering a warranty on their own work. Some of these also offer repaired models as part of their overall business. One that I have brief familiarity with some 8 or 9 years ago, was wegenermedia.com & sent an iBook to them in the mail. And recently discussed with them a repair to my first-edition MacBook 1.83GHz coreduo.
    With only one RAM slot working you could try either chip, to see if one works better than another; however the way core 2 duo processors use RAM it is better if each slot has similar RAM, since it may affect processing as well as data flow. Later models really prefer matching spec sets.
    Have you looked into the iFixit manuals to see the effort involved (if they show it) behind getting to the logic board? Some aspects of repair can lead to more damages than the cure was meant to fix.
    Hopefully it will work OK.
    Good luck & happy computing!

  • Swapping RAM between Mac Mini and iMac (both Late 2012)

    Mac Mini = 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM, 8GB (2 x 4GB)
    iMac = 1333Mhz DDR3 RAM, 16GB (2 x 8GB)
    Any reason why I can't swap the two around? I essentially need more RAM in the Mini and less in the iMac. The thing that concerns me is that when I go to "About This Mac > Memory," the Mac Mini states "Your Mac contains 2 memory slots, each of which accepts a 1600Mhz DDR3 memory module." If I toss some 1333Mhz in there...
    Would swapping them cause any adverse affects besides a slower speed (whatever that actually does from a user standpoint)?

    A gain of 8GB for $125 kind of *****. However, your point has been well taken. As it happens, I did upgrade the RAM in the iMac prior and apparently missed the Mhz rating. Interestingly, the number I gave you for the 1333Mhz came from within the system profiler on the iMac and states "Your Mac contains 4 memory slots, each of which accepts a 1333Mhz DDR3 memory module." I figured that it would show me what it is designed to use here since the actual RAM is listed in the over tab. Apparently this reflects what is installed and not what the system was designed for. I cross checked what you said and of course, you're correct in that both Macs run the same RAM...which now means I get to decrease my iMac RAM and still spend too much money on an 8GB increase.

  • Is a matching pair of Ram required to run an iMac 1.83Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo?

    I have an iMac 17" 1.83Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo with the standard 512mb ram (2x 256mb) installed. If I replace one of the memory slots with one 1gb ram stick, and leave one 256mb ram stick (1.256gb ram total), will my system run properly? Will it run at its optimal performance level? Or will Installing 2 sticks of 512mg ram perform better?
    Also, is 1gb - 1.256gb ram enough to run parallels (windows xp) smoothly?
    Thanks in advance.

    Hi Jay
    Welcome to Apple Discussions
    First use the link below:
    How to identify your iMac
    If you have a 17-inch iMac (MA710LL) Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory then YES you need to keep the ram matched in that model.
    iMac (Early 2006), iMac (Mid 2006), iMac (17-inch Late 2006 CD): Memory Specifications

  • Second RAM slot bad?

    Troubling issue with my 24" iMac (late 2008, 3GHz, nVidia 8800).
    With both RAM slots loaded, it crashes randomly in the first 15 minutes after boot. Sometimes this is a freeze, others the black "You must restart your computer" message. Regardless, after shutting down, it won't reboot successfully until the RAM has been re-seated (it'll stall at the plain gray screen, before the spinner or the Apple logo show up). Once re-seated, sometimes 2-3 times, it'll decide to boot again, only to suffer the same fate.
    Brought it down to the minimum configuration - only the first slot filled. Works fine, rock-solid, runs for weeks without issue. Swap that same stick to the second slot, and we're back to crashing and needing to re-seat the RAM to get it rebooted. I've tried both 1GB sticks that came with the iMac, as well as a couple of 2GB sticks from Crucial - the behavior is the same regardless of the stick(s) being used. (All sticks are known to be good).
    I've currently got one of the 2GB sticks in, been running for about a month without issue, but I'd really like to get the machine up to 4GB, so it's about time to get this fixed.
    Aside from the testing I've done above, is there anything else I should do prior to setting up a time to drop it off at the local Apple Store for warranty service (still under the 1-year warranty, haven't bought Applecare yet, but planning on it)? Any other tests I should run or documentation I can provide to save both my and the tech's time?

    So, it's been a month. Figured I should post an update on how things turned out.
    Repaired permissions, backed up to an external drive, booted from it to be sure, and repaired permissions again.
    Shut down, removed the backup drive, and decided to give it one more try before calling up the store. Performed the same procedure I've done so many times:
    Unplugged the power cable. Let sit for 20 seconds (resets SMC).
    Popped out the single 2GB stick from the left slot, seated it in the right slot. Seated the second 2GB stick in the left slot.
    Plugged the power cable in.
    Booted. Reset PRAM. Came up OK, did not log in. Shut down.
    Booted again. Reset PRAM again. Came up OK again. Logged in this time.
    From this point on, everything has worked flawlessly, across multiple reboots, for a few weeks now. I've run several memory tests, each of which has passed with flying colors.
    I'm not sure exactly what the difference is this time around, but I'm certainly not complaining.

  • 15-F018ca upgrade/ram slots

    I want to upgrade the ram. I've tried to replace the only user accessible ram module under the laptop by a same spec 8gb module (but from Crucial) and it refuse to boot. Tried with a few other DDR3 and DDR3L (4gb and 2gb) but the only one that work and boot the laptop is the original one (samsung 4gb-pc3-12800).
    Two questions: In the user manual and on vendor website they all list as two user accessible ram slot. In the bios/boot/utility tool it mentionned that slot/2 is empty. So where is it ? (have to disassemble the laptop to access it?)
    And what memory is known to be a good compatibility for this serie of laptop ? (if a second slot is available 4gb+4gb configuration will suffice but if not what 8gb module is compatible?)
    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

    Hi,
    The manula clearly says on page #1:
    Two SODIMM non-customer-accessible/upgradable memory module slots (Core i3 processors)
    DDR3L-1600-MHz dual channel support (DDR3L-1600 dual channel support)
    One SODIMM non-customer-accessible/upgradable memory module slot (Pentium, Celeron processors)
    DDR3L-1333-MHz dual channel support (DDR3L-1600 downgraded to DDR3L-1333)
    DDR3L-1066-MHz dual channel support (DDR3L-1600 downgraded to DDR3L-1066)
    Supports up to 4 GB max system memory (DDR3L-1600MHz module)
    Supports the following system RAM configurations:
    ● 4096 MB (4096 MB×1 or 2048 MB×2)
    ● 2048 MB (2048 MB×1)
    Your machine uses "2.16GHz Intel Celeron N2840 Processor with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.58GHz" that means only one slot and already max 4Gb that whay it says non-customer-accessible/upgradable memory
    Specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c04475860&cc=be&dlc=en&lc=ru
    Manual #1 of the following link:
         http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?cc=us&lc=en&product=7499117
    Regards.
    BH
    **Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
    Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

  • Is there a way to replace the ram holder in my 2007 iMac

    I recently was replacing the ram in my iMac, and forgot I had taken the ram out of its slot. That being said I pulled out the metal piece that holds the ram into place. I am now stuck with only 1 ram slot. Is there any way to repair this?

    dividesbyzer0 wrote:
    Obviously because since I have 3 working ones why would I got buy another one? Buying a totally new one isn't an option, because theres no point.
    Yes there is a point.
    You posted here here because you want to address the issue. Replacing the iMac would get you a replacement working iMac that you messed up.
    What’s the point of you posting here if you do not want suggestions on how to deal with what you asked about?

  • ? RAM slot problems (and much, much more... :))

    Have a brand new 'Intel' iMac 20", and installed RAM (from Crucial memory)into it.
    Twice now I have had a major crash. First time it got sorted by re-seating the RAM, but now it's happened again. I think one of the two RAM chips may be faulty, but intermittently, which is a pain.
    Can I ask the following to help me along:
    1) Is it a known issue that there may be faulty RAM slots in the iMacs?
    2) I may have to run MemTest on my system, which recommends starting in single-user mode to do a full RAM test. Can I start in single mode with a WIRELESS keyboard (according ao the Apple site you can with OS 10.4.8 - the bluetooth 'drivers' must be buried well deep if this is so!)
    3) Read somewhere that resetting PRAM and NVRAM should be done after all RAM additions/alterations, but elsewhere that this is an evil falsehood. Which is true? And if recommended, again can I do this with a wireless keyboard.
    4) Of course if your RAM is faulty your machine may not start up at all so HOW CAN YOU DO ANY OF THIS!!!??
    (Thanks!)

    1. No, there are no known issues with RAM slots in any Macs. However, if you were not careful to follow instructions on seating the new RAM you can damage a slot, although this is unlikely.
    2. You don't need to use MemTest. Boot the computer with the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer. After the chime press and hold down the "D" key until the diagnostic screen appears. Run the extended diagnostics. If there are any memory or hardware problems they should be detected.
    3. I've never reset the NVRAM (PRAM) after installing new RAM, and I've never had a problem. That said resetting the PRAM/NVRAM doesn't hurt anything.
    4. Start by removing the new RAM you installed and use only the original RAM that came with the computer. If the computer works properly, then it's reasonable to assume the new RAM is faulty.
    Be sure the new RAM you purchase meets the required specs as outlined in your User Guide. The RAM must be PC2-5300 667 Mhz DDR2.

  • RAM slot broken / plastic tabs on RAM slot broke off

    I was a little rough when I installed my RAM and broke the plastic tabs/locking mechanism on my RAM slot. A RAM card can still fit in the slot but it just doesn't lock in. I'm considering these options:
    1) keeping the RAM in position with a tiny piece of electrical (or other heat resistant) tape. And I could check on it every few days to see if it melts or anything.
    2) having a technician go into the inaccessible RAM slot and just upgrade that. Is that possible? How much would something like that cost?
    or
    3) installing a new logic board, which is what one MAC store diagnosed for me. But that would cost $575 (part) + $100 (labor) which I'm very reluctant about because that is way too much money for me.
    If the tape method seems worth a try, I'd love to do that since it's the easiest and cheapest. Any advice would be great. Thanks so much.
    Amy

    I broke the tabs by removing the ram chip after trying to force it. In the set up guide that came with the computer the instructions failed to mention that the clips should be in the open position before installing. I bought some "cold Weld" like a two part epoxy and glued the composite clips right to the stainless steel "wing" of the clip. It seemed to work just fine. the chip clipped in place but system profiler does not recognize it at all.
    imac G4   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

  • Where do i find the second ram slot on a t43 thinkpad

    i believe ram might be my issue causing my t43 to freeze moving the mouse pointer with the track pointer helps get things working i bought a new 1gb ram and installed it in the ram port since then i have been able to run sluggish applications more smoothly but after a while of using these applications up to an hour the t43 freezes using the track point put some life back in to the machine (enough to close the application) when i dont have anything running except the internet it runs fine i believe the t43 has some sort of second ram slot since in the system it now shows as 1.5gb of ram and not 1gb
    should the t43 have a second ram slot how easy is it to get at i don't want to accidentally  break something

    Welcome to the forum!
    The second RAM slot is under the keyboard. Check the HMM for removal instructions:
    http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-58791
    Hope this helps.
    Cheers,
    George
    In daily use: R60F, R500F, T61, T410
    Collecting dust: T60
    Enjoying retirement: A31p, T42p,
    Non-ThinkPads: Panasonic CF-31 & CF-52, HP 8760W
    Starting Thursday, 08/14/2014 I'll be away from the forums until further notice. Please do NOT send private messages since I won't be able to read them. Thank you.

  • Ram slots on a G-5

    How do ram slots J-43 and J44 relate to the numbered slots inside the machine 1-4 upper and lower on a G-5?

    If you're sure the RAM is good, try the Hair Dryer trick...
    http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13240047#13240047
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15223603#15223603
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15499912#15499912
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15613068#15613068
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3270112
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/16053892#16053892
    It can show on any G5, and even many other computers & electronic devices of the period.
    http://www.macintouch.com/reliability/pmg5.html
    http://lowendmac.com/ppc/power-macintosh-g5.html

  • RAM slot failure on a Equium P300-16T

    Hi, Ive got a RAM slot failure on a Equium p300-16T. I have tested both RAM modules and there in perfect working order. RAM slot 1 works and laptop boots successfully but as soon as RAM module inputed into RAM slot 2 no boot.
    My frustration comes from when i began a warranty repair on Friday night through the website and it refused to accept it stating that the server had timed out. Unfortunately this timing out seem to happen every time i went to finish the warranty claim. And to my dismay my Serial number is no longer available on the website due to the warranty running out today (2nd of August).
    Is there anything i can do?
    Kind Regards
    Ian Watt

    What size RAM are you installing?
    The system is capable of 2GB Max in total, so if you are installing RAM above 2GB, booting will/may fail.
    You may be able to install a 2GB Module in Slot A, but it will probably be unstable and cause intermittent BSOD's. Or not boot at all. (not recommended)
    I believe your laptop has the Santa Rosa chipset, which requires RAM in at least Slot A.
    If you install RAM in Slot B only, it wont boot.
    So basically to get the most out of the system, you should have a 1GB Module in each slot, which is how it comes from the factory if the specs found in google are correct.

  • MacBook Pro mid 2012 15" - one RAM slot gone bad

    Hi,
    Has anyone ever had the issue with not working RAM slot? My MacBook Pro mid 2012 (non-retina) suddenly froze and after restart was beeping three times every few seconds. I found out that the beeping signals bad RAM. Bought new chips, and the problem still exists. My mac can now run on one slot with 4GB RAM.
    I did check the placement of the chips in the slots, i also checked one slot at a time, and one of them has gone broken.
    Any ideas on how to make it run again? or if it is possible to replace the slots?
    Brgds
    Marek
    MacBook Pro 2,7GHz Intel Core i7 / OSX 10.9.4

    The Apple-accepted cure for a dead RAM slot is a new logic board. Unless you ahve AppleCare, that will be an expensive fix.
    An Apple service option is the "depot repair." Instead of working on your computer in the Apple Store, they send it to a centralized refurbishment facility where they fix anything they find wrong (except for cosmetic damage and damage from abuse like dropping) for a flat fee of a little over US$300. That is between 30 and 40 percent of the parts and labor charges if Apple installs a new board in an Apple Store. Sometimes they will install an new battery at the depot without increasing the flat fee.
    The downside is that it takes about a week; for that level of cost savings, I could do without my computer for a week.
    So take it to Apple and ask about a depot repair.
    A low-tech and low-cost option is to expand on what you are doing now--using one slot. Although the official RAM limit on your model is 8GB RAM (two 4GB models), your model can actually handle a total of 16GB (two 8GB modules. You can ignore the dead slot and put an 8GB module in the good slot. My 2012 MBP has 8GB RAM and is completely happy running Mavericks.
    Be sure to ONLY get the RAM from an Mac-savvy vendor. For over a decade I've bought all our Mac RAM from one supplier. This is their page for an 8GB module for your MBP model:
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/1600DDR3S8GB/
    I would also trust Crucial on this one. For a change they recognize that your model can use more RAM than stated in Apple's outdated specs:
    http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Apple/macbook-pro-%2813-inc h-and-15-inch%2C-mid-2012%29

Maybe you are looking for