Memory Expansion Detail

NovaScotian · 12-03-2011, 07:41 PM

I was just exploring a memory addition to a new 27" iMac (12,2) and noted on the Crucial site that 4GB kits (to increase memory to 8GB total) come in two different voltages; 1.5v and 1.35v. Both are said to be compatible with my machine. Does it matter? Anyone know what's in the iMac as shipped?

DeltaMac · 12-03-2011, 08:30 PM

The Crucial link that you provided goes to the config page for the 2010 iMacs, there's another page for the 2011 iMacs.
http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...B156E1A5CA7304

There's also several Q&A posts on that page, which ask your exact question.
Lower voltage gives you (somewhat) less power consumption. Otherwise, no difference.

You'll also notice that page lists up to 16GB kits, as your 27-inch iMac can be upgraded to 8GB x 4, for a total of 32 GB of installed memory.
I would choose an 8GB kit (the 4GB x 2), as memory is quite cheap now.
Which does Apple put in the iMac? Whatever they get from the memory makers, I suppose. You could probably find our what yours came with by googling the manufacturer's part number that you would find on the chip.

NovaScotian · 12-03-2011, 08:58 PM

Except that my iMac is not 3.1 GHz, it's 2.7GHz which is how the Crucial search tool directs me to that page, I suppose. Anyway, you've answered my questions and I'll probably take your advice and go for an 8GB kit. I note that they recommend sticking the two new 4s in the original slots and moving Apple's 2 pair to the lower slots.

DeltaMac · 12-04-2011, 01:47 PM

There's no difference between the 2.7, and the 3.0 Ghz, other than processor speed.
I don't know how you got to the 2010 page, as the 2.7 2011 search takes you to this page:
http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...202011&Cat=RAM
But, the information is all the same, anyway.

NovaScotian · 12-04-2011, 03:53 PM

They have a little search app that surveys your system and dials in that page. As you note, there's no difference anyway so an 8GB pair is on its way.

12-03-2011, 07:41 PM	#1
NovaScotian Hall of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Halifax, Canada Posts: 4,945	Memory Expansion Detail I was just exploring a memory addition to a new 27" iMac (12,2) and noted on the Crucial site that 4GB kits (to increase memory to 8GB total) come in two different voltages; 1.5v and 1.35v. Both are said to be compatible with my machine. Does it matter? Anyone know what's in the iMac as shipped? __________________ 17" MBP, OS X 10.8.3; 27" iMac, OS X 10.8.3 Last edited by NovaScotian; 12-03-2011 at 07:49 PM.

12-03-2011, 08:30 PM	#2
DeltaMac League Commissioner Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7,950	The Crucial link that you provided goes to the config page for the 2010 iMacs, there's another page for the 2011 iMacs. http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...B156E1A5CA7304 There's also several Q&A posts on that page, which ask your exact question. Lower voltage gives you (somewhat) less power consumption. Otherwise, no difference. You'll also notice that page lists up to 16GB kits, as your 27-inch iMac can be upgraded to 8GB x 4, for a total of 32 GB of installed memory. I would choose an 8GB kit (the 4GB x 2), as memory is quite cheap now. Which does Apple put in the iMac? Whatever they get from the memory makers, I suppose. You could probably find our what yours came with by googling the manufacturer's part number that you would find on the chip. Last edited by DeltaMac; 12-03-2011 at 08:34 PM.

12-03-2011, 08:58 PM	#3
NovaScotian Hall of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Halifax, Canada Posts: 4,945	Except that my iMac is not 3.1 GHz, it's 2.7GHz which is how the Crucial search tool directs me to that page, I suppose. Anyway, you've answered my questions and I'll probably take your advice and go for an 8GB kit. I note that they recommend sticking the two new 4s in the original slots and moving Apple's 2 pair to the lower slots. __________________ 17" MBP, OS X 10.8.3; 27" iMac, OS X 10.8.3

12-04-2011, 03:53 PM	#5
NovaScotian Hall of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Halifax, Canada Posts: 4,945	They have a little search app that surveys your system and dials in that page. As you note, there's no difference anyway so an 8GB pair is on its way. __________________ 17" MBP, OS X 10.8.3; 27" iMac, OS X 10.8.3

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12-04-2011, 01:47 PM	#4
DeltaMac League Commissioner Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7,950	There's no difference between the 2.7, and the 3.0 Ghz, other than processor speed. I don't know how you got to the 2010 page, as the 2.7 2011 search takes you to this page: http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...202011&Cat=RAM But, the information is all the same, anyway.