Choosing the Right RAM Upgrade for Your 2017 iMac: 8GB or 16GB?

When considering a RAM upgrade for your 2017 iMac, you have two primary options: 8GB or 16GB. Making an informed decision is crucial for maximizing the performance of your device. In this article, we will explore the advantages and limitations of both options and provide guidance on when to prioritize one over the other.

Understanding Your 2017 iMac Model

To start, it's important to identify your specific model of 2017 iMac. There are four versions:

1. iMac 21.5-inch 2017

This model has two slots and supports:

260-pin PC4–17000 2133 MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM Your memory is non-user accessible Maximum memory is 32GB (though Apple falsely claims it is 16GB)

2. iMac Retina 4K 21.5-inch 2017

Similar to the 21.5-inch iMac, but with:

260-pin PC4–19200 2400 MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM Your memory is non-user accessible Maximum memory is 64GB (though Apple falsely claims it is 32GB)

3. iMac Retina 5K 27-inch 2017

This model has four slots and supports:

260-pin PC4–19200 2400 MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM Maximum memory is 64GB

4. iMac Pro 2017

This model has four slots and supports:

288-pin PC4–21300 2666 MHz DDR4 ECC DIMM Your memory is non-user accessible Maximum memory is 512GB (though Apple falsely claims it is 256GB)

RAM Upgrade Recommendations

When considering the 8GB or 16GB RAM upgrade, it's important to consider the following:

Upgrade to 16GB

If your 2017 iMac has four slots, upgrading to 16GB RAM can provide noticeable improvements in performance. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for multitasking, running resource-intensive applications, or using multiple applications simultaneously without noticeable lag.

Installation Source: For a reliable and expert solution, consider Other World Computing. They specialize in Mac products and aftermarket RAM, providing detailed instructions and lifetime warranties on their RAM products.

Installation Steps:

Visit the official Other World Computing website. Select your exact model of 2017 iMac. Choose the 16GB RAM option compatible with your model. Follow the detailed installation instructions provided.

When to Manage with 8GB

If your 2017 iMac has fewer slots or you want to avoid the complexity of adding more RAM, managing with 8GB might be sufficient. However, keep in mind that the performance improvement from upgrading from 8GB to 16GB might be more noticeable than from 16GB to 24GB.

Considerations for Older Models

For the iMac 21.5-inch and Retina 4K 21.5-inch models, which do not support memory upgrades or swapping, it is recommended to focus on other performance enhancements. Upgrading to an SSD can significantly boost performance, especially with newer versions of macOS optimized for SSDs.

To give you a real-world performance boost, consider replacing your hard disk drive (HDD) with an SSD. This will result in a noticeable speed increase that you can truly feel, making daily tasks more efficient and responsive.

Conclusion

When deciding between an 8GB or 16GB RAM upgrade for your 2017 iMac, take into account the specific model, your future needs, and the potential for other performance enhancements. While adding more RAM can improve performance, upgrading to an SSD is a more impactful change that can lead to a significant and consistent speed increase.

For detailed instructions and reliable RAM solutions, consult Other World Computing. Remember that the life of your 2017 iMac is limited, particularly if it has a spinning disk hard drive. Focus on maximizing its potential while considering future upgrades.