Don’t Buy Overpriced RAM From Apple

The Apple tax is no joke, but neither is a typical Apple owner’s fear of popping open their systems and feeding their Mac some extra-delicious low-cost memory. But here’s the thing: If you pay Apple for RAM that you can install yourself, you’re wasting money. Full stop.

How much? Let’s do the math.

Apple’s latest 27-inch iMac costs $1,799 for the base version with no modifications. That gets you a respectable 8GB of DDR4 memory, but I’d argue that most reasonably badass systems nowadays for gamers and creative professionals should bump up to a minimum of 16GB. You might never need more than that, so why not max out while you can?

The problem? If you opt for this upgrade through Apple—when customizing your system prior to purchasing it—you’re going to pay $200 for that extra 8GB. And if you dare to go higher, the prices only get crazier:

• 32GB (+$600)
• 64GB ($+1,000)
• 128GB (+$2,600)

While very few among us would ever need 128GB of memory—basically, those messing around with motion graphics and video editing—the cost associated with the upgrade is pretty extreme. You could buy a second computer with even better specs than the base 27-inch iMac for what you’re paying just for that memory. It makes even less sense when you realize PC owners easily can outfit their desktops with a full 128GB of memory that’s faster than Apple’s, frequency-wise, for one-fourth the price.

So, if you’re shopping for a new Mac, what do you do?

Before you buy a Mac, check to see if you can upgrade it

You can open up some iMacs upgrade the memory yourself, if you want. But this won’t always be easily possible. Your best bet is to first check and see whether Apple allows you to access your system’s memory and swap it out (or supplement it).

Thankfully, Apple provides a pretty handy list of upgradable Macs right here. (As for the MacBook, fat chance.) Our example above, the most recent 27-inch iMac, is compatible.

You will, of course, have to purchase your own memory matching the exact specifications of your system (which Apple provides). You could also just cheat and use one of the web-based tools from a manufacturer like OWC to purchase the precise memory your system requires to function.

You can probably save money doing this yourself, rather than using OWC’s kits, but you run the risk of selecting memory that won’t quite work with your Mac. Since you probably want to only take one stab at this, and you’re already going to save a ton of money over buying RAM from Apple, OWC’s offerings might be good enough for you—no shame, but know that there are other options out there.

Save hundreds (or thousands) with just a little work

As for the savings, it’ll be considerable. Here again is that list of what memory upgrades would cost from Apple:

• 32GB (+$600)
• 64GB (+$1,000)
• 128GB (+$2,600)

Get the base amount of memory for your iMac (8GB) and spring for an OWC kit, and you’ll pay the following:

• 32GB ($120)
• 64GB ($270)
• 128GB ($600)

The Apple Tax is real, folks.

Now, you’ll have to install this memory yourself, but this is hardly a task that’s worth paying anywhere from $500-$2,000 for Apple to take care of on your behalf. It’s absurdly easy to do; Apple will even show you how. Here’s the short version of the process for Apple’s latest iMac:

• Disconnect your iMac and gently lay it down on its display.
• Press the gray button below the AC power port to open up the memory compartment.
• Release the DIMMs (your RAM) by pushing both visible cards out, then pulling them toward you
• Remove and replace your memory, taking care that you’re properly orienting each DIMM’s notch to the left or right (depending on your Mac’s construction).
• Use the levers to lock the DIMMs in place when you’re done, and replace the memory compartment’s panel.

These instructions will differ depending on what iMac you have—older iMacs might even require you to use a screwdriver to access the memory compartment. In any case, Apple’s directions should be straightforward for even the most inexperienced of computer tinkerers.

And the benefits? Well, saving potentially thousands of dollars for five minutes of work is the best trade-off you’ll ever make with your Mac. Stop paying the Apple tax.