Imac can you upgrade

Hold your iMac by its sides and return it to a standing position. Reconnect the cables and power cord. Note: Your iMac performs a memory initialization procedure when you first turn it on after upgrading memory or rearranging DIMMs. Make sure to let the memory initialization complete. Disconnect all cables and the power cord from your iMac. The memory compartment door opens as the button is pushed in. Remove the memory compartment door and set it aside.

Select the Hardware category in the left pane. Make a note of the Model Identifier entry located in the right pane, which contains the Hardware Overview. Close the System Information window. If you aren't sure how much RAM is currently installed in your iMac, you can find the information by selecting About This Mac in the Apple menu and selecting the Memory tab to display the current configuration.

Apple placed either two or four memory slots in the base of early iMacs and in the memory bay on the back of later models. The key to performing an iMac memory upgrade is selecting the proper RAM type. Also, check to see if your iMac is upgradeable at all. Memory is not upgradeable by users on these iMacs:. Unlike RAM, the iMac's internal hard drive isn't designed to be user upgradeable.

If you want to replace or upgrade an internal hard drive in your iMac, an Apple service provider can do it for you. Experienced Mac DIYers who are comfortable taking apart something that isn't designed to be easily taken apart can update the hard drive, but the process isn't recommended for most users.

For an example of the difficulty involved, check out this two-part video from Small Dog Electronics on replacing the hard drive in the first-generation Intel iMac:.

These two videos are only for the first-generation Intel iMac. Other iMacs have different methods for replacing the hard drive. Later-generation iMacs have displays that are laminated and glued to the iMac frame, making gaining access to an iMac's interior even more difficult.

You may find a need for special tools and instructions like those available from Other World Computing. Another option is to forgo upgrading the internal hard drive and add an external model instead. If your iMac is equipped with USB 3 , an external drive — especially if it is an SSD — can achieve speeds almost equivalent to an internal drive.

That's why I recommend you spend your upgrade money on doubling your SSD storage. It's an easy decision that will future-proof your system and deliver performance gains as well.

Delivery will begin the second half of May. Learn more about the new iMac on the Apple site. This is a BETA experience.

You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. Nov 13, , pm EST. Nov 13, , am EST. Memory is not removable by users on iMac Before you schedule an appointment, confirm that the specific Apple Authorized Service Provider offers memory upgrade services. Install memory in an iMac Get memory specifications and learn how to install memory in iMac computers. 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.

Installing memory The internal components of your iMac can be warm. After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps: Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.

Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth. Open the memory compartment door by pressing the small grey button located just above the AC power port: The memory compartment door will open as the button is pushed in. Remove the compartment door and set it aside: 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: After the memory cage is released, pull the memory cage levers toward you, allowing access to each DIMM slot. Remove a DIMM by pulling the module straight up and out. Note the location of the notch on the bottom of the DIMM. Find your model below for specific installation instructions and notch locations: iMac Retina 5K, inch, DIMMs have a notch on the bottom, slightly left of the middle.

You don't need to press the compartment door release button when replacing the compartment door. Place the computer in its upright position.