Buying an iMac with DIY memory upgrade...

[SumoBear]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to invest an Apple iMac to edit my family photos and videos soon and I am really glad that Apple has recently introduced a speed bump.

My preferred setup will be the 21.5" 3.2GHz @ $2188 but I am not sure if I should top-up for the processor speed or memory upgrade. Any advice?

As for the memory, am i able to buy them off the shelves at computer shops in Funan or Sim Lim? Anyone know about the price range? Hoping to save some $$$ by DIYing the memory installation...

 

[noelmac]

The previous iMac ram module you can buy around 80-100 per 2gb.

 

[SumoBear]

The previous iMac ram module you can buy around 80-100 per 2gb.

So is it compatible with the current iMac? And how to buy it? I am a noob with computer organs. Is there a model description Or should I plug out a piece of RAM from the iMac to show to people in the shop of what I want?

Thanks

 

[ortega]

Get the ram upgrade instead of the processor speed bump

just get the ram specs and buy off the shelf in SL Square

 

[noelmac]

I think the recently announced iMac has a faster ram than the previous once.

So is it compatible with the current iMac? And how to buy it? I am a noob with computer organs. Is there a model description Or should I plug out a piece of RAM from the iMac to show to people in the shop of what I want?

Thanks

 

[monkeygod]

most photo programs are not coded to take use of quad core, so there is no point in upgrading to the i7. i think you will see a noticeable improvement stepping up to the i5 though.

More RAM will definitely increase your performance more than the i3 to i5 jump though. My only concern is that the iMac is an all-in-one solution and is a bit tricky to disassemble it and get to the innards without a) experience and b) some specific tools. It might be not be worth the extra few dollars to risk your shiny new toy And right now the 8gb (4x2) upgrade is actually pretty reasonable - if you wanted to increase to 16gb then i'd say its worth it cause those prices are ridiculous.

and yes, the newest iMac uses 1333 mhz ddr3 ram as opposed to the 1033 mhz ram the previous generation came with.

 

[Jspertan]

My only concern is that the iMac is an all-in-one solution and is a bit tricky to disassemble it and get to the innards without a) experience and b) some specific tools.

The Ram slot is easily accessable on the aluminium IMAC. I remember correctly, the slot is underneath the screen. So far, only if u want to replace the harddisk than the steps required is more difficult and u might also need a special Star shape screw driver.

 

[SumoBear]

Thanks...for sharing....

I am not preparing to open up the iMac...but as mentioned that the installation of RAM should not be that difficult as the opening to the RAM compartment is just below the screen. I saw an YouTube video on how to do it.

I think to open up the iMac...you will need some suction to remove the screen as the screen is hold on with a magnet in the body......thats what I heard from my office's mac supplier....

 

[splim]

..

My preferred setup will be the 21.5" 3.2GHz @ $2188 but I am not sure if I should top-up for the processor speed or memory upgrade. Any advice?

...

It's $2456, not $2188. Additional $268 for 3 years warranty, or try your luck.

 

[Xiao_shin]

You will get more reponse in hardware forum.

1. http://forums.hardwarezone.com/
2. http://forums.vr-zone.com/