OWC offering higher capacity and more affordable RAM options for 2019 iMac 5K

OWC is now offering upgraded RAM kits for the new 2019 27-inch iMac up to 128GB, offering more affordability and higher capacities than factory configurations.

OWC has made memory kits available up to 128GB which is as much as four times the capacity Apple's configurations, at a lower price than Apple's RAM. Through OWC, users can jump up to 64GB for $579.99, 96GB for $749.99, and 128GB for $1099.99.

The new 27-inch iMac can be configured at time of purchase with up to 32GB or 64GB of RAM depending on your model. If you choose the 3.0GHz 6-core eighth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, the maximum from Apple is 32GB. The 3.1GHz 6-core 8th-generation i5, 3.7GHz 6-core 9th-generation i5, or the 3.6GHz 8-core 9th-generation i9 processor are limited to 64GB of RAM when purchased from Apple.

From Apple, upgrading from 8GB to 16GB, costs $200, with 32GB ad 64GB upgrades available for $600 and $1000, respectively. Using OWC RAM, 128GB sells for only $100 more Apple's cost for 64GB.

Apple recently refreshed its iMac 4K and iMac 5K with updated internals but the same external design. If you're wondering which one to pick up, check out AppleInsider's guide on buying a new 2019 iMac.

22 Comments

preclarotipo 35 comments · 9 Years

About 5 years ago

Does anyone have experience with ram of say, 32GB or higher that can report on how the computer performs?

I have 8GB, I do sometimes max out the ram and need to force quit apps but it is usually due to a Safari or MS Word/Excel error that isn't 'normal'. Under 'normal-to-me' operation (MS Office, Safari, scanner software, mail, messages, preview) I don't have an issue with 8GB ram.

Fatman 513 comments · 8 Years

Can anyone confirm if the internal SSD can be user upgraded with a 1TB or 2TB Samsung drive?

Mike Wuerthele 6901 comments · 8 Years

preclarotipo said:

Does anyone have experience with ram of say, 32GB or higher that can report on how the computer performs?

I have 8GB, I do sometimes max out the ram and need to force quit apps but it is usually due to a Safari or MS Word/Excel error that isn't 'normal'. Under 'normal-to-me' operation (MS Office, Safari, scanner software, mail, messages, preview) I don't have an issue with 8GB ram.

It really depends. 8GB is sufficient today for nearly everybody. Looking at what you're doing, you won't see a notable difference from 8GB to 16 or even 32.

As a general rule, the more data you wrangle in-app, the more it matters. Also, Chrome wants 16GB, but will eat whatever you give it, really.

Fatman said:

Can anyone confirm if the internal SSD can be user upgraded with a 1TB or 2TB Samsung drive?

The internal Fusion drive uses a SATA connector, so it seems so, if you're adventurous. We're not sure yet if you buy with SSD.

sflocal 6133 comments · 16 Years

preclarotipo said:

Does anyone have experience with ram of say, 32GB or higher that can report on how the computer performs?

I have 8GB, I do sometimes max out the ram and need to force quit apps but it is usually due to a Safari or MS Word/Excel error that isn't 'normal'. Under 'normal-to-me' operation (MS Office, Safari, scanner software, mail, messages, preview) I don't have an issue with 8GB ram.

I upgraded my late 2015 iMac from 8GB to 64GB within a month of receiving it. That particular iMac model was advertised as having a max of 32GB, but was determined that it could in fact run with 64GB.

I do a lot of photography work working with memory-sucking Adobe applications, and run virtual machines (Windows). I'll tell you when I used my iMac that first month with 8B, it was fine... it did the job acceptably. However, when I upgraded it to 64GB it was a night/day difference for my particular use-case. While 8GB is fine, 16GB is the bare minimum I would recommend anyone get. It gives one's machine that much more breathing room.

Using an SSD drive does compensate a bit when using 8GB, but if one looks at system resources, almost all 8GB is consumed just opening up Safari, along with what the system uses just to keep things running.

If one does more intense work like video and/or photography, running virtual machines (I do), then 32GB on the desktop would be preferable. The only time I recommend 8GB to anyone for an iMac is because I tell them to buy 3rd party RAM and self-install. It's one of the two times I truly believe that Apple just gouges their user base - that, and along with their SSD prices.