When choosing a laptop, one of the common concern is the choice between 8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM. Both of these Random Access Memory sizes can provide topnotch performance based on the processes you’re going to run.
| LAPTOP PHOTO | LAPTOP NAME | EXPERT RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell G3779-7934BLK- PUS Gaming Laptop | |||
| HP 2019 Premium 17.3 Inch Flagship Notebook Laptop |
The choice between an 8 GB RAM and a 16 GB RAM falls in two aspects. First, knowing what you actually need and second, what you’re willing to pay for.
In 2014 I bought two laptops. First was a MacBook Air with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. The second was a Dell XPS 15 (for the price of 15-inch MBP) with 8GB RAM and 512GB HDD. A year later, I upgraded my Dell with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD because I wanted to run a SQL Server on it. Now, after 5 years, I have a chance to check a future proof myth.
Here, we’ll give you an idea about how RAM spaces perform and to whom it suits well.
What is RAM?
Your laptop has three different memory types: the hard drive, the Random Access Memory, and the Video Random Access Memory. RAM or Random Access Memory pertains to the temporary memory so the processes can easily retrieve the data as long as the computer is on.
Once you turn your laptop on, all the OS and software information will be reloaded to your RAM. It will be removed once you turn the laptop off.
When the RAM isn’t enough to accommodate all the software data in use, it will result to slow operation of the device. This is why individuals with RAM-intensive applications opt for higher RAM.
RAM shouldn’t be confused with the hard drive memory. Think of it as your office desk. Your RAM allows you to spread documents at once so you can use it simultaneously. Meanwhile, your hard drive is a collection of shelves and drawers where you store files that are currently not in use.
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- 16GB 2 x 8GB Memory RAM for iMac Late 2012 MacBook Pro Mid 2012 A1418 MD094LL/A. A-Tech 16GB 2x 8GB PC3-10600 Laptop SODIMM DDR3 1333MHz 204pin Memory RAM 16G 8G. Many computers currently run with 8 GB of DDR3 RAM or DDR4 RAM, so 8 gigabytes could be considered a standard quantity. Typically, the 8GB RAM price is low enough to be.
RAM spaces and how it works
Not familiar with the differences in RAM sizes? Here’s how each RAM fares in performance:
2 GB: This RAM is usually found on average smartphones and tablets. Older laptop models will have this but it will have very slow performance even with basic word processors.
4 GB: This is the entry-level of laptop RAM spaces. It’s fine for basic tasks like Windows and search engines. Still, editing applications and other RAM-intensive software will be slow in this RAM.
8 GB: This is way better than 4 GB and will work well on gaming, Windows, and even in Mac OS. It’s the middle ground for people who need more RAM but can’t spend a ton of money.
16 GB: It’s perfect for serious gamers and those who perform professional work in their laptops. This RAM space can accommodate most RAM-intensive applications.
32 GB+: So far, this is the highest RAM you can get on your laptop. This is ideal for workstations with very demanding processes and enthusiasts that need a different level of computing performance.
Processes that consume more RAM
Each application that you run in your laptop will consume a certain space on your RAM. The moment you boot your device, it will start to use up your RAM space.
The most RAM-demanding application is the operating system itself. Your browser comes next, more so if you have multiple extensions and bookmarks.
Some games and video and photo editing software will consume more. The more complex the application becomes, the more RAM it uses.
While browsing, a graphics-heavy website will eat more RAM compared to a plain HTML page. This is also the same comparison to the Minesweeper and PUBG computer games.
So how much RAM do you actually need?
8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM? If you’re a serious gamer, an 8 GB RAM will be good, but it will be more rewarding if you invest in a 16 GB version. But if you just want a seamless performance for your simple tasks, the best i7 8gb RAM laptop will be unbeatable.
For Chromebook users, RAM wouldn’t be a big issue. These laptops work and store files on the cloud. Besides, Chromebooks are designed only for simple processes including schoolwork and basic home browsing.
If you’re using MacBooks, 8 GB is the entry-level choice. You’d get more performance if you upgrade to 16 GB.
If you don’t have the money to splurge on right now, choose an upgradeable 8 GB RAM laptop that you can tweak once you have the budget for a bigger RAM.
Best 17 Inch Laptops – 8 GB/16GB RAM
If you’re looking for the best 8 GB and 16 GB RAM laptop, here are our recommended units together with our top pick in the end.
HP 2019 Premium 17.3 Inch Flagship Notebook Laptop
This 17-inch unit from HP bears the brand’s flagship design. It has a 1600 x 900 WLED backlit display paired with the basic Intel Graphics 620, DTS Studio Sound, and a DVD/CD burner.
The HP 2019 Notebook laptop runs in an Intel i5-7200U processor but you can choose your CPU based on how intensive your processes will be. Currently, it’s available in i5 and i7 Intel and 7th gen and 8th gen versions.
Its RAM is also as versatile as its processor. You can choose from 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB depending on what you need. With this, the 8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM isn’t an issue. It’s also available in HDD and SSD storage with varying memory sizes.
Connection-wise, you will enjoy 2x USB3.1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45, and 1x headphone/microphone combo.
8 Gb Ram For Macbook Air 2012 13
This laptop is highly customizable. Even its colors are flexible that you can choose from black, silver, or blue based on your liking. Just remember that the higher the RAM and hard drive size becomes, the pricier it gets.
All of the versions of this laptop runs in Windows 10 and has a 3-cell 31 WHr battery. This laptop has a moderate weight of 5.29 lbs. which is very understandable due to its large screen size.
✔️Versatile RAM, hard drive, keyboard customization
✔️1600 x 900 high res display
✔️1-Year UpgradePro Limited Warranty
✔️Lightweight than most 17-inch laptops
❌The sound quality can make use of some improvements.
If you want to start with an 8 GB RAM that’s upgradable to 32 GB, the Dell G3779-7934BLK-PUS laptop is for you. It runs in an Intel Core i7 8th generation High-Performance Graphics that’s perfect for serious gaming.
In case you want to save some money, this laptop is also available in an i5 version with the same generation and RAM size.
Its memory is equally powerful with 128 GB of SSD boot paired with a 1 TB of 5400 RPM SATA HDD storage. This laptop also boasts a 17.3-inch display with a LED-backlit display and IPS anti-glare feature.
Dell claims this best i7 8gb RAM laptop to be graphically superior for higher game settings. It’s possible with the built-in NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card with 4 GB of VRAM size. This laptop has a better screen resolution of 1920 x 1080p.
Since this is made for gaming, the Dell laptop comes with dual fans that keep it cool under extreme processes. Also, it has the SmartByte technology that ensures that your streaming content is always crystal clear and seamless.
When it comes to the ports, you will have 1x HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 3, RJ-45, 2x USB2.0, 1x SD card, and a headphone slot. It also has a blue backlit keyboard.
All of these are in a small and thin package of just 25 mm. So far, it’s one of the slimmest designs Dell has made for their 17” laptops. However, it’s a bit heavier than the HP laptop above at 7.20 lbs.
✔️Thunderbolt 3 C-port to connect up to a 5k display
✔️25 mm thin, perfect for on-the-go users
✔️Dual fans for serious gaming
✔️SmartByte technology for easy streaming
✔️RAM upgradable up to 32 GB
❌Weak lighting in some areas
❌No DVD/CD reader option
OUR TOP PICK
If you want the most powerful 17” laptop in the market, don’t miss the LG Gram 17” Thin and Light Laptop. Although slim, it boasts a high-res display of 2560 x 1600p and an Intel Core i7 8th generation processor. Moreover, it’s paired with a 512 GB SSD storage.
It has 16 GB of RAM perfect for just about any intensive applications including gaming, editing, and multi-tasking. It’s also made to withstand strong force with its military-grade chassis made from nano carbon magnesium that’s tougher than most laptop shells.
Thanks to its 72Wh battery, the LG Gram can run for as much as 19.5 hours. It’s light in weight, but heavyweight in performance. Add the Thunderbolt 3 port and you’ll have endless visual probabilities with this laptop.
Aside from this hardware, the LG Gram also has a fingerprint reader that cuts the need to enter a password. It also has the Window Hello that gives a secure, easy, and quick way to unlock your laptop.
✔️MIL-STD-810g durability level
✔️Up 19.5 hours of battery life
✔️High-res IPS 16:10 display
✔️Super lightweight at 2.95 lbs.
✔️SSD storage
❌Average speakers
❌The SATA SSD is a tad slower than most
Conclusion
So 8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM? It depends on what you actually need. But aside from knowing the RAM size, you should also factor in the performance of the hard drive, processor, and OS to purchase the best 17-inch laptop.
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 slots | 4 |
| Base memory | 8GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs) |
| Maximum memory | 128GB (4 x 32GB DIMMs) |
For optimal memory performance, DIMMs should be the same capacity, speed, and vendor. Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:
- PC4-21333
- Unbuffered
- Nonparity
- 260-pin
- 2666MHz DDR4 SDRAM
If you have mixed capacity DIMMs, see the install memory section for installation recommendations.
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019), then learn how to install memory in this model.
Memory specifications
This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:
| Number of memory slots | 4 |
| Base memory | 8GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs) |
| Maximum memory | 64GB (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 slots | 4 |
| Base memory | 8GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs) |
| Maximum memory | 64GB (4 x 16GB DIMMs) |
Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:
- PC4-2400 (19200)
- Unbuffered
- Nonparity
- 260-pin
- 2400MHz DDR4 SDRAM
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), then learn how to install memory in this model.
Memory specifications
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 slots | 4 |
| Base memory | 8GB |
| Maximum memory | 32GB |
Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:
- PC3-14900
- Unbuffered
- Nonparity
- 204-pin
- 1867MHz DDR3 SDRAM
For these 27-inch models
Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
- iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
- iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)
Memory specifications
These iMac models feature Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:
| Number of memory slots | 4 |
| Base memory | 8GB |
| Maximum memory | 32GB |
Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:
- PC3-12800
- Unbuffered
- Nonparity
- 204-pin
- 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Installing memory
The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.
After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
- Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
- Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
- Open the memory compartment door by pressing the small grey button located just above the AC power port:
- The memory compartment door will open as the button is pushed in. Remove the compartment door and set it aside:
- 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:
- After the memory cage is released, pull the memory cage levers toward you, allowing access to each DIMM slot.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- After you install all of your DIMMs, push both memory cage levers back into the housing until they lock into place:
- Replace the memory compartment door. You don't need to press the compartment door release button when replacing the compartment door.
- 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 slots | 4 |
| Base memory | 4GB (but is configured to order) |
| Maximum memory | 16GB 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) |
| PC3-10600 | PC3-10600 | PC3-8500 |
| Unbuffered | Unbuffered | Unbuffered |
| Nonparity | Nonparity | Nonparity |
| 204-pin | 204-pin | 204-pin |
| 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM | 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM | 1066MHz 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:
- Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
- Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
- Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
- Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of your computer:
- Remove the access door and set it aside.
- Untuck the tab in the memory compartment. If you're replacing a memory module, gently pull the tab to eject any installed memory module:
- Insert your new or replacement SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the keyway of the SO-DIMM as shown below.
- After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly:
- Tuck the tabs above the memory DIMMs, and reinstall the memory access door:
- 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:
| Computer | Memory Type | Maximum Memory |
| iMac (Mid 2007) | DDR2 | 4GB (2x2GB) |
| iMac (Early 2008) | DDR2 | 4GB (2x2GB) |
| iMac (Early 2009) | DDR3 | 8GB (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) |
| PC2-5300 | PC2-6400 | PC3-8500 |
| Unbuffered | Unbuffered | Unbuffered |
| Nonparity | Nonparity | Nonparity |
| 200-pin | 200-pin | 204-pin |
| 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM | 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM | 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM |
DIMMs with any of the following features aren't supported:
8gb Ram For Mac
- 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:
- Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
- Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
- Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
- Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of the computer:
- Remove the access door and set it aside.
- 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:
- 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.
- After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly.
- Tuck the tabs above the memory DIMMs, and reinstall the memory access door:
- Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.
For these 20-inch and 17-inch models
Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:
- iMac (20-inch Late 2006)
- iMac (17-inch, Late 2006 CD)
- iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)
- iMac (17-inch, Mid 2006)
- iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)
- iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)
Memory specifications
| Number of memory slots | 2 | ||
| Base memory | 1GB | Two 512MB DIMMs; one in each of the memory slots | iMac (Late 2006) |
| 512MB | One DDR2 SDRAM installed into the top slot | iMac (17-inch Late 2006 CD) | |
| 512MB | Two 256MB DIMMs; one in each of the memory slots | iMac (Mid 2006) | |
| 512MB | One DDR2 SDRAM installed into the top slot | iMac (Early 2006) | |
| Maximum memory | 4GB | 2 GB SO-DIMM in each of the two slots* | iMac (Late 2006) |
| 2GB | 1GB SO-DIMM in each of the two slots | iMac (17-inch Late 2006 CD) iMac (Early 2006) | |
| Memory card specifications | Compatible: - 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:
- Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
- Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
- Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door on the bottom of the iMac and set it aside:
- Move the DIMM ejector clips to their fully open position:
- Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the bottom slot, keeping in mind the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM:
- 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.
- Close the ejector clips:
- Reinstall the memory access door:
- 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:
- Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
- Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
- Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door on the bottom of the iMac and set it aside:
- Pull the two levers on each side of the memory compartment to eject the memory module that's already installed:
- Remove the memory module from your iMac as shown below:
- Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the top slot, noting the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM:
- 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.
- Close the ejector clips:
- Reinstall the memory access door:
- 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.