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iMac Intel 27" EMC 2546 RAM Replacement

Written By: Andrew Optimus Goldberg (and 5 other contributors)
  • Comments: 6
  • Favorites: 15
  • Completions: 40

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.

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  1. Step 1 RAM

    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.

    • 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

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  2. Step 2

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

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

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  4. Step 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.

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  5. Step 4

    • 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

    "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 - Reply

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

    Kristi Mathias - Reply

    What do think about extending step4 with the following:

    Please remember direction of shorter section for later installing of upgrade RAM.

    or so ...

    FrankSPhoto - Reply

    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 - Reply

    Hi, how many RAM slots are available. In the system overview there are 4 slots and only 2 of them are used with the current setup.

    big blue - Reply

Conclusion

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

40 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 5 other contributors

Andrew Optimus Goldberg

Member since: 10/17/2009

394,475 Reputation

412 Guides authored

Badges: 43

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Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Community

113 Members

7,332 Guides authored

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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