How to upgrade Mac RAM step by step help.
One of the cheapest ways to improve the performance of your Mac and extend its shelf life is to upgrade your Mac’s RAM. On older Mac computers, the process is simple. It takes about an hour and only requires a few tools, which you can get from Walmart if you’re not at home.
We’ll help you figure out which Macs you can upgrade and what kind of RAM you should purchase before going through this process.
Can I Upgrade the RAM On My Mac?
Mac RAM upgrade is not possible on all Macs. Older Macs came with RAM that could be removed and updated, while newer models have RAM soldered into the motherboard. If you have one of the older models below, you can upgrade your RAM:
- MacBook: 2008 to 2011 models only.
- MacBook Pro (Retina): RAM may not be updated on MacBook Pro with Retina display.
- Â (13-inch, non-Retina): 2009-2012 models only.
- Â (15-inch, non-Retina): 2008-2012 models only
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, non-Retina): Any model can be upgraded.
- Air MacBook : RAM cannot be upgraded on any MacBook Air.
- MacBook: RAM cannot be upgraded on any MacBook.
- iMac: Most iMacs are upgradeable, with the exception of the 21.5-inch iMac released in mid-2014 and late 2015, whose RAM has been soldered into place.
- Mac mini: 2010-2012 and 2018 models only
- Mac Pro: You can add RAM to any model.
- iMac Pro: No RAM. t is available to the user. If you need to replace the RAM, contact Apple.
If your Mac isn’t on the list of safe devices above, you won’t be able to eject RAM without professional soldering tools and expertise. Even so, you are likely to damage your Mac.
How To Find The Right RAM For Your Mac
You should purchase RAM online from vendors like Crucial or OWC (MacSales), which are known for their high quality RAM and great customer service. Both Crucial and OWC have guides to help you find RAM modules that are compatible with your Mac. Follow their instructions and you should be able to purchase the RAM that’s right for your particular model.
If you don’t know your model, some memory retailers even have a system scan tool that can do all the hard work for you.
Performing a Mac RAM Upgrade
Before you can remove RAM for your Mac, you need to open your computer and find where it is. Some desktop computers, like the iMac, have a special flip cover that you remove, while others, like the Mac mini and MacBook Pro, require you to remove the bottom of the case.
Once you have access to RAM, it’s as simple as unplugging the old RAM modules, removing them, and inserting new ones. Here are the instructions for a MacBook Pro as an example:
Removing Existing RAM
- Shut down your Mac, unplug the power cord, and wait for the computer to cool down.
- Turn your Mac over so the back cover is facing up.
- Remove the 10 screws that secure the bottom of the case. These screws are of different lengths, so be aware of which screw goes where.
- Carefully remove the rear cover and set it aside.
- Touch a metal part of the laptop to discharge static electricity.
- Find existing memory and remove it by pressing the levers on the sides of the RAM module. The levers extend outward and the RAM chip should protrude at an angle.
- Note the semi-circular notches that appear when the RAM is removed from its socket. If you do not see the notches, try pressing the lever again.
- Grasp the RAM module by the notches and pull it out of the slot. Avoid touching the gold connectors.
- Repeat the above steps to remove another memory module.
Install new RAM
- Take the new RAM module out of the package, being careful to hold it by the notches, not the gold connectors.
- Align the notches of the new memory with the notches in the memory slot.
- Tilt the RAM module and insert it into the memory slot at an angle.
- Press the RAM module with two fingers so that it is flat. A click should be heard when installed correctly. The gold contacts should be almost completely inserted into the connector.
- Repeat this procedure to install the second RAM module.
- Place the chassis on the back of your Mac Pro.
- Replace the screws while keeping track of their original position.
- Tighten the screws.
Verify the installation
- Turn on your computer to make sure it starts.
- Select the Apple logo in the upper left corner.
- Select About This Mac.
- The correct amount of RAM should be displayed on the Overview tab.
Why Mac RAM Upgrades are Necessary
Random access memory (RAM) is temporary storage that your processor uses to store data. It is designed to store short-term data used by applications and processes running on your computer. The more RAM you have, the more data you can store in this fast access storage.
If you want your Mac to run smoothly and reliably, you need to have enough RAM. This is especially important for older Macs that may have come with little RAM. As apps get bigger and more complex, you will need more RAM if you want them to run smoothly and without crashing.
Installing RAM is cheap and easy, so it should be one of the first steps you take when your Mac starts to slow down.
Cost to Upgrade Your RAM
In most cases, doubling the RAM on your Mac will cost less than a hundred dollars. Even if you have a more expensive model, you probably won’t have to spend over $ 200 to upgrade.
If you can’t afford to upgrade your Mac’s RAM, there are several things you can do to keep your computer running as best as possible. The most effective trick is to limit the number of apps you open at the same time. If you are writing an article in Microsoft Word and want to check your email, close Word first and then open Mail.
Try to keep as few open applications as possible. If you are not sure which apps are running, you can check which apps are running by opening the Activity Monitor app and following these instructions.
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