Macs and RAM

Associate
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Oh Canada!
So my entry level 1080p ( :( ) 2017 iMac has 2x4GB 2133Mhz modules. I've noticed that the other iMacs in the lineup have 2400Mhz RAM and that all the RAM I see being sold online for Macs seems to be 2400Mhz.

In "About this Mac" in MacOS under RAM it says that my machine "accepts 2 2133Mhz memory modules". While I'm sure that 2400Mhz modules will work, though perhaps at 2133Mhz only, I'm wondering what the deal is? How come my entry level Mac has slower RAM?
Can I use the 2400Mhz stuff? Will it run @ 2400?
Thanks!
 
Commissario
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16 Oct 2002
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In the radio shack
I believe all 2017 27” iMacs have user upgradeable RAM. There’s no risk to the warranty by removing the plate on the back and doing it yourself. That’s why it’s there - I did mine before I even powered it on for the first time.

/edit - you don’t say exactly which model you have.
 
Soldato
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If he has a 1080p model then it's a 21.5" which need Apple/an AASP to fit the ram or he will void any warranty on it.

EDIT: Quote from the page I linked
*Memory isn't removable by users on iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014), iMac (21.5-inch, 2017), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017). If the memory in one of these computers needs to be replaced, contact an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. If you’d like to upgrade the memory in one of these models, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can help.

Memory in iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015) is not upgradeable.
 
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Soldato
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It's not a 40 sec job on that model. You have to remove the display panel. As for the 2400 it isn't listed anywhere on official apple sources that it is supported nah. As you already know you can go upto 16gb though
 
Soldato
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Yer :( You need to remove the Display Panel and VHB (Very high bond) strips, then replace them. Not sure if they are readily available to non Apple places. Ifixit may have them.

EDIT: Just had a quick look and they do sell the strips, but I can only find them as part of a €300 kit
 
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Associate
OP
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21 Apr 2016
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Location
Oh Canada!
Yer :( You need to remove the Display Panel and VHB (Very high bond) strips, then replace them. Not sure if they are readily available to non Apple places. Ifixit may have them.

EDIT: Just had a quick look and they do sell the strips, but I can only find them as part of a €300 kit

For those that get the South Park reference, all this information makes me a very sad panda. I guess this thing will forever have 8GB of slow DDR4... :(
 
Man of Honour
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20 Sep 2006
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You should always buy the highest possible spec you can afford when it comes to models with parts that aren't easily upgradable.
 
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