You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

RAM HELP

I own an iMac (21.5 inch from late 2015) after finally making the upgrade to Catalina I had to download some new editing software (adobe CC). Just recently It seems like the programs were moving slower. But not only that so was my mac.

I was looking into upgrading the RAM on It to see if that could potentially solve the issue (this mainly being for my editing software). Unfortunately my iMac model can’t upgrade Its ram from 8gb (thanks dad). It doesn’t even have that little compartment above the power outlet on the back. Now I still think this is possible. Not by using third party software but other methods. Can anyone make any recommendations on how to boost the speed and/or make this upgrade?

Or perhaps recommend another solution. Honestly I’m not too tech smart so I might have said something that makes No sense. Anyway What do you guys think?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 19, 2020 10:20 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 19, 2020 10:28 AM

Unfortunately, the 2015 21.5" iMacs have soldered on Ram that cannot be upgraded at all. (There is no way to upgrade RAM through software. Ram is a physical hardware chip). See here: Install memory in an iMac - Apple Support


You may be able to improve performance by cleaning up any startup items or running processes that may be slowing it down. Normal culprits of this are Antivirus Apps, Malware apps, Mac cleaning apps.


You can download Etrecheck and perform a scan, and post the report here for us to look over and see if there's anything we cna suggest to improve performance on your iMac.


See here: Using EtreCheck - Apple Community



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 19, 2020 10:28 AM in response to mibevan

Unfortunately, the 2015 21.5" iMacs have soldered on Ram that cannot be upgraded at all. (There is no way to upgrade RAM through software. Ram is a physical hardware chip). See here: Install memory in an iMac - Apple Support


You may be able to improve performance by cleaning up any startup items or running processes that may be slowing it down. Normal culprits of this are Antivirus Apps, Malware apps, Mac cleaning apps.


You can download Etrecheck and perform a scan, and post the report here for us to look over and see if there's anything we cna suggest to improve performance on your iMac.


See here: Using EtreCheck - Apple Community



Aug 20, 2020 4:03 PM in response to mibevan

I agree, RAM is what is needed, but it unfortunately can not be added. In addition to what was noted, there are some things you can do which may help to improve things a bit. They are “maintenance” steps which are often ignored by many people.

·      It is important to occasionally restart a Mac. Ideally, once a week or more often. This does some system cleaning.

·      Regularly clearing the history of your browsers can help as all the data is stored in RAM. Clearing frees up RAM for system use. The Chrome browser uses a lot more RAM than other browsers do.

·      Some people seldom empty their trash. If you haven’t, then do so. Also empty your email trash.

·      Some programs use a lot of RAM. (Like many Adobe apps.) When using then, close any other apps not being used.

·      Doing a restart in the safe mode can clear a number of problems. This is done by holding down the shift key at start up. This process can take up to ten minutes while the computer is doing its maintenance and cleans the cache. You may then restart normally.

·      It is also a good idea to periodically run the Disk Utility app. If it reports some issues, then rerun it repeatedly as needed until the final report is ok.

·      Do not function with a lot of apps open if you are not using them.

·      Last, and most important, as noted, you should remove any and all Mac cleaner and anti virus programs. They will cause problems and will significantly slow your computer.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and enable you to speed up your computer somewhat.

RAM HELP

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.