iMac 27 doesn't boot with 4 Ram slots filled

Hi all,


iMac 27 2019. Trying to upgrade with installing the identical 2x4GB Ram modules (OEM Apple) to the 2 available slots. Followed the instructions from apple support but the iMac won't boot up after.

The iMac will boot up though with the 3 out of 4 modules installed, regardless of slot combination installed (not slot damaged) or modules combination (not module damaged).

All four modules are same (Apple 4GB OEM pre installed on iMac 2019).

Can anyone help me?

it doesn't make sense :)

Posted on Feb 3, 2023 05:06 AM

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Posted on Feb 3, 2023 07:32 AM

Apple computers are very picky about RAM. If something about a module is not right, a problem such as yours can occur. I think you have a bad RAM module. I would return it for a replacement. You were smart to move them around to confirm that it is not a slot issue.

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14 replies

Feb 3, 2023 11:50 AM in response to HWTech

I acquired them online. They are identical to what the imac had inside.

They do work yes. If I pair them alone or with a 3rd one of the pre- installed, it does boot regardless of their slot order. I have tried various combinations to find any correlation but no. The only hint here is that sometimes, it won't boot up with 3 installed regardless of their slot order or modules picked but only sometimes. Attaching a photo with 2 modules and their S/N that differentiates the pairs.

Feb 3, 2023 02:02 PM in response to grigorios83

As you've already been made aware of Macs are extremely sensitive to the quality of RAM modules regardless of what is said about the specs of the modules.


There are only two vendors that guarantee their modules will work in the Mac intended as they test them in that Mac: Crucial.com and OWC (MacSales.com).


I would return the two 3rd party modules and order replacements from either of the vendors I mentioned previously.


Feb 3, 2023 08:52 AM in response to grigorios83

How did you acquire these other two memory modules? It sounds like at least one of these "new" memory modules is defective. How do you know these are Apple OEM memory modules? Post a picture of the "new" modules (label side). Are you sure they are compatible with this iMac?


Do the two "new" modules work Ok if they are the only two modules installed?

Feb 3, 2023 10:29 PM in response to Jack-19

No. It can happen with any slot and with any module. I have tried numerous combinations but it doesnt add up. All slots and modules are working, everywhere in any order but not all together. As i mentioned in a previous comment, few times it doesnt boot up even with 3 modules but again regardless the combination. In similar occasions with other pc brands there are issues related to BIOS and firmware.

Feb 3, 2023 09:32 PM in response to grigorios83

grigorios83 wrote:

Thanks for the answer but those are not 3rd party modules. They are OEM parts from another iMac 27 2019 and they work independently.

Where did you get these modules? If it was from an online third-party seller, chances are they are counterfeit or defective.


I recommend you use purchase Apple Modules directly from Apple, or use Crucial modules.


Jack

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iMac 27 doesn't boot with 4 Ram slots filled

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