Help upgrading RAM on my 2008 Mac

[JodySuzanne1305]

Hi! I would like to upgrade my RAM on my 2008 iMac. Currently it haas 2G, I would like to upgrade to 4G. Best Buy has informed me that what I need is not available in he store and I will need to search online. I need help know what to search for and where to search for it online if possibles I have included the serial number of my computer and a picture of what my computer looks like when removing and upgrading the RAM. Any help is appreciated. I want to have my sims and Rosetta Stone on this computer without it overloading it. Thanks!


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[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi! I would like to upgrade my RAM on my 2008 iMac. Currently it haas 2G, I would like to upgrade to 4G. Best Buy has informed me that what I need is not available in he store and I will need to search online. I need help know what to search for and where to search for it online if possibles I have included the serial number of my computer and a picture of what my computer looks like when removing and upgrading the RAM. Any help is appreciated. I want to have my sims and Rosetta Stone on this computer without it overloading it. Thanks!

Hi, Rosie.

I found the memory at Amazon. You'll want to order the 4 GB kit. This will ensure your computer's is maxed and that it is using the same chips for both memory modules.

If you're not comfortable replacing the memory yourself, see if a computer friend can help you install it.

Hope this helps and happy Simming!

Flynn

[JodySuzanne1305]

Thanks Flynn! Can you tell me what I should search on amazon to find what I need. Like, what is the name or brand I'm looking for?


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[JodySuzanne1305]

Oh I see the link now! Thanks!!


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[JodySuzanne1305]

Hey Flynn! I ordered the memory you suggested and I put it in the computer and the computer won't start...? I put one of the old sticks of 1G back in and it started right up and shows me 3G of memory. Is there any reason that both 2G sticks would not let the computer start? It makes a noise like it's going to start, but doesn't. Thanks!


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[neuroticnelly]

Hey Flynn! I ordered the memory you suggested and I put it in the computer and the computer won't start...? I put one of the old sticks of 1G back in and it started right up and shows me 3G of memory. Is there any reason that both 2G sticks would not let the computer start? It makes a noise like it's going to start, but doesn't. Thanks!


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Hi, I upgraded my MAC not long ago with generic RAM and it worked fine. Are both memory chips the same? I read on the Apple site that sometimes generic RAM won't work, but I believe they want to sell you the $100 a pop instead of the half-price generic. Perhaps that one memory stick is corrupted. Did Amazon tell you what MACS were compatible with the RAM?

[JodySuzanne1305]

Ok, I purchased the 4 GB kit that Flynn suggested. When I put both sticks into the computer, it will not Turn on. Sooo checked each stick by itself, it still wouldn't kick on. I tried putting in one of the old sticks with on of the new sticks and it started right up and shows me 3 GB of RAM. I'm still hoping I can figure out how to get it up to 4 GB.

Neuroticnelly, Amazon did not say this would be compatible. I took Flynn's word for it. I would be willing to buy the $100 one, do you know where I can find it?


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[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Ok, I purchased the 4 GB kit that Flynn suggested. When I put both sticks into the computer, it will not Turn on. Sooo checked each stick by itself, it still wouldn't kick on. I tried putting in one of the old sticks with on of the new sticks and it started right up and shows me 3 GB of RAM. I'm still hoping I can figure out how to get it up to 4 GB.

Neuroticnelly, Amazon did not say this would be compatible. I took Flynn's word for it. I would be willing to buy the $100 one, do you know where I can find it?

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Hi, Rosie.

Sorry to hear you're having problems with the memory. Hopefully, we can try and figure out what's happening with your computer. Can you try a couple of tests for me?

• Take all of the memory out of your computer.
• Put one of the new memory sticks in the computer and try to boot the system.
• If the system boots up, power down the computer and then put the same memory stick into the second memory slot and boot it up again.
• Now repeat steps 1 and 2 with the second memory stick.

I'm willing to guess the one of the memory sticks is defective and needs to be returned.

Hope this helps.

Flynn

[JodySuzanne1305]

Flynn, I have tried this already. Neither new memory stick works in the computer alone. (Or together for that fact) Does that mean they are both defective?


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[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Flynn, I have tried this already. Neither new memory stick works in the computer alone. (Or together for that fact) Does that mean they are both defective?


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Sorry to hear that.

You will want to RMA the memory then as it doesn't sound like it's compatible with your Mac after all. I've had this problem in the past with a laptop I had where even after I bought what should have been the correct memory for it, it refused to work with it at all.

Here's a page from Crucial which shows what memory they have that is compatible with your iMac. I used the page as a basis for what to search for on Amazon, but it looks like we'll have to make sure the memory page mentions it's compatible with Mac before ordering. Such as this Kingston memory from Amazon.

I apologize for the incorrect recommendation before.

Flynn

[JodySuzanne1305]

No need for apologies!! I am grateful for the help. I will definitely check out the link.

In the meantime, here is something interesting...These are pictures of the RAM. The first is of the 1G sticks that were in the computer when I bought it, and they both work.

And these are the pics of the 2G sticks I ordered from Amazon.

Now, I'm not computer genius, especially when it comes to Macs, but I can tell that 3 of those four sticks look identical. The one that is different is the 1G stick on the left from the first two pictures. Does that mean that I need another one like that in 2G


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[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Different models of chips have different chip configurations. So, while the 1 GB sticks aren't the same as each other, they both work. That tells me the chips don't have to be the exact same chip, just two of the proper memory size (and Mac compatible as we discovered). Some systems (mainly high-end workstations and servers) require matching pairs of memory in order to function correctly. Most consumer lever systems these days don't have that requirement.

Flynn

[JodySuzanne1305]

I'll be waiting until I get paid on the 1st to order the new RAM. Will let you know if it works! Thanks!


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[bluebellflora]

Hi,

Your iMac is in fact the 2007 model, not 2008. The 2008 model had either a 2.4Ghz or 2.66Ghz processor, yours has a 2.0Ghz processor. You can double check this by entering your serial number on Apple's support site. That is why the 800Mhz RAM chips weren't working - they are for the 2008 model.

You need 2x 2Gb PC2 - 5300 667Mhz DDR2.

Hope this helps.

[neuroticnelly]

Ok, I purchased the 4 GB kit that Flynn suggested. When I put both sticks into the computer, it will not Turn on. Sooo checked each stick by itself, it still wouldn't kick on. I tried putting in one of the old sticks with on of the new sticks and it started right up and shows me 3 GB of RAM. I'm still hoping I can figure out how to get it up to 4 GB.

Neuroticnelly, Amazon did not say this would be compatible. I took Flynn's word for it. I would be willing to buy the $100 one, do you know where I can find it?


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Jodysuzanne, sorry to take so long to reply, I've been offline. I got my RAM at canadaram.com  They have a list of MACs with the year/month they were manufactured and will advise the correct type of RAM. or you go to apple.com and pay $100 a shot for extra RAM. Make sure the DDR and MHz are right for your system otherwise it won't work. the info can be found under the About This Mac which will also give you the date your machine was manufactured so you get the right RAM.