@@cellodabest I got 4 x 8 for 32 crucial RAM been in for a year now but think I will go the full hog with Crucial again 473 All in that should future proof me for a year or 2
Thanks for that. I had added 2x8gb to my 2020 imac. After watching your video I checked and mine was running at the lower speed. I changed the configuration to 4gb 4gb 8gb 8gb and now its showing the higher speed. Great, thanks!
Yeah, I could see that happening. That is, unless the Mac-silicon chips are so much better than what we have now. I think they could be. But yeah, this is a great machine. Looking forward to posting my full review soon.
Another quality, cost-saving video Jeff. I like your point at 4:39 on how to rearrange the existing SO-DIMMS to preserve the peak performance. I'm planning on a similar strategy adding 2x16gb for a 40gb total at a very modest price. This savings just about pays for the nano-textured display upgrade. I wanted one of these last Intel-based Macs to enable running Windows for work applications natively at full speed. This should carry me into retirement. I'm currently 61. Old dogs still learning new tricks. Thanks!
Exactly what I am planning, my mac has shipped today and have purchased 2 x 16GB crucial sticks to make 40 in total. Didnt know about the channel configuration, so thanks for that tip
I have added 2 x 16g ram on top of the 2 x 4g ram that comes with the iMac. I followed the instruction to keep the same ram size in the same channel (I tried 4-4-16-16 and 16-16-4-4) but the speed is down to 2400 MHz.
upgraded my 2020 iMac 27" to 128gb that I bought on amazon. I installed parallels and my windows applications run faster on my iMac than my PCs. glad I did it. good video.
I just installed 128GB RAM on iMac 2020 i7 8core with 5700XT 16GB GPU and 'saved' GBP£2000 by buying 4 x 32GB 3rd party. My Geekbench 5 scores: 8GB RAM Multi-Core = 7476 Compute = 59286 128GB RAM Multi-Core = 8903 Compute = 60593 AFTER EFFECTS / MEDIA ENCODER RENDER 2:30 Project length Some Red Giant effects, 138 layers in total (text, still image, movs) 8GB RAM: 8:46 (526 seconds) 128GB RAM: 4:51 (291 seconds) Hope this helps anyone who is trying to decide on a RAM upgrade.
Your tip of shuffling the existing two 4GB RAM cards to the TOP SLOTS and then installing two 16GB RAM cards in the BOTTOM SLOTS (giving me 40 GB RAM) operating at full speed will make me 100X happy! Thank you!
Probably 1% or less of people who watch this video need 128GB of memory, probably 5% or less need 64GB, 20% or less need 32GB, and the rest would be fine with 16GB. Personally I need around 48GB but just went with 64GB because it’s so inexpensive and I like having matched pairs. I’m going to miss being able to upgrade this when the iMac moves to Apple Silicon. I think the iMac 27” offers the best bang for your buck. You get one of the fastest Macs that is partially upgradable for a fraction of the price and a big, beautiful 5K display.
Start moving your work stuff on RAM Disks and your 128GB soon become too small. Wish i could have 256GB already. I use it just for software desktop development. With a VMWare of Linux and Windows of each 20GB RAM and 20 GB Ramdisk each.
You're a good teacher! Thank you so much for being clear and concise and especially for explaining the configuration for mixing RAM. Thank you, thank you. 🙏🏼❤️
Thanks for the instructions on how to properly align the RAM into a 2020 27” iMac. I just purchased the 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor iMac and upgraded the RAM to 40Mbs. I then added Two 16Mbs RAM, but initially left the “Apple RAM” chips in the 2 and 4 slot and the 3rd Partly RAM in the 1 & 3 slots. Bingo! The speed dropped to 2133MHz! By switching the Apple RAM to the 1 & 2 slots and the 3rd Party RAM to the 3 & 4 slots; the speed jumped up 2667MHz! Thanks Again!
Are your iMac still working great with the Apple RAM in slots 1 & 2 and 3rd Party RAM in 3 & 4? Which heavy software do you use? Just gain more info as I'm about to buy a 2020 iMac and trying to decide on how much RAM I should get. I'll mainly be doing recording & mixing within Pro Tools and some Final Cut editing. Thanks for the info!
@@TacomaEscape I would max out the RAM to 128GB based on the recording & mixing you'll be doing. With Final Cut Pro, I think you'll find that this application will run smoothly. You can find RAM on the Net...OWC would cost $549 for 128GB. A bundle of money, but Apple RAM would cost $2,600!!! Ridiculous!!! Also, consider at least 1TB of Storage; it's now SSD and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
I appreciate the part in the video about running different size configurations. I'm ordering this new iMac as my very first iMac and i ordered the memory you recommended but only 16gb of it so I want to pair that with the existing RAM to get 24gb total which should be more than enough for what I'll be using it for. No one else seems to mention different configs except for the standard 8/16/32/64/128 so I appreciate it.
Got the 27" $2299 model saved 200 Education discount and glad I came across this video. Easy install and saved a lot on RAM. Hopefully purchasing through your link worked. Thanks for making this video.
All I can say is I am so happy I saw this video before going out to purchase a iMac!!!!!!!! Thank You for this informational video that most of us can use!
Imagine paying $1700 for a computer, then having to pay $200-$600 MORE to upgrade it to be functional. I can imagine it because I did it. We just wasted money on this MAC and I will NEVER buy another one. It's glitchy, continuously tells me to force stop apps because it can't run them all, and their OS isn't intuitive at all. Meanwhile, I spend $500 on an ASUS laptop 5 years ago and it still runs better and more reliably than this Mac today. On this video, because I'm doing a RAM upgrade to try and make this thing usable, I really appreciated you doing the section about mixing RAM sticks. I'm planning on getting 32 GB and adding it to the existing 8 GB. So that was really helpful.
Got a 2019 imac with a little display crack and 8GB RAM for cheap, added 128GB and added a 2TB SSD and a 16TB Toshiba HDD. Such a great device for just $2500
The next one will be an ARM Mac and won’t likely have upgradeable memory. It is an SOC and the memory will probably be integrated into the chip like iPhones and iPads.
I just upgraded my 2020 from 8 64gb of ram i was freaking out because it wouldn't turn on but like you said to check it to see if it was loose and sure enough the top one was in all the way! thanks for this !
Thank you so much for the video! I followed your instructions to a T & was able to use my original 8gs, and have a total of 40 right now. You have a new sub!
Hey! I'm thinking of doing the same thing (use the original 8gb then add another 32gb) Can you tell me which brand did you buy for the additional ram? Thanks.
Sophie Melissa I certainly hope not! It’s Great the Apple has allowed the upgrade to more RAM! My two adult sons use Windows based Computers and always mention how easy it is to “Tinker” with their computer by added additional RAM and Video and/or Sound Cards to their machines!
I have a 2013 iMac which does have the little rear RAM door, but on a recent trip to a pub, I noticed they were using to log customers in (due to the Covid thing) but on looking at the rear, I couldn't see that little hatch. I think Apple would be shooting themselves in the foot if they choose to discountinue the rear hatch: On the first count, because it would enable their engineers to replace RAM cards without having to take the sscreen off., and secondly, they could limit purchases of future imacs which, although they may not be their 'bread and butter', they are their most prized asset
Excellent... I received one stick of 32GB today thinking and for sure I thought it was two sticks of 16GB when ordering. Anyway, installed in my 2020 iMac (keeping the two 4GB sticks in place) and my megahertz was 2133. After watching your vid, I rearranged sticks I’m now getting 2667MHz with one slot available! Thanks so much for sharing this video!
That was dead easy... There’s no excuse for Apple to charge those ridiculous amounts. I’m thinking about getting the revamped iMac and this is definitely the way to go.
Great video! Interesting info about mixing RAM sizes and re-arranging the modules, however, comments below indicate that the best performance is still achieved by removing the Apple RAM and installing two new modules in the same alternating configuration if you are not upgrading to the max 128GB, or not installing 4 new modules of the same size, if doing 8GBx4 or 16GBx4. I bought 32GBx2 for 64GB so I can still upgrade to the full 128GB later, without having to pull and lose RAM if I did 16GBx4. The only reason to keep the Apple RAM installed is if you bought two additional 4GB modules so all four slots are equal at 4GB for a total of 16GB.
I did what you commented and bought 2x32gb. Does that mean I should install it in the same configuration as the 4gb that the computer has now? channel A/B both for Dimm 0?
TYSM for doing this!!! I am trying to get the 2020 iMac 27-in. 5K Retina, and the refurb is only offering either 8GB RAM with 8TB SSD or 128GB RAM with 526GB SSD, and I'd rather the 8TB SSD! So thank you for doing this and for recommending the RAM upgrade. I'm going to be trying for the first time!
I’ve just ordered a 27 inch 2020 iMac. I went with the mid tier 8GB model. And got 2x8GB ram from Crucial. Saved myself £130 over getting it from Apple. I mostly use my iMac for web browsing with a bit of occasional photo editing and video editing. So after watching this video it seems like 24 GB will give me some noticeable speed improvements.
WARNING! RAM arrangement in this video is not good as the bandwidth of the RAM is reduce because RAM does not operate in dual channel mode. Correct arrangement is: Slot 1: 4GB Slot 2: 32GB Slot 3: 4GB Slot 4: 32GB
Thanks so much for the information! My iMac just arrived and I'm installing Crucial Ram (32GB x2). If I'm understanding correctly, I can leave the existing slots as is and add the 32GB in slot 1 and 3 ?? Is there any advantage/disadvantages of removing the 4GB Apple RAM and only using the 3rd party RAM?
I was wondering about mixing third party with the Apple pre installed ram, wasn’t sure if it’s recommended. I’m gonna go for 2x 16gb ram to add to the 8gb it comes with. Thanks Jeff for addressing that.
This was great. Thank you. I just upgraded. I left the stickers on because I looked it up online. I see that you seem to have removed them. Everything looks good when I look at memory and speed. Just wondering if you could explain why you may have removed the warranty stickers? Thanks!!!
Your correct, they'll lock you into purchasing there EXPENSIVE RAM on the silicon models., they'll do this in order to secure there future earnings... just like they have in the past.
5:03 IF you have 2 different kits of RAM, Even if they're the same part number, it is a safer bet to make sure each kit is in the same channel. I have 2 kits of 32GB Trident Z RGB 4400CL19. If they are mixed, they are a bit unstable at 4400 and have to be dropped either to 4400CL20, or 4266CL19. Edit if i had bought these at the same time it would probably be fine, but at these higher speeds having different batch can make a difference in stability, and judging by the color of the PCB, i'd say the 2 kits of RAM used in this video, were from 2 very different batches
I'm really curious about the performance you got with the mixed RAM. While you got a higher MHz reading with unmatched channels, does it still take advantage of the dual-channel feature or does it downgrade to single-channel? You findings go against everything I can find elsewhere. Would you be able to do some performance comparisons?
@@jaqsylyq_b Interesting! I also tested mixed RAM on my new i9 iMac and I got mixed results, albeit I admittedly don't know enough about computers to fully understand my results. With 2x 32GB and 2x 4GB (Stock) I got scores of 1367/7788 when not staggered, and 1211/9172 when staggered. I didn't test with only the two 32GB sticks for fear of confusing myself further.
@@chrismforsyth7080 so overall would you recommend the 72gb total combination or just stick to a 2 stick 64gb setup and pull the original 8? on order now and planning the RAM purchase. all input helps!!
@@brandonwaltersvc Honestly, your guess is as good as mine aha! I keep my computers for 7-10 years, so I was just trying to future-proof it with a good bit of RAM. Unless you're doing some hefty tasks, I doubt we'll ever notice the difference in performance.
@@brandonwaltersvc I just ran tests on my new 2020 27-inch iMac i7. With the 72GB in alternating slots (4gb Apple in 1 + 3, 32gb OWC in slots 2 + 4) and it dropped the MHz reading as noted in the video. I removed the Apple RAM after discovering they DO NOT recommend mixing and others had reported problems with it, and everything improved. Not massive changes but considering I was running 8gb less and getting better bench scores, I'll stick with the 64gb for now. 72gb mixed: 1231/8099 and 64gb OWC: 1197/8330. Others have reported more drastic improvements with less total ram but of the same type. forums.macrumors.com/threads/mixing-ram-in-2020-imac.2251120/ This from Apple: "For optimal memory performance, DIMMs should be the same capacity, speed, and vendor." support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201191#27inch2020
This is dope, mate. Thanks for the heads up. Any advice on storage buying/upgrading on this model? 512 GB seems to be OK, but 1TB would be awesome. Any tips on avoiding the mac storage upgrade? External SSD, perhaps? Cheers!
Jeff, If you got the iMac with the nano texture glass, could you give us your analysis of this glass option. I think I want it but worry that text will look blurry in comparison. Thanks for the ram tips. Great video!
Nice video! Now, everyone knows that the iMac needs a redesign. Hopefully, when a new fresh iMac is released, the RAM installation is simple as the old version.
Hey Jeff & Miles , I'm going to upgrade the memory on my iMac 27" 2020 to 64 GB. What would be best, to upgrade to 4 x 16GB or 2 x 32GB does it make a difference how many Modules I use, is there any difference in performance having 4 x 16 GB vs 2 x 32 GB. Also, does it matter if it's OWC or Samsung, are they both comparable with the iMac, or which one in your personal opinion is the best brand for the iMac ?
Hey cool vid.! Had these RAM 32GB ram slots 1 -3 and apple ones in 2 - 4 all 72GB total. Myi mac crashed - motherboard damage after 15 months of using - not sure if that was the problem - fixed it now replaced motherboard and the tech guy said to use the same brand only(? as it may cause stability problems to imac. Now he placed them samsungs in slots 1+2 and apples in slots 3+4 - I changed them according to your advice here. any thoughts? Should I buy 2 x 32 GB from samsung to use one brand ending 128GB total and/or take off apple and use ony samsung ones in slots 2-4? thanks
It's too bad that OWC won't replace their faulty RAM, they'll just keep sending it back to you because it passes "their tests." After receiving RAM back from them on 3 different occasions because I was having kernel panics, random reboots, crashes during Rember tests (what their techs told me to do to decide if the RAM was faulty), unable to download and install Ventura when I only had their RAM installed, they told me they were just shipping me back the same sticks instead of replacing them (as was explained to me the first time I used the warranty claim.)
YOUR VIDEO IS WRONG. If you populate the RAM as A-A-B-B instead of A-B-A-B, as you indicate to get 2667 MHz, your memory bandwidth drops from dual channel to single channel. This will cause memory intensive apps to take twice as long to complete tasks. Take a look at MaxTech's video on the subject. Your video should be taken down or amended to remove the misinformation.
So you are suggesting that if you are installing additional third party 16GB x2 RAM and retaining the Apple 4GB x2 RAM that the order should be as follows as outlined below. The Speed will drop to 2133 MHz, BUT the iMac will run as Dual Channel. Correct arrangement is: Slot 1: 4GB Slot 2: 16GB Slot 3: 4GB Slot 4: 16GB or would you suggest removing the Apple Ram and just installing the 16GB in Slot 1 and Slot 3?
Thank you this amazing video. I am debating whether to get this or the new imac (the one with the colours) but I may go for 27 inch now seeing how easy it is to install the RAM stuff. Quick question: Would you upgrade the ram before booting it up for the first time or do it after fully boot up?
I’ve literally been playing musical chairs with these RAM sticks for the past 3 hrs and Now that I have the ram sitting in the cage lol snug and tight I can’t get the ram door to close all the way.. does anyone know if the ram door needs to be completely closed for the iMac to turn on?? you made it look so easy.. i’m perplexed..
Thank for the video... top shelf. Quick question does it make much difference at 64gb (2x32) vs 72gb ... keeping the original 8gb installed. New iMac is on route and have ordered 64gb kit... just wondering if I should also keep the original 8gb of RAM installed? Appreciate all your hard work
Wondering the same thing. I'm about to order a 2020 iMac soon. What did you end up doing? And which slots did you install them? Still getting the 2667 MHz? Thanks for the info!
Instead of buying just 4 sticks of 32gb ram, I’m buying a macbook pro 16” additional to my imac 2020. I wonder how is it possible the costs of the material and production etc. are the same of two, while adding ram is so easy and cheap. It is so ridiculous and that is a very bad user experience. The user accessible ram door should be there only for future upgrades, not for day one upgrades because of the costs. +most of us throwing 2x4 gb sticks to the drawer. Not so ecological right? I’m not living in USA or UK. I’ll wait for shipment of the rams and hope that everything will be fine. In 2015, I followed the same upgrading path, but the crucial rams malfunctioned in 2 months. I sent them to UK for replacement and they are still working fine and still more cheaper than Apple. I wish that Apple offers ram upgrades for more reasonable prices, however i think it is the final time they allow user upgrades.
I got 4 x 8 for 32 crucial RAM been in for a year now but think I will go 128 the full hog with Crucial again 473 All in that should future proof me for a year or 2
I have 2017 iMac and 4 different memory sizes a 2 4gb and 2 16gb. Can you tell me which slots I put. I watch video saying mixing will slow down computer. So I only use two 16gb and which slots I put. Thanks
@@9to5Mac Does dual channel mode work only with 8gb? The other 16gb works in single mode at the same time? Is it faster to use only 8gb plates at the place of old 4gb plates than 24gb in such configuration?
So, based on the bit at 4:00, the slot config change for the 2020 models? Normally you’d want the different sized sticks alternating in the slots so they would be paired up for dual channel. Now we should install them with the same size adjacent to each other instead of alternating?
@@pablojohnny I ended up buying the iMac and 32 GB of RAM to go along with the included ram a few months ago. Tested both configs and I can confirm it does not run in dual channel. So your options are run in dual channel config with slightly lower clock speed (that’s what I did) or run in single channel at full clock speed. I haven’t noticed much of a difference if any at all by running it at the lower clock. And I plan to eventually replace the apple sticks with 32 more gigs when I can.
I have iMac Retina 5k 27 inch 2020 3.8GHZ,8 core intel core i7, memory 8GB 2667MHz DDR4. Please I want to upgrade to 128GB ram. Kindly recommend where to buy online and name if the ram to buy
Did any of you have a problem with 128 GB RAM? (Imac 2020 / Intel Core I7, AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT 16 GB) I have 4x32 GB memory from OWC. When all the modules are installed, the computer shuts down from time to time. This usually happens under heavy load (Final Cut Pro, PhotoShop, Lightroom). I am in contact with the OWC, they wrote that they had not reported such problems. I did various tests. I put different modules into my computer one by one, and everything worked until all four were installed. I also checked them in various configurations and I know that all modules are functional. I installed the system from scratch, I did a PRAM and SRC reset. I ran RAM tests and showed no problems. Nothing helped. Now the computer has three 96 GB modules installed and everything works fine.
128gig of OWC RAM installed successfully, thanks! Now that's 1 million times more memory than I had in my first Mac. 128k * 1,000,000 = 128gig, correct?
1:28 😳😳
M Livehd 😏
shit,i did not think about that. Hope it will
DAMN
@@cellodabest I got 4 x 8 for 32 crucial RAM been in for a year now but think I will go the full hog with Crucial again 473 All in that should future proof me for a year or 2
Changed my ram with the Mac standing up, because I like to live dangerously
SAMSUNG ram works just fine. Can be bought on amazon.ca. I added links in my latest video about it.
Are you a pilot?
@@RaynorTheOne best pilot in the galaxy
Soulja 😂🫡
Same
Thanks for that. I had added 2x8gb to my 2020 imac. After watching your video I checked and mine was running at the lower speed. I changed the configuration to 4gb 4gb 8gb 8gb and now its showing the higher speed. Great, thanks!
This might be the legendary imac people will still be buying and upgrading 7 years down the line
this is gonna be the 2012 macbook pro all over again
Yeah, I could see that happening. That is, unless the Mac-silicon chips are so much better than what we have now. I think they could be. But yeah, this is a great machine. Looking forward to posting my full review soon.
jeet sen chaudhuri i did not regret the retina upgrade though. The screen was worth it regardless of the unupgradeable ram
Until their SSD dies.
@@xmaverickhunterkx All my life, i haven't had an SSD die on me. Admittedly, i'm only 23, lol.
This is Jeff with iDownloadBlog... Man how I miss the days... Still super happy for you of course
Drama?
Another quality, cost-saving video Jeff. I like your point at 4:39 on how to rearrange the existing SO-DIMMS to preserve the peak performance. I'm planning on a similar strategy adding 2x16gb for a 40gb total at a very modest price. This savings just about pays for the nano-textured display upgrade. I wanted one of these last Intel-based Macs to enable running Windows for work applications natively at full speed. This should carry me into retirement. I'm currently 61. Old dogs still learning new tricks. Thanks!
I just did that today and it worked. 40 gigs
@@normlemay1935 What order did you slot them?
Exactly what I am planning, my mac has shipped today and have purchased 2 x 16GB crucial sticks to make 40 in total. Didnt know about the channel configuration, so thanks for that tip
Old dogs...right!?
LOL
I have added 2 x 16g ram on top of the 2 x 4g ram that comes with the iMac. I followed the instruction to keep the same ram size in the same channel (I tried 4-4-16-16 and 16-16-4-4) but the speed is down to 2400 MHz.
upgraded my 2020 iMac 27" to 128gb that I bought on amazon. I installed parallels and my windows applications run faster on my iMac than my PCs. glad I did it. good video.
I just installed 128GB RAM on iMac 2020 i7 8core with 5700XT 16GB GPU and 'saved' GBP£2000 by buying 4 x 32GB 3rd party.
My Geekbench 5 scores:
8GB RAM
Multi-Core = 7476
Compute = 59286
128GB RAM
Multi-Core = 8903
Compute = 60593
AFTER EFFECTS / MEDIA ENCODER RENDER
2:30 Project length
Some Red Giant effects, 138 layers in total (text, still image, movs)
8GB RAM: 8:46 (526 seconds)
128GB RAM: 4:51 (291 seconds)
Hope this helps anyone who is trying to decide on a RAM upgrade.
Your tip of shuffling the existing two 4GB RAM cards to the TOP SLOTS and then installing two 16GB RAM cards in the BOTTOM SLOTS (giving me 40 GB RAM) operating at full speed will make me 100X happy! Thank you!
Just upgraded my 27" 2020 iMac from 8GB to 40GB RAM (8GB stock + 2 X 16GB Crucial RAM). Your video was very heplful. Thank you.
2:42 no apple pencils were harmed in the making of this video
:-D
LMAO
Probably 1% or less of people who watch this video need 128GB of memory, probably 5% or less need 64GB, 20% or less need 32GB, and the rest would be fine with 16GB. Personally I need around 48GB but just went with 64GB because it’s so inexpensive and I like having matched pairs. I’m going to miss being able to upgrade this when the iMac moves to Apple Silicon. I think the iMac 27” offers the best bang for your buck. You get one of the fastest Macs that is partially upgradable for a fraction of the price and a big, beautiful 5K display.
Start moving your work stuff on RAM Disks and your 128GB soon become too small. Wish i could have 256GB already. I use it just for software desktop development. With a VMWare of Linux and Windows of each 20GB RAM and 20 GB Ramdisk each.
You're a good teacher! Thank you so much for being clear and concise and especially for explaining the configuration for mixing RAM. Thank you, thank you. 🙏🏼❤️
Thanks for the instructions on how to properly align the RAM into a 2020 27” iMac.
I just purchased the 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor iMac and upgraded the RAM to 40Mbs.
I then added Two 16Mbs RAM, but initially left the “Apple RAM” chips in the 2 and 4 slot and the 3rd Partly RAM in the 1 & 3 slots.
Bingo!
The speed dropped to 2133MHz! By switching the Apple RAM to the 1 & 2 slots and the 3rd Party RAM to the 3 & 4 slots; the speed jumped up 2667MHz!
Thanks Again!
Are your iMac still working great with the Apple RAM in slots 1 & 2 and 3rd Party RAM in 3 & 4? Which heavy software do you use? Just gain more info as I'm about to buy a 2020 iMac and trying to decide on how much RAM I should get. I'll mainly be doing recording & mixing within Pro Tools and some Final Cut editing. Thanks for the info!
@@TacomaEscape
I would max out the RAM to 128GB based on the recording & mixing you'll be doing. With Final Cut Pro, I think you'll find that this application will run smoothly.
You can find RAM on the Net...OWC would cost $549 for 128GB. A bundle of money, but Apple RAM would cost $2,600!!! Ridiculous!!!
Also, consider at least 1TB of Storage; it's now SSD and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
I appreciate the part in the video about running different size configurations. I'm ordering this new iMac as my very first iMac and i ordered the memory you recommended but only 16gb of it so I want to pair that with the existing RAM to get 24gb total which should be more than enough for what I'll be using it for. No one else seems to mention different configs except for the standard 8/16/32/64/128 so I appreciate it.
Got the 27" $2299 model saved 200 Education discount and glad I came across this video. Easy install and saved a lot on RAM. Hopefully purchasing through your link worked. Thanks for making this video.
All I can say is I am so happy I saw this video before going out to purchase a iMac!!!!!!!! Thank You for this informational video that most of us can use!
Imagine paying $1700 for a computer, then having to pay $200-$600 MORE to upgrade it to be functional. I can imagine it because I did it. We just wasted money on this MAC and I will NEVER buy another one. It's glitchy, continuously tells me to force stop apps because it can't run them all, and their OS isn't intuitive at all. Meanwhile, I spend $500 on an ASUS laptop 5 years ago and it still runs better and more reliably than this Mac today. On this video, because I'm doing a RAM upgrade to try and make this thing usable, I really appreciated you doing the section about mixing RAM sticks. I'm planning on getting 32 GB and adding it to the existing 8 GB. So that was really helpful.
Thank you for showing the change in geek bench scores. That’s really interesting.
Thank you so much. I just ordered the 8 gb! I can add more gbs myself, thanks to you. ❤️❤️
Got a 2019 imac with a little display crack and 8GB RAM for cheap, added 128GB and added a 2TB SSD and a 16TB Toshiba HDD. Such a great device for just $2500
I hope the redesign iMac still lets us upgrade the ram by ourselves
That’s optimistic
It 100% will not LOL.
@@Jerome-iwnl Indeed.
The next one will be an ARM Mac and won’t likely have upgradeable memory. It is an SOC and the memory will probably be integrated into the chip like iPhones and iPads.
the way they are soldering n sealing everything upgradeable goes in the other direction
I just upgraded my 2020 from 8 64gb of ram i was freaking out because it wouldn't turn on but like you said to check it to see if it was loose and sure enough the top one was in all the way! thanks for this !
Thank you guys so much for this video! Just got my 27” & the ram you recommended & the install went super smooth!
Thank you so much for the video! I followed your instructions to a T & was able to use my original 8gs, and have a total of 40 right now. You have a new sub!
Hey! I'm thinking of doing the same thing (use the original 8gb then add another 32gb) Can you tell me which brand did you buy for the additional ram? Thanks.
I’m thinking this will be the last iMac with the option to upgrade ram yourself 🙃
I'm thinking you're right.
Sophie Melissa
I certainly hope not!
It’s Great the Apple has allowed the upgrade to more RAM!
My two adult sons use Windows based Computers and always mention how easy it is to “Tinker” with their computer by added additional RAM and Video and/or Sound Cards to their machines!
And a big reason I bought one!
That is why I ordered one. The next generation of Macs will force us into paying the high price for Apple memory
I have a 2013 iMac which does have the little rear RAM door, but on a recent trip to a pub, I noticed they were using to log customers in (due to the Covid thing) but on looking at the rear, I couldn't see that little hatch.
I think Apple would be shooting themselves in the foot if they choose to discountinue the rear hatch: On the first count, because it would enable their engineers to replace RAM cards without having to take the sscreen off., and secondly, they could limit purchases of future imacs which, although they may not be their 'bread and butter', they are their most prized asset
Did this on a super old Mac mini and it extended its life for way longer...but I think that this may be the last of it. Need to think about my iMac
Excellent...
I received one stick of 32GB today thinking and for sure I thought it was two sticks of 16GB when ordering. Anyway, installed in my 2020 iMac (keeping the two 4GB sticks in place) and my megahertz was 2133. After watching your vid, I rearranged sticks I’m now getting 2667MHz with one slot available! Thanks so much for sharing this video!
Hey!! I also just got the 32gb (one stick) but I’m having a hard time ordering them to get the 2667. What order did you put them in? :)
That was dead easy... There’s no excuse for Apple to charge those ridiculous amounts. I’m thinking about getting the revamped iMac and this is definitely the way to go.
Awesome video brother I’m planning on buying an iMac 5k 27inch soon and you just helped me save a lot of money.
Thanks for being clear and thorough when explaining about using different capacity ram. What I needed to know. x
Thank you very much. I have upgraded my Imac 27" 5K mid 2020 from original 8gb to OWC 64gb. It works perfect.
Great video! Interesting info about mixing RAM sizes and re-arranging the modules, however, comments below indicate that the best performance is still achieved by removing the Apple RAM and installing two new modules in the same alternating configuration if you are not upgrading to the max 128GB, or not installing 4 new modules of the same size, if doing 8GBx4 or 16GBx4. I bought 32GBx2 for 64GB so I can still upgrade to the full 128GB later, without having to pull and lose RAM if I did 16GBx4. The only reason to keep the Apple RAM installed is if you bought two additional 4GB modules so all four slots are equal at 4GB for a total of 16GB.
I did what you commented and bought 2x32gb. Does that mean I should install it in the same configuration as the 4gb that the computer has now? channel A/B both for Dimm 0?
TYSM for doing this!!! I am trying to get the 2020 iMac 27-in. 5K Retina, and the refurb is only offering either 8GB RAM with 8TB SSD or 128GB RAM with 526GB SSD, and I'd rather the 8TB SSD! So thank you for doing this and for recommending the RAM upgrade. I'm going to be trying for the first time!
First time I 've seen it done in depth. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for watching!
I’ve just ordered a 27 inch 2020 iMac. I went with the mid tier 8GB model. And got 2x8GB ram from Crucial. Saved myself £130 over getting it from Apple. I mostly use my iMac for web browsing with a bit of occasional photo editing and video editing. So after watching this video it seems like 24 GB will give me some noticeable speed improvements.
Thanks man! You helped me greatly when I added two sticks of 16 GB with the two 4 GBs from factory!
Wow thanks for showing us that, I’m thinking about getting one this Christmas. Now that I can save money on RAM I can spend it on the graphics.
WARNING! RAM arrangement in this video is not good as the bandwidth of the RAM is reduce because RAM does not operate in dual channel mode.
Correct arrangement is:
Slot 1: 4GB
Slot 2: 32GB
Slot 3: 4GB
Slot 4: 32GB
You are right, even with lower frequency your arrangement is better
Wait, what if i wanted to place in 32Gb worth into it? Which one would go where? and why?
@@SezginAygun 16Gb Slot 1 & 16GB Slot 3. Dual channel
@@Jesse_Fitzgerald Thank you!
Thanks so much for the information! My iMac just arrived and I'm installing Crucial Ram (32GB x2). If I'm understanding correctly, I can leave the existing slots as is and add the 32GB in slot 1 and 3 ?? Is there any advantage/disadvantages of removing the 4GB Apple RAM and only using the 3rd party RAM?
Probably the last upgradeable iMac before the switch to ARM
My iMac is 10 years old and I just maxed out my ram this year...OWC for the win!
Yep, great way to extend the life of a machine.
I was wondering about mixing third party with the Apple pre installed ram, wasn’t sure if it’s recommended. I’m gonna go for 2x 16gb ram to add to the 8gb it comes with. Thanks Jeff for addressing that.
I have this very same question!
Super helpful! Especially appreciate the point about mixing different amounts of RAM. Many thanks!
This is the *best explanation I have seen. Thank you so much!
This was great. Thank you. I just upgraded. I left the stickers on because I looked it up online. I see that you seem to have removed them. Everything looks good when I look at memory and speed. Just wondering if you could explain why you may have removed the warranty stickers? Thanks!!!
That was really useful. Will save me a lot of cash. Thanks for uploading.
btw i've tried the 3200mghz rams, they are the same price now with 2666mhz, it works on 2666mhz no matter which slot you put them in, just for info
I always love this about the 27" and I highly highly highly doubt the Apple silicon iMacs will have upgradable RAM
Your correct, they'll lock you into purchasing there EXPENSIVE RAM on the silicon models., they'll do this in order to secure there future earnings... just like they have in the past.
Its worse, they only have 16GB maximum. What a joke in 2020.
In my country you can buy ram really cheap,
for example : 128gb (4 x 32gb) 3200mhz CL 22 for 494$ shipped :D
Apple is crazy thanks for the video !
5:03 IF you have 2 different kits of RAM, Even if they're the same part number, it is a safer bet to make sure each kit is in the same channel.
I have 2 kits of 32GB Trident Z RGB 4400CL19. If they are mixed, they are a bit unstable at 4400 and have to be dropped either to 4400CL20, or 4266CL19.
Edit if i had bought these at the same time it would probably be fine, but at these higher speeds having different batch can make a difference in stability, and judging by the color of the PCB, i'd say the 2 kits of RAM used in this video, were from 2 very different batches
Thanks for the video, Jeff. I wanted to be clear about the config of the slots. Thanks for touching on that.
I'm really curious about the performance you got with the mixed RAM. While you got a higher MHz reading with unmatched channels, does it still take advantage of the dual-channel feature or does it downgrade to single-channel? You findings go against everything I can find elsewhere. Would you be able to do some performance comparisons?
@@jaqsylyq_b Interesting! I also tested mixed RAM on my new i9 iMac and I got mixed results, albeit I admittedly don't know enough about computers to fully understand my results. With 2x 32GB and 2x 4GB (Stock) I got scores of 1367/7788 when not staggered, and 1211/9172 when staggered. I didn't test with only the two 32GB sticks for fear of confusing myself further.
@@chrismforsyth7080 so overall would you recommend the 72gb total combination or just stick to a 2 stick 64gb setup and pull the original 8? on order now and planning the RAM purchase. all input helps!!
@@brandonwaltersvc Honestly, your guess is as good as mine aha! I keep my computers for 7-10 years, so I was just trying to future-proof it with a good bit of RAM. Unless you're doing some hefty tasks, I doubt we'll ever notice the difference in performance.
@@brandonwaltersvc I just ran tests on my new 2020 27-inch iMac i7. With the 72GB in alternating slots (4gb Apple in 1 + 3, 32gb OWC in slots 2 + 4) and it dropped the MHz reading as noted in the video. I removed the Apple RAM after discovering they DO NOT recommend mixing and others had reported problems with it, and everything improved. Not massive changes but considering I was running 8gb less and getting better bench scores, I'll stick with the 64gb for now. 72gb mixed: 1231/8099 and 64gb OWC: 1197/8330. Others have reported more drastic improvements with less total ram but of the same type. forums.macrumors.com/threads/mixing-ram-in-2020-imac.2251120/
This from Apple: "For optimal memory performance, DIMMs should be the same capacity, speed, and vendor."
support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201191#27inch2020
Opps conflicting info. In the past it was recommended pairing slots 1 & 3 and 2 & 4
Excellent demonstration! So did you say, I should move the 2 - 4 RAM in slot 1 and 2. Put the 2-32 in slot 3 and 4?
Wish i could afford to upgrade the RAM in my 2017 iMac.
This is dope, mate. Thanks for the heads up. Any advice on storage buying/upgrading on this model? 512 GB seems to be OK, but 1TB would be awesome. Any tips on avoiding the mac storage upgrade? External SSD, perhaps? Cheers!
I’ve been watching a bunch of videos and you just answered one of my main questions. Do I use Apple ram or go 3rd-party? Third-party it is.
The ones he linked to on amazon are pc4-21300 but apple's website says to use pc4-21333. Will this matter? I can't the correct ones to use.
Great! Yes, looking forward to your review on the iMac 2020.
Yes please for the review of the ten core iMac
Coming...as soon as it arrives...
9to5Mac - thanks Jeff! 👊🇦🇺
This was an excellent and easy tutorial to follow. God Bless and Thank You
Wow they didn’t even change the packaging for the 2020 model? Same wallpaper on the box as two years ago
I know, right. Slap a sticker on the box and be done with it. I don't blame them, probably had a lot of spare boxes laying around.
Jeff, If you got the iMac with the nano texture glass, could you give us your analysis of this glass option. I think I want it but worry that text will look blurry in comparison. Thanks for the ram tips. Great video!
Nice video! Now, everyone knows that the iMac needs a redesign. Hopefully, when a new fresh iMac is released, the RAM installation is simple as the old version.
turns out, Bic ink pens and new iMacs have something in common, they're both disposable. Such a shame. :(
Hey Jeff & Miles
, I'm going to upgrade the memory on my iMac 27" 2020 to 64 GB. What would be best, to upgrade to 4 x 16GB or 2 x 32GB does it make a difference how many Modules I use, is there any difference in performance having 4 x 16 GB vs 2 x 32 GB. Also, does it matter if it's OWC or Samsung, are they both comparable with the iMac, or which one in your personal opinion is the best brand for the iMac ?
Hey cool vid.! Had these RAM 32GB ram slots 1 -3 and apple ones in 2 - 4 all 72GB total. Myi mac crashed - motherboard damage after 15 months of using - not sure if that was the problem - fixed it now replaced motherboard and the tech guy said to use the same brand only(? as it may cause stability problems to imac. Now he placed them samsungs in slots 1+2 and apples in slots 3+4 - I changed them according to your advice here. any thoughts? Should I buy 2 x 32 GB from samsung to use one brand ending 128GB total and/or take off apple and use ony samsung ones in slots 2-4? thanks
Thank you pal. I can save the money for storage, which is also too expensive, but impossible to upgrade. 😂
Awesome!!! clear and straight to the point!!
You are da man!!!!!!
Cheers
Can i buy imac with out RAM ? I can save even more ! 🤪
Haha, I'd do it if it was an option. But something tells me that Apple wants its machines to work out of the box.
I really wish you guys would run more real world benchmarks. Try playing GTA in Windows 7 with Fraps.
Just helped my dad purchase a i7 imac 27” but we got 8gb of ram and ordered 32gb from OWC
It's too bad that OWC won't replace their faulty RAM, they'll just keep sending it back to you because it passes "their tests."
After receiving RAM back from them on 3 different occasions because I was having kernel panics, random reboots, crashes during Rember tests (what their techs told me to do to decide if the RAM was faulty), unable to download and install Ventura when I only had their RAM installed, they told me they were just shipping me back the same sticks instead of replacing them (as was explained to me the first time I used the warranty claim.)
YOUR VIDEO IS WRONG. If you populate the RAM as A-A-B-B instead of A-B-A-B, as you indicate to get 2667 MHz, your memory bandwidth drops from dual channel to single channel. This will cause memory intensive apps to take twice as long to complete tasks. Take a look at MaxTech's video on the subject. Your video should be taken down or amended to remove the misinformation.
So you are suggesting that if you are installing additional third party 16GB x2 RAM and retaining the Apple 4GB x2 RAM that the order should be as follows as outlined below. The Speed will drop to 2133 MHz, BUT the iMac will run as Dual Channel.
Correct arrangement is:
Slot 1: 4GB
Slot 2: 16GB
Slot 3: 4GB
Slot 4: 16GB
or would you suggest removing the Apple Ram and just installing the 16GB in Slot 1 and Slot 3?
What would you suggest being the correct slots if I installed 32GB x2 RAM. Which slots would the Apple & OWC RAM go into? Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the helpful little video. You saved me two grand, and now I feel like I need to buy you a beer.
Thank you this amazing video. I am debating whether to get this or the new imac (the one with the colours) but I may go for 27 inch now seeing how easy it is to install the RAM stuff. Quick question: Would you upgrade the ram before booting it up for the first time or do it after fully boot up?
Did you ever get the answer to this ? I'm wondering too. I'm supposed to recieve mine soon and want to know if it should be done before turning it on
@@GirlDrivenByArt never got a reply sorry...
Well Explained ...!!!
🙏🙏🙏 Thanks a LOT....!!!
LOVE From INDIA....!!!
I'm early! Great video Jeff, I love your content.
Appreciate your watching George.
@@9to5Mac Your welcome : )
I’ve literally been playing musical chairs with these RAM sticks for the past 3 hrs and Now that I have the ram sitting in the cage lol snug and tight I can’t get the ram door to close all the way.. does anyone know if the ram door needs to be completely closed for the iMac to turn on?? you made it look so easy.. i’m perplexed..
Thanks Jeff! as always very well done! Do you keep track of how much memory in average/maximum this machine swallowing? let say, rendering 4K movie?
Is it better to install 2 large sticks or 4 smell sticks? Example 2 16gb sticks or 4 8bg sticks. Each way gives a total of 32gb
Thanks! Including the timing is useful, again, thanks! 🙂👍🎓
Thank for the video... top shelf. Quick question does it make much difference at 64gb (2x32) vs 72gb ... keeping the original 8gb installed. New iMac is on route and have ordered 64gb kit... just wondering if I should also keep the original 8gb of RAM installed?
Appreciate all your hard work
Wondering the same thing. I'm about to order a 2020 iMac soon. What did you end up doing? And which slots did you install them? Still getting the 2667 MHz? Thanks for the info!
Now chrome can take full advantage of that 128GB 😃
Instead of buying just 4 sticks of 32gb ram, I’m buying a macbook pro 16” additional to my imac 2020.
I wonder how is it possible the costs of the material and production etc. are the same of two, while adding ram is so easy and cheap.
It is so ridiculous and that is a very bad user experience. The user accessible ram door should be there only for future upgrades, not for day one upgrades because of the costs.
+most of us throwing 2x4 gb sticks to the drawer. Not so ecological right?
I’m not living in USA or UK. I’ll wait for shipment of the rams and hope that everything will be fine. In 2015, I followed the same upgrading path, but the crucial rams malfunctioned in 2 months. I sent them to UK for replacement and they are still working fine and still more cheaper than Apple.
I wish that Apple offers ram upgrades for more reasonable prices, however i think it is the final time they allow user upgrades.
I got 4 x 8 for 32 crucial RAM been in for a year now but think I will go 128 the full hog with Crucial again 473 All in that should future proof me for a year or 2
Can I use Kingston or GoodRam instead of OWC?
I’m surprised Apple even gives you the option to do this normally they are very strict when it comes to replacing stuff on their devices.
Would you upgrade the ram before booting it up for the first time or do it after fully boot up?
I have 2017 iMac and 4 different memory sizes a 2 4gb and 2 16gb. Can you tell me which slots I put. I watch video saying mixing will slow down computer. So I only use two 16gb and which slots I put. Thanks
It's my question as well if anyone can reply. Thanks
one on one off
Great detailed video thanks. Can I add a single 32GB mem card or do they need to be in pairs?
You could, but yeah, best to add in pairs.
@@9to5Mac That is great to know. Can you elaborate on why it is best to do pairs?
@@kaderjazairi887 For dual channel function, can boost RAM speed much higher than single channel.
@@9to5Mac can I mix with another one with different speed?
@@9to5Mac Does dual channel mode work only with 8gb? The other 16gb works in single mode at the same time?
Is it faster to use only 8gb plates at the place of old 4gb plates than 24gb in such configuration?
So, based on the bit at 4:00, the slot config change for the 2020 models? Normally you’d want the different sized sticks alternating in the slots so they would be paired up for dual channel. Now we should install them with the same size adjacent to each other instead of alternating?
exact same question I have. does this config still run in dual channel?
@@pablojohnny I ended up buying the iMac and 32 GB of RAM to go along with the included ram a few months ago. Tested both configs and I can confirm it does not run in dual channel. So your options are run in dual channel config with slightly lower clock speed (that’s what I did) or run in single channel at full clock speed. I haven’t noticed much of a difference if any at all by running it at the lower clock. And I plan to eventually replace the apple sticks with 32 more gigs when I can.
Super cool video, how do I know which ram is compatible with imac, for example, is CORSAIR Vengeance ddr4 sodimm compatible?
I have iMac Retina 5k 27 inch 2020 3.8GHZ,8 core intel core i7, memory 8GB 2667MHz DDR4. Please I want to upgrade to 128GB ram. Kindly recommend where to buy online and name if the ram to buy
So 9to5Mac never heard about memory working in single-channel mode after mixing memory of different capacities.
Too damn bad I purchased the 2019 iMac Pro. I’m stuck with 32gigs
So pissed!
Thanks for doing this video! Can I mix and match third party memory with Apple’s memory? Existing 32 x 2 and want to upgrade.
Did any of you have a problem with 128 GB RAM? (Imac 2020 / Intel Core I7, AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT 16 GB) I have 4x32 GB memory from OWC. When all the modules are installed, the computer shuts down from time to time. This usually happens under heavy load (Final Cut Pro, PhotoShop, Lightroom). I am in contact with the OWC, they wrote that they had not reported such problems. I did various tests. I put different modules into my computer one by one, and everything worked until all four were installed. I also checked them in various configurations and I know that all modules are functional. I installed the system from scratch, I did a PRAM and SRC reset. I ran RAM tests and showed no problems. Nothing helped. Now the computer has three 96 GB modules installed and everything works fine.
I have the I9 and originally bought 32 gb of ram. I just upgraded to 128 GB of ram and now my computer is noticeably slower and the fan is really loud
After a series of tests and instructions from OWC, I replaced my RAM dice with a new set also from OWC. From then on, 128 GB works without problems.
@@WojciechLisiak my computer is not as slow anymore, only on boot. But I still hear the fan , but it’s not as loud though. Ima give OWC a call
128gig of OWC RAM installed successfully, thanks! Now that's 1 million times more memory than I had in my first Mac. 128k * 1,000,000 = 128gig, correct?
Much appreciated... very clear instructions.