iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 RAM Replacement

Written By: Walter Galan
  • Comments: 33
iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 RAM Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

4

Time Required

5 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the RAM.

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    • While holding the display steady, use the flat end of a spudger to press in on the RAM door release button, located just above the power port.

    • You may have to press fairly hard—keep at it until the bottom of the door pops out about 0.25" from the rear of the iMac.

    Buenos días!!!

    Cómo le hago si mi iMac no tiene puertita!!! Se tiene que despegar la Pantalla???

    alterego69 -

    Hello! The procedure depends on the iMac's model. Find the exact iMac for the proper guide.

    ¡Hola! El procedimiento depende del modelo de iMac. Encuentra el iMac exacto para la guía adecuada.

    Arthur Shi -

    No hay que despegar la pantalla para este tipo de reparación. Si no encuentras el compartimento entonces puede que estes mirando al imac equivocado o quizas un monitor.

    overdas -

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    • Pull the RAM access door off the back of the iMac.

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    • The RAM tray is locked into its upright position with two grey tabs.

    • Use your thumbs or index fingers to unlock the tray by pushing the tabs outward, away from the RAM.

    • Pull the tabs out and down, swinging the RAM tray down to a near-horizontal position.

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    • Remove a stick of RAM by grabbing it with two hands and pulling straight out of the RAM tray.

    • RAM modules are keyed so that they can only be installed in the proper orientation. Note where the shorter section of contacts is when removing, and reinstalling, your RAM.

    • To install a new module, insert the module into the desired slot in the tray and press it firmly in place. Push the tray back up until it locks in place.

    • The RAM access door is not symmetrical. If it is not flush on both ends, try putting it in the other way.

    • Re-insert the RAM access door back into its place.

    "Note that the shorter section of contacts should be on the left when installing new modules."

    Mine is flipped so the shorter section of the RAM module is on the right.

    calebx -

    Mine is flipped too… not a mistake, is it?

    Kristi Mathias -

    To add:

    The RAM door is not symmetrical. When putting back the RAM door, it should flush with the back. In STEP 1 photo of the RAM door it seems the RAM door is not fully flushed and aligned.

    Chi -

    Does replacement RAM have to made in “matched pairs”? For example, if I add an additional 32G (2x16G) to the base 8G (2x4G) can the new 16G DIMMS go in any slots or do they need to be placed into specific “matched” slots - (slots 1 & 3 and slots 2 &4)?

    Can I “mix and match” different capacity and manufacturer RAM DIMMS or do they all need to be the same ?.

    richardkpallo -

    From the Apple website for replacing ram in an iMac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191...

    For iMac’s released 2012 onwards there is no note about the position of ram or matching pairs.

    For iMac’s released 2009-2011 there is this note:

    i5 and i7 Quad Core iMac computers come with both top memory slots populated. These computers will not start up if only a single DIMM is installed in any bottom slot; these computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any top slot.

    Core Duo iMac computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any slot, top or bottom. ("Top" and "bottom" slots refer to the orientation of the slots in the pictures below. "Top" refers to the slots closest to the display; "bottom" refers to the slots closest to the stand.)

    There is a number of comments to say you should stagger the ram and make sure i=identical ram modules share the same DIMM number, not the same BANK number. How to couple RAM Modules in iMac 27?

    Adam Dunn -

    Does ram from iMac 27 late 2013 suit these imac or do i need to buy others?

    Bertil Woltynski -

    Do you know what voltage the OEM ram that comes with the late 2014 iMac is? I just bought some Crucial RAM and was worried about not having the correct voltage and that messing up my iMac…..

    burdell1 -

    My computer is a iMac 27" 2017 RAM Retina 5k- I want to upgrade my Ram, put 1 -8gig in each free slot, talked with Apple service centre and they want $400.+ for this etc. There must be a comparable Ram on the market I could use that would be compatible to use at normal prices etc. Any recommendations. A computer tech from Apple centre recommended I try you folks.

    Thanks Len

    walser1 -

    Hi Len,

    It so happens that we sell the exact RAM you’re looking for at a much lower cost than Apple! Before you purchase the RAM, look over this guide to get an idea on how to replace the modules.

    Arthur Shi -

    Arthur I will contact you for purchase etc.

    walser1 -

    Arthur Shi- my ram is a 260 pin, not 204pin, it is a 27” iMac 2017 Retina 5k

    walser1 -

    Arthur this is what I require, 2X8gb

    Thanks Len

    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

    Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), then learn how to install memory in this model.

    Memory specifications

    This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

    Number of memory slots4Base memory8GB (2 x 4GB DIMMs)Maximum memory64GB (4 x 16GB DIMMs)

    Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

    PC4-2400 (19200)

    Unbuffered

    Nonparity

    260-pin

    2400MHz DDR4 SDRAM

    walser1 -

    Sorry! This should be the right model. Unfortunately, it looks like we have low stock on the RAM.

    Arthur Shi -

    The good news is that the memory model is common and brand-agnostic, so you can find it online. Search for 8GB DDR4 2400 PC4-19244 260 pin SODIMM memory, and any results should work.

    Arthur Shi -

    What if the ran door isn't back there but everything else is

    Pamela Smalls -

    Is it missing or just no door cutout? If it's missing it's probably not a huge deal, maybe cover it with some packing tape to keep dust out. If it doesn't have the cutout at all, it's probably a 24" or 21" model, much more difficult to upgrade the RAM on those.

    maccentric -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Walter Galan

694047 Reputation

14 comments

I just purchased RAM and this guide was very accurate. Thank you.

Nicole Hamilton -

Hi guys! I have to slot full with the basic amount of RAM (2 x 4 GB), can I install 2 x 8 GB in the other two slots available? I want to upgrade to 24 GB of RAM, but I don't know if there are any problem putting together 4 GB modules with 8 GB ones. I remember an old story about possible issues... Thanks for your replies! :-)

Franz -

You should be fine with pairs of equal capacity. 2 X 4 GB and 2 X 8 GB

Usually best to install in pairs of similar sizes

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mrmacfixit -

I just upgraded mine from 16GB to 32GB. The only problem with this guide is that it says the difficulty is moderate. What could be easier? It took me less than five minutes, and most of that was unplugging/replugging stuff before and after the actual RAM upgrade.

I used a screwdriver to push on the little button that opens the door, as I didn't have a spudger handy.

Jake Robb -

Great job, thanks

ventosa09 -

hi, do i need to use RAM specifically designed for Mac? I heard some people have issues after installing RAMs of a random brand even those are of same specs as required by Apple i.e. DDR3, 1600, 204-pin. I found online that OWC is 100% compatible with iMac, what about Kingston? Thanks!

Andy -

As easy as putting on a new roll of toilet paper… thank you!

Philipp Brekenkamp -

I have a Question: are hynix 2gb 1rx8 pc3-10600s-9-10-b1 ram compatible with a iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639? they came out of my Late 2011 13” MacBook Pro ( I did the ram upgrade) My wifes imac has been very slow since she upgraded to Catiline. Moneies tight I was just wondering…

David Curran -

WIsh to upgrade iMacv (Retina 5K, 27-inch,Late 2015) from 8 GB 1867 Mhz-DDR3 to 16 or 32 GB, which kits/Price? Thx (As I see an earlier version 2013 kit but not a 2015 kit)

sanj -

I have a iMac 27 inch late 2013 , I replaced the RAM Modules , all good , 5 mins tops , but once the computer was on , it beeped and the screen was black , so I rechecked the modules , one was not quite all the way in , so I pressed it , it clicked in , the computer started , all good , I upgraded the ram to 32 GB , maximum ram , I do not have a lot of stuff on my computer but with updates etc the computer was struggling , all you have to do is make sure the modules click into place, thanks John Mobbs

john mobbs -

there is another setup for older imacs that have a screw cover on the bottom of the unit not on rear. have changed ram getting three beeps when I know the rams good any suggestions white screen of death three beeps till you power it down .

Anonymous Artist -

The Crucial 16gb for iMAC 2013 DDR3 SDRAM is sometimes mentioned as DDR3 and I have also seen RAM for sale as DDR3L is there a difference between the two? what is the L. I read DDR3 was the correct one.

Thanks for your help.

Lucienne

het@mweb.co.za -

Clear and useful, great tuto as always

Ivan Corbet -

can i put ram heigher ram models inside an imac?

i can get the Ripjaws ram for a good price but the module height is 42mm and i dont knbow it the door will close (can i keep it open?)

Doron Tshuva -