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iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement

Written By: Andrew Optimus Goldheart (and 7 other contributors)
  • Comments: 18
  • Favorites: 16
  • Completions: 52

Difficulty

Very easy

Steps

4

Time Required

2 minutes

Sections

1

Flags

0

Introduction

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

  1. 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.

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

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

    Edit

  4. 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.

    • 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. 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

52 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 7 other contributors

Andrew Optimus Goldheart

Member since: 10/17/2009

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One Comment

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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

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