More Memory = Faster Mac! The easiest, most cost-effective performance upgrade. Run more apps, work with larger files, speed up render times, and manipulate larger data sets. Up to 4X More Memory + Up to 75% Savings vs Factory.

1. Ram Upgrade For Macbook Air
2. Ram Upgrade For Macbook Pro
3. Ram Upgrade For Mac Mini
4. Ram Upgrade For Macbook Pro
5. Ram Upgrade For Mac Mini

Is your Mac slowing down? Do you spend more and more time waiting for applications to do what you want? If so, there is a very good chance that you have high memory usage and need a Mac RAM upgrade.

What is RAM?

Speed for Mac systems. A memory upgrade is the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to get more performance out of your Mac system. Standard DDR3 modules help Mac systems reach speeds up to 1600 MT/s, and DDR3L modules start at 1866 MT/s. Systems that support DDR4 memory technology, like the latest iMacs®, can get quicker responsiveness. Mar 30, 2017 The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added, or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple ( ) and then About This Mac. Aug 04, 2020 Back in 2012, Apple shut off aftermarket RAM upgrades for the 21.5-inch iMac. RAM was relocated under the logic board, so it was no longer accessible without having to take apart the entire iMac. These days, if you want to attempt a DIY RAM upgrade on the 21.5-inch iMac, you'd need a lot of experience and a special upgrade kit, something like. Apple provides an illustrated guide for memory upgrades: just click Apple About this Mac, and then click the Memory tab and then the Memory Upgrade Instructions link.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This memory is temporary and used by the CPU to hold information that processes are actively using on your system. Your Mac slows down when it experiences high memory usage, in other words, when the running applications demand more RAM than your Mac is able to provide. The more RAM available, the better your Mac is able to execute on the tasks that are being thrown at it.

The obvious solution would be to increase Mac RAM, but before we show you how to do that, let’s make sure that your lack of RAM is actually the cause of your Mac slowdown.

Note: Not all devices are able to upgrade RAM, like the Macbook Air and the 2014 edition of the Mac Mini.

How to manually check Mac RAM

Checking your RAM is dependent on the version of OS X that you have installed. You should check your Mac RAM after you have been using your Mac for a bit of time. When you are in the middle of normal daily tasks, follow these steps.

El Capitan OS X

• Open Spotlight Search.
• Type in ”Activity Monitor”.
• Click on the “Memory” tab on the top of the window.

Memory Pressure is the graph you need to study.

If there is mostly green, your system RAM is currently fine. If there is a lot of yellow, the jury is still out. If there is a lot of red, your memory is under strain and your Mac has a high memory usage.

Older OS X versions like Leopard and Lion

For older versions of Mac OS X the steps are the same but the System Memory tab looks a bit different. You’ll want to look for Free and Page Outs.

Free – This is how much free RAM your Mac currently has. If you’ve got a bunch of applications open and there is still a good number of free RAM, then your Mac may have enough memory.

Page Outs – This number tells you how often your Mac has run out of RAM and needed to use the slower hard disk instead. A high number here is very bad and a sure sign that your Mac doesn’t have enough RAM.

Use a Mac memory analysis tool

Another alternative, which will work easily on all versions of Mac OS X, is to use a 3rd party tool to check your RAM usage. We highly recommend CleanMyMac X, which will not only clean and speed up your Mac, it also has a RAM monitoring tool called Menu App.

Simply click on the Memory Monitor tab for a clear overview of your Mac’s memory usage. The tool will also enable you to free up memory by closing down unnecessary applications, which will become really helpful when your system is slowing to a crawl.

CleanMyMac X is a free download so try it out and get to the bottom of your high memory usage problem.

Note: With all above solutions we recommend checking the results on a regular basis until you are certain that your Mac needs a RAM upgrade.

How to upgrade your Mac RAM

If you have reached the conclusion that you need more memory, we are going to show you exactly how to increase your Mac RAM. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before, as this guide will help you every step of the way.

Ram Upgrade For Macbook Air

The first steps are to gain knowledge about your system. This will help ensure that the RAM that you get will be compatible with your system.

Step 1 – What kind of Mac do you have?

Whether you have an iMac, a Macbook Pro, or any other kind of Mac, there is a lot more information to be found out in order to identify your exact system. To get these details, follow these easy steps:

• Click on the Apple icon.
• Select “About this Mac”.
• View your system information.

Step 2 – Do I have space for more RAM in my Mac?

This may not be what you want to hear but it’s possible that you can’t add more RAM to your Mac, even if you wanted to. Let’s look under the hood and see what your RAM situation is like.

• Following on from Step 1, click on “More Info” on the “About this Mac” window.
• The complicated looking System Profiler will launch. Click on “Memory” in the left column.

On the right you will see exact details of your RAM modules or sticks. The “banks” are the slots that the RAM is inserted into. If you have an empty bank or two, you’re in luck, upgrading your Mac RAM just got that much easier.

Step 3 – Check how much RAM your Mac can take

Now let’s really make sure you can upgrade your RAM. Head over to Technical Specifications on Apple Support, find your exact Mac model. Once you find your Mac, click it to reveal a ton of information. What you’re looking for is the information, which will tell you how much RAM your system can work with. Compare it to your Mac’s current RAM (from Step 2) and now you know if you can upgrade your RAM or if you are stuck with what you have.

If you can’t upgrade your Mac RAM, download CleanMyMac X and use all of the cleaning tools to boost your Mac performance. You should also take a look at the performance improving solutions found in How To Fix Mac Running Slow.

Step 4 – Purchasing RAM for your Mac

In Step 3 you navigated to your Mac model and discovered what memory your system could potentially add. Now it's only a matter of choosing your new RAM and we recommend to start with this source. If you're located outside of the US, Google will probably tell you which stores sell RAM nearby.

Step 5 – Installing RAM into your Mac

Adding your new RAM into your Mac is not as hard as it sounds. This is definitely an upgrade that you can perform yourself, as long as you have a screwdriver on hand. The only tricky thing is to know exactly where the RAM is, and that it varies between types of Macs.

Below are handy tutorials to install new memory on your specific type of Mac.

How to upgrade RAM on an iMac

• Shut down your iMac and unplug everything.
• Place iMac face down, ensuring the screen is protected from anything that could scratch it.
• Unscrew, counterclockwise, the RAM panel in the centre until it pops out.
• Expose ribbon tab over RAM and pull on it to release RAM module.
• Use your fingers to remove the RAM entirely.
• Line up the new RAM with the now empty slot and push it in until it clicks into place.
• Screw the RAM panel cover back on.
• Re-connect everything, turn your iMac back on and go to About This Mac to confirm new RAM installed.

How to upgrade RAM on a Macbook Pro

• Turn your Macbook off.
• Turn your Macbook upside down and pop the latch on the back to remove the plate.
• Use tiny phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the larger back plate.
• Note - one screw will be a lot smaller than the others. Remember where it goes.
• Touch metal to ground yourself before touching the RAM.
• The RAM is to the left or right of centre. Pull apart the latches on each side of it and the RAM will pop up.
• Slide the RAM out.
• Slide the new RAM into the slot and push it down till it clicks into place.
• Put the large backplate back on and screw it into place.
• Screw the smaller backplate back into place.
• Turn your Macbook on and and go to About This Mac to confirm new RAM installed.

How to upgrade RAM on a Mac Mini

Due to the form factor of the Mac Mini, it is one of the more challenging devices to upgrade. We recommend getting help from professionals or someone that has experience upgrading Mac Mini RAM.

The final word on Mac RAM upgrades

In this guide we showed you how to identify high memory usage on your Mac using OS X and the ever-useful CleanMyMac X. We then outlined the steps to determine what RAM your Mac has installed, whether it can be upgraded, how to purchase new memory for your Mac and finally how to install your new RAM into your Mac.

Once your new RAM is installed, depending on how much you were able to add, you should see a considerable boost to your Mac performance.

You will also gain a boost to your social status, as now you can confidently boast, “I know how to upgrade my Mac memory”.

These might also interest you:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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

For these 27-inch models

Ram Upgrade For Macbook Pro

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:

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

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

Installing memory

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

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

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

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

For these 27-inch and 21.5-inch models

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

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

Memory specifications

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

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

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

Installing memory

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

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

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

For these 24-inch and 20-inch models

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

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

Memory specifications

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

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

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:

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

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

Ram Upgrade For Mac Mini

Installing memory

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

After your iMac cools down, follow these steps:

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

For these 20-inch and 17-inch models

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

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

Memory specifications

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

Installing memory in the bottom slot

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

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

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

Replacing memory in the top slot

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

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

If your iMac makes a tone after you install memory

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

Ram Upgrade For Macbook Pro

• 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.

Ram Upgrade For Mac Mini

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.