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iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement

Introduction

For an easy power boost, replace the RAM—the only upgrade that doesn't require cutting the adhesive behind the display.

What you need

  1. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Open the RAM door: step 1, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Open the RAM door: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  2. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM door: step 2, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM door: step 2, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM door: step 2, image 3 of 3

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

    Edit

  4. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Unlock the RAM tray: step 3, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Unlock the RAM tray: step 3, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Unlock the RAM tray: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  5. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM: step 4, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM: step 4, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit
Conclusion

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.

60 other people completed this guide.

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Andrew Optimus Goldheart

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3 Comments

If you have two original RAM sticks, they're installed in alternating slots, so there's no need to move anything around to install two more - just use the empty slots.

matt - Reply

Ich habe diese Anleitung genutzt bei meinem 27“ late 2013 Mac. Zu den vorhandenen Speichern von 2x4GB habe ich in die leeren Slots je einen 8GB Speicher eingesetzt. Das ging problemlos so wie beschrieben. Habe kein Werkzeug gebraucht. Die Taste zum Öffnen konnte ich mit dem Daumennagel hineindrücken. Der gesamte Speicher wird mit 24GB angezeigt. Vielen Dank für diese Hilfe!

Nedra - Reply

Hello. My Imac (27-inch, Late 2012) has the original memory (2x4GB Elpida) in slots 1 and 2. When trying to install in slots 1+3, 1+4, 2+3, 2+4 it beeps three times and the Mac does not start. Replacing the original memory in slots 1+2 with new memory (2x8GB) is successful. Can not add memory to slots 3 and 4 (old memory or new). Please advise where to look for the problem.

Олег Б. - Reply

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