RAM from "Late 2009" iMac in "Mid 2011" iMac?

desertman · 08-11-2012, 10:52 AM

I have a "Late 2009" iMac with additional 4 GB RAM = 8 GB total RAM. The RAM used in this iMac is "PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM". I am now getting a "Mid 2011" iMac with its standard 4 GB RAM of "PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM".

Can I use the RAM from my old iMac in my new iMac or is it necessary to use only "PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM" in the new iMac?

If it is possible to use the old RAM - does using the older RAM have any noticeable influence on the performance of the new iMac?

Thanks - desertman

benwiggy · 08-11-2012, 11:20 AM

The older RAM is only capable of working at lower clock speeds. Hence the MHz rating.
If it does work, it's not going to be as fast.

Ideally, you really need to use the proper RAM for the computer. RAM is quite cheap, and you could sell the old RAM on eBay. Some places have 2nd-hand computer shops which buy old memory.

08-11-2012, 10:52 AM	#1
desertman Prospect Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 12	RAM from "Late 2009" iMac in "Mid 2011" iMac? I have a "Late 2009" iMac with additional 4 GB RAM = 8 GB total RAM. The RAM used in this iMac is "PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM". I am now getting a "Mid 2011" iMac with its standard 4 GB RAM of "PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM". Can I use the RAM from my old iMac in my new iMac or is it necessary to use only "PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM" in the new iMac? If it is possible to use the old RAM - does using the older RAM have any noticeable influence on the performance of the new iMac? Thanks - desertman __________________ [Intel i5 2.66 GHz iMac \| OS X 10.7.4]

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08-11-2012, 11:20 AM	#2
benwiggy League Commissioner Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,071	The older RAM is only capable of working at lower clock speeds. Hence the MHz rating. If it does work, it's not going to be as fast. Ideally, you really need to use the proper RAM for the computer. RAM is quite cheap, and you could sell the old RAM on eBay. Some places have 2nd-hand computer shops which buy old memory.