# 2017 iMac- RAM upgrade workaround? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** computer-hardware\ **Created:** [December 30, 2025, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172 "2025-12-30T19:26:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2025, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/1 "2025-12-30T19:26:39Z")
This seems the story of my life. I tried a workaround on my home Mac Mini, since it is limited to RAM that’s native to the motherboard. Now, in the Midwest. Sitting before the iMac we bought for my MIL. It’s getting slower and I wanted to expand past the original 8 Gigs of RAM. After finding a useful YouTube video, and having upgraded/swapped RAM chips since….uhh….the mid-1980s, I figured this would be cake. THIS model of iMac has air venting under the foot in the back- but no way to open a door. Similarly, the power connector when disengaged does not reveal a button to release. Which makes sense. Cause, no door. So, dammit. I bought her a model with no possibility of upgrading the RAM? Can I drive the thing to the local Apple Store and they can crack it? Or am I stuck here? ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2025, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/2 "2025-12-30T21:12:20Z")
You don’t say which 2017 iMac you’re talking about, but: > **[Install memory in an iMac - Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108317)** > > Get memory specifications and learn how to install memory in iMac computers. If we’re talking about the 21.5" 2017 iMac: > **Memory is not removable by users** on iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014), _**iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)**_, iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019). If the memory in one of these computers needs repair service, contact an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. **If you’d like to upgrade the memory in one of these models, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can help.** Sounds a lot like “no user-serviceable parts inside” to me. OTOH, I think the other 2017 iMac(s) may have accessible memory slots. It’s a big doc and confusing to read on a phone, so I couldn’t tell for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/3 "2025-12-30T23:13:30Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > You don’t say which 2017 iMac you’re talking about, but: > > [Install memory in an iMac - Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108317) > > If we’re talking about the 21.5" 2017 iMac: > > > **Memory is not removable by users** on iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014), _**iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)**_, iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019). If the memory in one of these computers needs repair service, contact an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. **If you’d like to upgrade the memory in one of these models, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can help.** > > Sounds a lot like “no user-serviceable parts inside” to me. > > OTOH, I think the other 2017 iMac(s) may have accessible memory slots. It’s a big doc and confusing to read on a phone, so I couldn’t tell for sure. Yeah. I’ve got one of those models that is NOT accessible from the back. The entire thing is sealed like a cell phone. I don’t live near this machine and can’t have my MIL without a computer for an extended period of time. Installing myself would have taken less than 15 minutes. I would guess that even if I DID manage to get it to an Apple Store- which is in Manhattan, Kansas- it would cost a fortune to have it delivered BACK to my MIL’s house after the upgrade. Damned annoying. I see no easy way to open up this case….. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2025, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/4 "2025-12-30T23:27:58Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > I see no easy way to open up this case > **[iMac Intel 21.5" Retina 4K Display 2017 Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It...](https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_21.5%22_Retina_4K_Display_%282017%29)** > > A1418 / EMC 3069 / 2017 / 3.0 GHz quad-core i5, 3.4 GHz quad-core i5 or 3.6 GHz quad-core i7 Processor. Released June 8, 2017. This might be the most applicable guide. > **[iMac Intel 21.5" Retina 4K Display (2017) RAM and SATA Hard Drive Upgrade](https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+Retina+4K+Display+(2017)+RAM+and+SATA+Hard+Drive+Upgrade/92904)** > > This guide details removing the logic board in a 2017 iMac 4K in order to upgrade the RAM and the SATA hard drive (for example, if you purchased... If you want to know “how do I open (or upgrade) \”, look at iFixit. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2025, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/5 "2025-12-30T23:35:52Z")
I would strongly advise against attempting to open one up yourself, blind. Those things are full of bundled integrated ribbon wires that if cut or damaged, cannot be replaced. And getting it all sealed back together isn’t simple, either. I would take it to a 3rd party shop and let them do it, or advise you on your specific machine. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2025, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/6 "2025-12-30T23:48:32Z")
I can’t really argue with this. The guide I linked shows that you need 61 steps, with special tools and many interesting warnings like " **Be very careful** not to touch the capacitor leads or any exposed solder joints on the back of the power supply. Only handle the board by the edges." and “The hard drive is still attached by its SATA cable; do not attempt to fully remove it from the iMac yet.”, practically completely disassembling the computer, before you get to the point of exposing the RAM sockets for access. I would be slightly intimidated, and I’m an experience sealed system hacker. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2025, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/7 "2025-12-31T00:08:21Z")
If you have to take it to the store and then have to spend labor on it, it’s probably not worth it, especially given that there’s a RAM pricing crisis right now. Going from 8 GB to 16 GB wouldn’t make much of a noticeable difference, IMO. And 32 GB might cost $220, for example: [Memory Upgrades for iMac 21.5-Inch 2017](https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/imac-2017-21.5-inch) On the other hand, a used M1 Mac Mini can be had for $250-$300, and that will be _dramatically_ faster than that old iMac: [Mac mini M1 for sale | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mac+mini+m1&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=imac+4k+2017&_sop=12) Those old Macs aren’t really as RAM limited as much as thermally throttled by their design and crippled by their HDD or Fusion Drive. An M1 Mac Mini will have a MUCH better processor and a MUCH faster SSD. If you want your MIL to not have to keep waiting for her computer, I think the price of that plus a new monitor might be worth considering? She’d get a much more noticeable boost, vs the probably-not-even-detectable gain she would get from a bit more RAM. (Too bad target display mode isn’t a thing anymore! It’s a waste of a good screen, though I guess you could use screensharing software to still use it over the network. Probably not worth it though.) ---
**Author:** ![vbob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vbob/32/4439_2.png) [@vbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vbob)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2025, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/8 "2025-12-31T00:11:32Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > I would strongly advise against attempting to open one up yourself When I was maintaining the computer labs for RISD Film/Animation/Video I had occasion to replace hard drives with SSDs and upgrade the hidden-inside RAM on about 30 of these…the first few were a real challenge, and a couple had to be revisited but I was ultimately successful. iFixit tutorials were a godsend - but not for the the fainthearted. OTOH, for a trained shop, it’s not that big of a deal. On the gripping hand - as a ‘fun’ project to revive an older machine it might be worth while - but paying someone just to end up with a **slightly** better old Mac probably needs a more dispassionate cost/benefit analysis… ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2025, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/9 "2025-12-31T00:14:13Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > If you have to take it to the store and then have to spend labor on it, it’s probably not worth it, especially given that there’s a RAM pricing crisis right now. Going from 8 GB to 16 GB wouldn’t make much of a noticeable difference, IMO. And 32 GB might cost $220, for example: [Memory Upgrades for iMac 21.5-Inch 2017](https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/imac-2017-21.5-inch) > > On the other hand, a used M1 Mac Mini can be had for $250-$300, and that will be _dramatically_ faster than that old iMac: [Mac mini M1 for sale | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mac+mini+m1&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=imac+4k+2017&_sop=12) > > Those old Macs aren’t really as RAM limited as much as thermally throttled by their design and crippled by their HDD or Fusion Drive. An M1 Mac Mini will have a MUCH better processor and a MUCH faster SSD. If you want your MIL to not have to keep waiting for her computer, I think the price of that plus a new monitor might be worth considering? She’d get a much more noticeable boost, vs the probably-not-even-detectable gain she would get from a bit more RAM. > > (Too bad target display mode isn’t a thing anymore! It’s a waste of a good screen, though I guess you could use screensharing software to still use it over the network. Probably not worth it though.) This is a fascinating approach. I own an M1 Mini. I’d order one with at least 16 Gigs RAM. So— the next question would be, could I use this existing iMac as a display for the Mini? How would I disable the boot disk so she could turn on the display, then the Mini, and the Mini’s HDD would be the “booting disk” ? Hmmmmm. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2025, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/10 "2025-12-31T00:21:53Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > So— the next question would be, could I use this existing iMac as a display for the Mini? How would I disable the boot disk so she could turn on the display, then the Mini, and the Mini’s HDD would be the “booting disk” ? Sorry, I edited my post too late: > (Too bad target display mode isn’t a thing anymore! It’s a waste of a good screen, though I guess you could use screensharing software to still use it over the network. Probably not worth it though.) On older iMacs (even older than hers), you used to be able to connect them via Thunderbolt or Firewire maybe and then use it as an external monitor: [Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-us/105126) But the 2017 iMac doesn’t support that anymore, so you’d be stuck with third-party solutions. It’s all part of Apple’s planned obsolescence… =/ You can use something like [DuetDisplay](https://www.duetdisplay.com/duet-extend-to-a-second-display) to do it in software, but 1) that costs a monthly subscription and 2) you’d still have to maintain the old iMac as a separate computer, with its own updates, just to use it as a monitor. Unless she has a specific need for a high-quality 4k monitor, you should be able to pick up a generic office monitor for cheap pretty much anywhere. And even the 4k ones aren’t that expensive. Don’t you want to impress your wife’s mother? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2025, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/11 "2025-12-31T17:27:02Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > > [@Cartooniverse](#): > > > > So— the next question would be, could I use this existing iMac as a display for the Mini? How would I disable the boot disk so she could turn on the display, then the Mini, and the Mini’s HDD would be the “booting disk” ? > > Sorry, I edited my post too late: > > > (Too bad target display mode isn’t a thing anymore! It’s a waste of a good screen, though I guess you could use screensharing software to still use it over the network. Probably not worth it though.) > > On older iMacs (even older than hers), you used to be able to connect them via Thunderbolt or Firewire maybe and then use it as an external monitor: [Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-us/105126) > > But the 2017 iMac doesn’t support that anymore, so you’d be stuck with third-party solutions. It’s all part of Apple’s planned obsolescence… =/ > > You can use something like [DuetDisplay](https://www.duetdisplay.com/duet-extend-to-a-second-display) to do it in software, but 1) that costs a monthly subscription and 2) you’d still have to maintain the old iMac as a separate computer, with its own updates, just to use it as a monitor. > > Unless she has a specific need for a high-quality 4k monitor, you should be able to pick up a generic office monitor for cheap pretty much anywhere. And even the 4k ones aren’t that expensive. Don’t you want to impress your wife’s mother? 😉 Of course I want to. Don’t be silly. Good points all, and they save me a lotta headache and heartache. Yes, 4K monitors are dirt cheap and great-looking and I could pair one with a 16 Gig Mini. I think that’s the way to go late spring when we return. She’s 92 and still highly together and computer-literate to the point where she can use the device and move around and do emails, open PDFs, surf the Web, etc. Hardware stuff is solidly beyond her and these changes can’t happen via long distance. If her machine continues to choke a bit, we’ll revisit later this year ( call it 20206, it’s 13 hours from now !! ) ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2025, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-imac-ram-upgrade-workaround/1026172/12 "2025-12-31T17:34:29Z")
Good call. It’ll cost a bit more, but be a much more noticeable upgrade for her. And happy new year 🙂