Can I configure my iMac RAM to have 10GB?

I got a 2011 22.5 i7 iMac. According to the Apple site. I can configure my memory capacity up to 16GB (4x4GB). Therefore I'm assuming all iMacs has 4 memory slots. Bear in mind that I have not open my iMac to confirm this.

Having said that. I'm thinking of adding more memory to mine. I do not want to buy anymore 2GB so I was thinking of getting two 4GB.

If this is the case. Will I be able to keep the existing 4GB to the original slot. Then add an additional two 4GB to the remaining slot. This will give me 10GB. Is this configuration allowed?

Lastly is 8-10GB of memory good enough for routines such as LR, Aperture, and PSE, but no video editing.

The reason that prompted this question is because Aperture seems to be halting on me. I chose to go the least amount of memory when I ordered my setup. Knowing that I can do it myself at later date.

Thanks in advance.

Hmm, your math is off -- you can't add up to 10 GB with the options you mention.

tonylong wrote in post #13233226
Hmm, your math is off -- you can't add up to 10 GB with the options you mention.

lol you are right. I broke my cardinal rule. Read, read, then read again before pressing the Submit Reply button.

I meant 2x2GB (4GB) plus 2x4GB (8GB) total 12GB. Or should I just not use the 2x2GB and stick to 8GB? I just meant if it's ok to mix 2 and 4 gig card or do they have to be the same when filling all four slots.

That would depend on your computer -- I'd personally stick with 2x4 = 8, or 4x6, sixteen!

Canajun wrote in post #13233258
lol you are right. I broke my cardinal rule. Read, read, then read again before pressing the Submit Reply button.

I meant 2x2GB (4GB) plus 2x4GB (8GB) total 12GB. Or should I just not use the 2x2GB and stick to 8GB? I just meant if it's ok to mix 2 and 4 gig card or do they have to be the same when filling all four slots.

You can mix and match 2 and 4 GB no worries.

But with RAM being dirt cheap now ($50 for 2x4 GIG), it may be worth going for the 16- you will notice the difference with Photoshop and Lightroom/Aperture.

Marlfox wrote in post #13233300
You can mix and match 2 and 4 GB no worries.

But with RAM being dirt cheap now ($50 for 2x4 GIG), it may be worth going for the 16- you will notice the difference with Photoshop and Lightroom/Aperture.

Yeah you are right about the cost compared to what Apple charges (Apple charges $600 for the 16GB option). I was just thinking if having 16Gb is overdoing it. Sort of having a Ferrari but can only drive it within the speed limits. Sorry may be a bad analogy.

But programs like LR and PS5 will make use of all the RAM you have when editing etc, so it's like having a Ferrari that you drive in the speed limits 90% of the time, but the other 10% is when you're on a track day and can floor it.

Bad analogy continuation!

Would that not depend on your OS?

No. PSCS5 and LR are 64bit on OSX / intel.
PSCS4 is not however.

I appreciate your input. Thanks everyone.

Canajun,

I just picked up a 2011 27 inch I7. It comes with 4 gigs of RAM - 2 x 2 gigs, but has 4 slots for RAM. Your machine is built the same as mine, so you have 2 empty slots. I picked up 2 x 4 gigs of RAM and filled the 2 empty slots and am now running 12 gigs of RAM (2 x 2 + 2 x 4).

The machine is faster with Aperture 3 and CS5 - hands down. I would suggest that you pick up 8 gigs of RAM - 2 x 4 and fill the two empty slots - you will not be disappointed.

sf1 wrote in post #13236823
Canajun,

I just picked up a 2011 27 inch I7. It comes with 4 gigs of RAM - 2 x 2 gigs, but has 4 slots for RAM. Your machine is built the same as mine, so you have 2 empty slots. I picked up 2 x 4 gigs of RAM and filled the 2 empty slots and am now running 12 gigs of RAM (2 x 2 + 2 x 4).

The machine is faster with Aperture 3 and CS5 - hands down. I would suggest that you pick up 8 gigs of RAM - 2 x 4 and fill the two empty slots - you will not be disappointed.

Thanks for the info. I did not get a chance to get to the computer store today but definitely this week my machine will be upgraded.

I have 16GB of RAM. It's mostly used by the OS as a disk cache, Windows 7 is pretty good at reading data i'll need soon from the disk into memory so it's ready when the application needs it. I bet OSx does that too.

IMHO buy a dual channel 8GB kit online, unless your computer store has crazy good prices...which I would be cautious in assuming.

16GB is too much ram for your setup, methinks. This might sound like a ignorant statement, but capacity is not the only measurement that matters. Yes memory is cheap, but fast, low latency memory in dual channel kits is still going to be more money than is worth spending, as you will be hard pressed to use 6GB even with large photographs...unless you are using like a 50MP camera.

Likewise, look for sandybridge ready memory from reputable manufacturers. These "badged" sodimms will operate at higher frequencies (usually matching their high end) than if you just get any old DDR3. If multitask programs of memory consequence, look between badged frequencies of 1333 and 1600. Anything higher is pretty pointless. I could get into the importance of memory timings....but I doubt you are going to be overclocking your mac so you don't really have to worry about that.

Check out some of my favorite memory companies:
Patriot
Corsair
Mushkin
G.skill
Kingston

Bananapie wrote in post #13237765
This might sound like a ignorant statement, but capacity is not the only measurement that matters.

I agree unless your doing heavy video editing or having a high end system 16GB is to much for the average person. Stick to 8GB on dual channel or in the case of triple channel 6GB. If you go above that your going to spend more money and use more electricity for very minimal if any noticeable gain.

http://www.tomshardwar​e.com …-module-upgrade,2264.html

And don't mix ram that is not of the same type it should be the same speed and size. Years ago many computer owners would mix and match modules because ram was pretty costly. These days you can get quality Ram for record low prices as rebates are everywhere. If you want noticeable performance gains then spend for the faster speed and timings.