iMac: Memory specifications and upgrades

Learn about the types of random access memory (RAM) and video memory (VRAM) used in iMac computers. For specific instructions on installing memory, refer to the linked documents.

Learn how to identify which iMac model you have, then refer to this table.

iMac Model Max. DRAM User
Installable
Slot		 AASP
Installable
Slot		 Video/
VRAM		 Notes
iMac (Retina 5k, 27-inch Mid 2015) 32 GB 1600MHz DDR3 2GB GDDR5 SDRAM 4

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)

 32 GB 1600MHz DDR3 2 GB or 4 GB  GDDR5 SDRAM 4
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014) 16 GB None 1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM

3
iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) 32 GB PC3-12800
(1600) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM

1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM,
2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM and 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM 

4
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) 16 GB None PC3-12800
(1600) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM		  1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM

3
iMac (27-inch, Late 2012) 32 GB PC3-12800
(1600) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM

512 MB GDDR5 SDRAM,
1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM and 2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM 

4
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012) 16 GB None PC3-12800
(1600) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM		  512 MB GDDR5 SDRAM

3
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011) 16 GB PC3-10600
(1333) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM

512 MB GDDR5 SDRAM and
1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM and 2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM 

2
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) 16 GB PC3-10600
(1333) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM		 512 MB GDDR5 SDRAM

2
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) 16 GB PC3-10600
(1333) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM

512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM and
1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM

2
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010) 16 GB PC3-10600
(1333) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM		 256 MB up to 512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM

2
iMac (Late 2009) 16 GB PC3-8500
(1066) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM		 256 up to 512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM

2
iMac (Mid 2009) 4 GB PC3-8500
(1066) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM		 256 up to 512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM  
iMac (Early 2009) 8 GB PC3-8500
(1066) DDR3
204-pin
SO-DIMM		 256 up to 512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM  
iMac (Early 2008) 4 GB PC2-6400
(800) DDR2
200-pin
SO-DIMM		 128 or 256 MB GDDR3 SDRAM  
iMac (Mid 2007) 4 GB PC2-5300
(667) DDR2
200-pin
SO-DIMM		 128 or 256 MB GDDR3 SDRAM  
iMac (Late 2006) 4 GB PC2-5300
(667) DDR2
200-pin
SO-DIMM		 128 MB GDDR3 SDRAM 1
iMac (Mid 2006) and iMac (17-inch Late 2006 CD) 2 GB PC2-5300
(667) DDR2
200-pin
SO-DIMM		 64 MB GDDR3 SDRAM  
iMac (Early 2006) 2 GB PC2-5300
(667) DDR2
200-pin
SO-DIMM		 128 MB GDDR3 SDRAM  

Notes:

  1. Although the iMac (Late 2006) computers will accept up to a 2 GB SO-DIMM in each of the two memory slots, the iMac will only support 3 GB total memory.
  2. The iMac (Late 2009), iMac (Mid 2010) and iMac (Mid 2011) have four SDRAM slots, each of which can accept a 2 GB or 4 GB SO-DIMM.
  3. iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012 and later) computers have no user installable SDRAM slots.
  4. iMac (27-inch, Late 2012 and later) computers have four SDRAM slots, each of which can accept a 4 GB, or 8 GB SO-DIMM.

Learn more

About integrated video on Intel-based Macs

See the articles below to learn more about memory and specific iMac models.

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