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iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove, replace or upgrade the RAM in your iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display.

What you need

  1. iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement, Open the RAM door: step 1, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display 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" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM door: step 2, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM door: step 2, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display 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" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement, Unlock the RAM tray: step 3, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement, Unlock the RAM tray: step 3, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display 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" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM: step 4, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display RAM Replacement, Remove the RAM: step 4, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display 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.

116 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 4 other contributors

Sam Goldheart

Member since: 10/18/12

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22 Guide Comments

At the end: "To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse and use our adhesive strip replacement guide to reattach the display glass."

This does not make sense for a memory replacement guide.

xiepengpeng - Reply Share

I made a few changes to the guide to make it more readable. Thanks for the tip!

Miroslav Djuric - Share

I am thinking about getting me an iMac 5K but not really interested in overpaying for my RAM - can I access all 4 slots in the newest iMac 5K so I could buy the entry level with 8GB and then upgrade it to 32GB myself?

sdjensen - Reply Share

Yes, but make sure they are the same frequency so there won't be any issues. (1867)

vsomme - Share

Is it possible for 4GB x 2 model to add 8GB x 2 and having 24GB RAM

christmas - Reply Share

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