Best Laptop DDR4 Memory SODIMM 2400Mhz For iMAC Retina 5K 2017

With the release of Intel’s 8th Generation processors, all major manufacturers have started refreshing their existing models in addition to new ones. Both Intel’s 8th Gen, as well as Ryzen Mobile CPU’s leverage the latest DDR4 memory as standard. Since some of these laptops & thin desktops like the iMac comes with an empty memory slot, users are tempted to upgrade their memory cost effectively. Top memory manufacturers know this and have a wide range of DDR4 memory modules currently already available on the market. In this article, we have listed out some of the best Laptop DDR4 memory available. Read along to know more.

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Table of Contents

Best Laptop DDR4 Memory for iMac 2017

To be honest, the base version of these iMac is never perfect. For example, the base model 5K iMac has only 8 GB of RAM in the stock configuration. Even if you try to use mid-load/resource demanding applications, the system struggles and starts writing data on disk. Fortunately, it is ~~straightforward~~ and ridiculously cheap to upgrade its RAM. Today, we will be discussing the same. Almost all Mid-2017 iMac models come with 4 DIMM memory slots. Usually, two of these slots are taken by 2x 4 GB memory module sticks, which mean there is much space for improvement as it supports a total 64 GB of main memory or RAM.

For entry level use, we believe that a 32 GB upgrade would suffice as it will provide 40 GB memory total when combined with the base 8 GB RAM configuration. However, if you feel that you are a heavy user and you need intense performance, then you can also go for a 64 GB upgrade that would give you 72 GB RAM in total.

RAM Requirements:

So according to Apple, to upgrade the system RAM for the 2017 5K iMac, your new RAM kit should be according to following requirements:

PC-4 2400 or better
Unbuffered – Non-ECC
Non-parity
260-pin
2400 MHz DDR4 SDRAM

According to these requirements, various user reports and test and certain e-commerce sources, we can confirm that all the RAMs listed below work fine with Mid-2017 5K iMac without any issue if the installation is done properly. Here we go:

1. Corsair Vengeance 32GB Notebook Memory [CMSX32GX4M2A2400C16]:

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It is a 32 GB kit, consisting of two 16 GB sticks. These are DDR4 SODIMM. By the manufacturer, it is only advertised as notebook memory for 6^th gen Intel Core i5 and i7 notebooks. Do not panic, as it is also compatible with Mac and many users are using it for their Mac. Maximum frequency it can deliver is 2400 MHz. The fixed latency is 16-16-16-39. The operating voltage is 1.2V. With compatible notebooks, it supports auto overclocking. It is convenient since it does not require any BIOS configuration for overclocking.

It ships with limited lifetime warranty. Compared to Apple installed options, this memory set is cheap and performance matching. Compared to those apple rams, this costs you almost half of their price. Notice that the name-label you can see on it is just sticker and not metal plate. So note that there nothing to worry about fitting issues. Note that these are compatible with the Retina 5K 27”, 2017 Mac.

2. Adamant 32GB Memory Upgrade for MAC [AM52SE22G64-RQ]:

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It is a 16×2 GB DDR4 nonparity, non-ECC, unbuffered memory kit. It is SODIMM dual-rank memory module with 260 pin layout, making it clear that it is compatible with MAC. To be more specific, it is compatible with all 2017 27 inch iMac along with 5K retina display MAC. Moreover, it is also compatible with i5 3.4 / 3.5 / 3.8 GHz and i7 4.2 GHz Intel processors. There is no need to worry about performance or durability as both the memory modules included in the kit come with limited lifetime warranty.

Moreover, they offer free technical support as well to make sure you don’t face any troubles with the installation process. As we stated, they are compatible with 2017 27″ MACs and specific Windows laptops with supported hardware. However, if you still have doubt, you can contact their technicians before purchasing, and they would happily guide you [they need to make a sell, after all]. As we mentioned above, 2017 MACs offer four DIMM slots. If you are planning to use these with your existing sticks, you will need to rearrange them. Otherwise, MAC won’t boot. There is no need to worry since there are tons of guides about this on the internet.

3. OWC 64 GB memory upgrade for 2017 iMAC 27” [2400DDR4S64S]:

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It is a 4 x 16 GB RAM upgrade kit for iMac 27 inch. It is a 260 pin CL17 memory module. The maximum frequency it can deliver is 2400 MHz as it is a DDR4 RAM. It is a PC40 19200 SO-DIMM memory module. You would love to know that these standards are specifically designed for modern PCs including Mid-2017 iMac 27 inch with retina 5k models. Other than mid-2017 Macs, this RAM upgrade kit is also compatible with certain Intel processors including i5 3.4 / 3.5 / 3.8 GHz and i7 4.2 GHz 27-inch models.

For best performance, it is highly recommended that you install these memory modules in pairs. This kit is ideal for MAC 5K since it supports up to 64 GB of maximum main memory with four DIMM slots, which means you need 16 GB x 4 memory modules. All four units come with lifetime limited warranty. Moreover, the manufacturer is also offering lifetime advanced replacement scheme. After all, it is a Mac-specific memory explicitly designed for it, so there is least to worry about.

4. Crucial 32 GB Kit [CT2K16G4S24AM] for MAC:

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As per advertised by the manufacturer, this memory module is supposed to boost up the performance of your Mac. We are not sure about that. However, one thing is sure that these are the heck a lot of cheap compared to those OFFICIAL ram kits from Apple. Not only you are getting the same performance but also paying much lower price compared to those products. These memory kits are available in SODIMMs, RDIMMs and ECC UDIMMs formats as well. Note that this RAM module kit is fully compatible and tested with 2017 iMac Retina 5K 27 inch models.

It is a dual rank x8 based module. As mentioned before, these are tested and work correctly with iMac Retina 5K, 27 inches 2017 model. Note that your MAC will boot up to a black screen when you start it with the new memory installed for the first time. Be patient, don’t do anything and let it be. Once it boots the first time, it will be fine and boot regularly after that. You will quickly notice the difference in performance. If not in normal operation, try photos and data-intensive apps, and you will surely do.

5. Corsair Memory kit 16GB [CMSX16GX4M2A2400C16]:

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This memory module kit is designed for 6^th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processor notebooks. Fortunately, that also comprises of 2017 Mac models. It is a 2 x 8 GB DDR4 SODIMM kits. These memory modules deliver up to 2400 MHz frequency. The average latency sits around 16 – 16 – 16 – 16 – 39. It consumes around 1.2V operating voltage. It supports auto overclocking on compatible notebooks, which means that there is no manual BIOS configuration required for overclocking the memory, it automatically calibrates itself.

For assuring trust in durability and performance, they have backed up their product with limited lifetime warranty. Moreover, multiple buyers have already confirmed that it works pretty well with mid-2017 iMac 5K 27 inch models, so there is nothing to worry about if you are Mac user. When installing it on your Mac, you will get a black screen for a certain amount of time when you boot for the first time after installing the memory. If the screen doesn’t go any further, try reinstalling the RAM and make sure it makes a click sound.

Conclusion

We hope you like our list of the best laptop DDR4 memory currently available on the market. For questions or suggestions, drop us a comment below in the comment section.