How to Upgrade the RAM on your MacBook or iMac

How to Upgrade the RAM on your MacBook or iMac

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If you want to maximize your Mac’s potential, a Mac RAM boost may be beneficial. Your Mac will be better equipped to handle all the daily tasks you typically throw at it if it has more RAM. As such, if you haven’t already considered this, you should start doing so now.

This simple guide will teach you how to upgrade the RAM on your Mac device if you are unsure how to do so. You can use the instructions in this guide to upgrade the RAM on your MacBook Pro, MacBook, or iMac, so keep reading if you own any of these devices.

How to Upgrade the RAM on your MacBook or iMac

To Upgrade the RAM on Macbook Pro and MacBook

Before you begin, you should note that some MacBooks and MacBook Pros do not allow RAM upgrades. You must take off the computer’s back cover in order to reach the memory module and carry out a MacBook RAM upgrade if your model permits RAM upgrades. Unfortunately, RAM upgrades are not available for MacBook Air models.

Adding more RAM to your MacBook Pro or MacBook device is as follows:

● Your MacBook or MacBook Pro should be turned off and left alone to cool.  All cables, wires, and accessories should also be unplugged.

● Turn the laptop so that it is facing down.

● Unscrew the bottom case to take it out. In order to avoid confusion, make a note of which screws originate from which ports.

● If you have any static electricity on your body, let it go by touching a metal surface within the computer.

● Use the ejection levers to locate the RAM module and eject it.

● To avoid damaging the gold connectors, pull the RAM module out.

● Repetition is required for any additional RAM modules.

● Put in the new RAM for your MacBook or MacBook Pro, keep in mind as before that you shouldn’t touch the gold connectors.

● Insert the second module after pushing the new one down until it clicks.

● Screw back the bottom case after replacing it.

Only a few older models and all 17″ MacBook Pro models allow for MacBook Pro RAM and MacBook RAM upgrades. Any MacBook Air cannot have RAM added to it.

You can perform DIY RAM upgrades on the following MacBooks at home:

● MacBook: 2008 to 2011 models.

● MacBook Pro: all 13″ and 15″ models from 2009 to 2012, as well as all 17″ models.

To Upgrade the RAM on iMacs

Every iMac save the most recent 21.5″ models can have memory added to it. For the most part, Apple has made it relatively simple for iMac owners to independently replace Mac RAM at home.

RAM is hidden behind a small door on the back of 27″ iMac models made after late 2012; previous 27″ versions and smaller models store RAM in slots along the bottom edge.

Here’s how to do this on these devices:

● Turn off your iMac and give it time to cool entirely.

● Remove all wires and cords.

● Lay the computer down gently on your work surface after placing a soft towel or piece of cloth there.

● Open the memory storage door by pressing the button underneath it, then take the door off and set it somewhere nearby.

● The memory cage levers and the proper alignment of the RAM modules are shown in a graphic on the bottom of the door.

● To release the memory cage, pull up the two levers after they have been pushed outward. Each module can now be eliminated.

● By pushing a module straight up, you can remove it and then replace it. Make sure to position it correctly for your specific iMac model before pushing it into the slot until it snaps into place.

● Push the memory levers back down until they click once you have done swapping out your old DIMMs (dual in-line memory modules, or RAM sticks) with new ones.

● Reinstall and seal the door of the memory section.

● Reposition your computer so that it is upright, then reattach all of your wires and cables.

● Activate your iMac. It might be dark for at least 30 seconds as its new memory is initialized. It’s natural, so don’t be alarmed.

Upgrading RAM on other eligible iMacs

RAM is kept in slots along the bottom of older 20″ and 15″ and 27″ iMacs, eligible 21.5″ iMacs, and 27″ iMacs from before 2012. While the RAM slots’ precise configuration and alignment vary between models, all of them can be replaced in a similar way.

● Turn off your iMac and give it time to cool entirely.

● Remove all wires and cords.

● Lay the computer down gently on your work surface making sure to place a soft towel or piece of cloth underneath.

● Using a Phillips screwdriver, pry open the memory access door and set it nearby.

● You’ll see either a set of ejector clips or pull tabs, depending on the model of your iMac. Open the clips, untuck the tabs, and pull them out. The existing RAM module will be ejected as a result.

● Insert your new RAM module after removing the old one. It will “click” into place as you wait.

● Pull tabs on your iMac should be tucked back just above the new RAM module. Close any ejector clips if it has any.

● With your Phillips screwdriver, reinstall the memory access door.

● Reposition your computer so that it is upright, then reattach all of your wires and cables.

● Activate your iMac. Some iMacs from before 2017 will make a beep if they find RAM difficulties. Check to see if the new RAM unit is suitable for your iMac if this happens, then try reinstalling it.

Any iMac can have memory added to it, although the following 21.5″ models cannot:

● Retina 4K, 2017 and 2019

● 2017

● Mid-2014

● Late 2013

● Late 2012

In summary, your computer can do more tasks at once or more demanding jobs with less performance lag if you upgrade your RAM. One of the most effective ways to speed up your Mac is with a RAM upgrade, and we’ve shown you how to do this on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or iMac device.

Remember to follow the instructions carefully, and also share this guide with anyone you know who might need it. All the best.

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