Search for Mac memory and the same question comes up every time: can you upgrade the RAM? The answer depends entirely on which Mac you have. Some can take more memory in minutes. Others cannot be upgraded by anyone. This guide sorts every Mac by model so you know where yours falls before you spend anything.
The short answer
- Every Apple silicon Mac (M1 and later) cannot be upgraded. The memory is unified memory built into the chip, so the amount you buy is the amount you keep.
- Intel Macs are a mix. The 27 inch iMac, 2010 to 2012 Mac mini, non-Retina MacBook Pro and every Intel Mac Pro take memory. The MacBook Air, Retina MacBook Pro and 2014 Mac mini do not.
- The Intel Mac Pro is the exception. Every Intel Mac Pro, including the 2019 tower, takes server-grade ECC memory. The Apple silicon Mac Pro does not.
NEMIX RAM supplies memory for the Macs that can be upgraded, matched to the exact model. If your Mac is on the no list, we will tell you, not sell you a module that cannot be used. See our Apple Mac memory upgrades page for module listings by model.
Which Macs can be upgraded
| Mac | Can you upgrade the RAM? | What it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Any Apple silicon Mac (M1 and later): MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio, Mac Pro | No | Unified memory is built into the chip. Nobody can add to it. |
| MacBook Air, all years | No | Memory is soldered. |
| MacBook Pro with Retina display | No | Memory is soldered. The last socketed MacBook Pro is the 2012 non-Retina model. |
| MacBook Pro, 2008 to Mid 2012 (non-Retina) | Yes | DDR3 SODIMM, 2 slots, behind the bottom cover. |
| iMac 27 inch, 2009 to 2020 | Yes | SODIMM, 4 slots, behind a small door. No tools. |
| iMac 21.5 inch | Mostly no | Late 2012 and later need the display removed. Mid 2014 and Late 2015 are soldered. |
| iMac Pro, 2017 | No, not by the user | Four DDR4 ECC slots, reached by removing the display. Apple service provider job. |
| Mac mini, 2010 to 2012 | Yes | DDR3 SODIMM, 2 slots, behind the bottom cover. |
| Mac mini, 2014 | No | Memory is soldered. |
| Mac mini, 2018 | Yes, with the logic board out | DDR4 SODIMM, 2 slots. Apple documents it as a service provider upgrade. |
| Mac Pro, 2019 and 2020 (7,1, tower and Rack) | Yes | DDR4 ECC RDIMM or LRDIMM, 12 slots. |
| Mac Pro, Late 2013 (6,1) | Yes | DDR3 ECC, 4 slots. |
| Mac Pro, 2009 to 2012 (4,1 and 5,1) | Yes | DDR3 ECC UDIMM, 4 or 8 slots. |
Find your exact model first
Apple sold machines with the same name and different memory for a decade, so the marketing name is not enough. Open the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then System Report, and read the Model Identifier under Hardware Overview. It looks like iMac19,1, MacPro7,1, Macmini8,1 or MacBookPro9,2. If About This Mac shows a Memory tab, the machine has user slots, and the tab lists every slot, what is in it and its speed. If the Memory tab is missing, the machine has no user-serviceable slots.
Mac Pro
The Intel Mac Pro is the most upgradable Mac ever sold, and every generation takes ECC memory. The 2019 and 2020 model takes server-grade DDR4 RDIMM or LRDIMM, the same type used in servers. A non-ECC module will not start a Mac Pro. Apple supports 4, 6, 8 or 12 modules of the same capacity and the same type, and RDIMM and LRDIMM never mix. Browse our Mac Pro memory upgrades and the Mac Pro 2019 collection.
Apple discontinued the Mac Pro in March 2026 and said it does not plan to design a new version. Intel Mac Pros already in use stay upgradable, and we still supply memory for them.
| Mac Pro | Model identifier | Memory | Slots | Documented maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 and 2020, tower and Rack | MacPro7,1 | DDR4-2933 ECC RDIMM or LRDIMM | 12 (6-channel) | 768GB with RDIMM on 8, 12 and 16-core; 1.5TB with 128GB LRDIMM on 24 and 28-core |
| Late 2013 (cylinder) | MacPro6,1 | DDR3-1866 ECC | 4 (quad-channel) | 64GB (4 x 16GB) |
| 2010 and 2012 | MacPro5,1 | DDR3-1333 ECC UDIMM | 4 or 8 | 32GB single CPU, 64GB dual CPU with 8GB modules |
| 2009 | MacPro4,1 | DDR3-1066 ECC UDIMM | 4 or 8 | 32GB or 64GB |
iMac
The 27 inch iMac is the easiest to upgrade. Four SODIMM slots sit behind a small door above the power inlet. Press the button and the door opens, with no tools. Two matched pairs is the correct population, and all four identical modules is best. The 21.5 inch models are different. From Late 2012 the memory is socketed but reachable only by removing the display, and the 2019 and 2021 21.5 inch 4K model is the same. Apple documents those as not user-upgradable. The Mid 2014 and Late 2015 21.5 inch models have soldered memory. The 2017 iMac Pro takes four DDR4 ECC RDIMMs, but reaching them means removing the display, so Apple's own path is a service provider. See iMac memory upgrades.
| iMac 27 inch | Model identifier | Memory | Slots | Documented maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | iMac20,1, iMac20,2 | DDR4-2666 SODIMM | 4 | 128GB |
| 2019 | iMac19,1 | DDR4-2666 SODIMM | 4 | 128GB |
| 2017 | iMac18,3 | DDR4-2400 SODIMM | 4 | 64GB |
| Late 2015 (Retina 5K) | iMac17,1 | DDR3-1866 SODIMM | 4 | 64GB |
| Late 2014 and Mid 2015 (Retina 5K) | iMac15,1 | DDR3-1600 SODIMM | 4 | 32GB |
| Late 2012 and Late 2013 | iMac13,2, iMac14,2 | DDR3-1600 SODIMM | 4 | 32GB |
| Mid 2010 and Mid 2011 | iMac11,x, iMac12,x | DDR3-1333 SODIMM | 4 | 16GB |
| Late 2009 | iMac10,1, iMac11,1 | DDR3-1066 SODIMM | 4 | 16GB |
Mac mini
The 2010 through 2012 minis open with a twist of the bottom cover and the slots are right there. The 2018 mini is upgradable, but the logic board has to come out to reach the slots. Apple documents it as a service provider upgrade, and it is a job for a careful owner. The 2014 mini has soldered memory. Every mini is dual-channel, so fit two identical modules. See Mac mini memory upgrades.
| Mac mini | Model identifier | Memory | Slots | Documented maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Macmini8,1 | DDR4-2666 SODIMM | 2 | 64GB |
| Late 2012 | Macmini6,1, Macmini6,2 | DDR3-1600 SODIMM | 2 | 16GB |
| Mid 2011 | Macmini5,x | DDR3-1333 SODIMM | 2 | 16GB |
| Mid 2010 | Macmini4,1 | DDR3-1066 SODIMM | 2 | 16GB |
MacBook Pro
This is the question behind most searches for "can you upgrade memory on a MacBook Pro." The honest answer is that only the older non-Retina models can. The last socketed model is the Mid 2012 non-Retina 13 inch, which Apple kept on sale into 2016. Every Retina MacBook Pro has soldered memory, every MacBook Air has soldered memory, and every Apple silicon MacBook uses unified memory built into the chip. The bottom cover on the older models comes off with ten small Phillips screws, and the two slots are stacked at the center. "16GB works" in the table means the machine starts and runs with two 8GB modules despite Apple's stated maximum. That is widely done and outside Apple's documentation, so the choice is yours. See MacBook Pro memory upgrades.
| MacBook Pro (non-Retina) | Model identifier | Memory | Slots | Documented maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 inch Mid 2012 | MacBookPro9,2 | DDR3-1600 SODIMM | 2 | 8GB (16GB works) |
| 15 inch Mid 2012 | MacBookPro9,1 | DDR3-1600 SODIMM | 2 | 8GB (16GB works) |
| 13, 15 and 17 inch, Early and Late 2011 | MacBookPro8,x | DDR3-1333 SODIMM | 2 | 8GB (16GB works) |
| 13, 15 and 17 inch, Mid 2010 | MacBookPro6,x, 7,1 | DDR3-1066 SODIMM | 2 | 8GB |
| 13, 15 and 17 inch, Late 2008 to Mid 2009 | MacBookPro5,x | DDR3-1066 SODIMM | 2 | 8GB (Late 2008 documented 4GB) |
Rules that apply to every upgradable Mac
- Fit modules in pairs. Every iMac, mini and MacBook Pro here is dual-channel. Two identical modules is the correct configuration, and four identical on the 27 inch iMac. A single larger module works but runs single-channel.
- The machine sets the speed. A faster module of the right generation runs at the machine's speed. DDR3-1600 in a 1333 machine runs at 1333. Buying the speed Apple lists is the clean choice.
- Mind DDR3 voltage. Apple's 2012 and later DDR3 machines shipped with 1.35V low-voltage modules. A DDR3L module runs in either, which is why the modules for those machines are DDR3L.
- ECC belongs only in the Mac Pro and iMac Pro. The iMac, mini and MacBook Pro take non-ECC SODIMM, and an ECC SODIMM will not run in them. The Mac Pro and iMac Pro need ECC, and a non-ECC module will not start. For the difference, see our ECC vs non-ECC RAM guide.
- macOS reports, it does not restrict. On Intel Macs, About This Mac lists installed modules by maker and speed and runs any module that meets the specification.
SODIMM Macs take the same compact modules used in laptops and mini PCs. For how SODIMM works, see the SODIMM memory guide and browse DDR4 SODIMM or all SODIMM memory. Mac Pro memory is registered server memory: browse DDR4 RDIMM and DDR4 LRDIMM. The workstation memory guide covers channels and population in more detail.
If your Mac cannot be upgraded
Nothing can add RAM to a Mac with soldered or unified memory. The amount installed when you bought it is what it has, which is why that choice matters at purchase. If the machine is running out of memory, the options are to reduce what runs at once, or to move to a Mac with more memory. We would rather say that plainly than sell you a module that does not fit.
How to upgrade the memory in an Intel Mac
- Read the Model Identifier in About This Mac, System Report.
- Check the table above for slots, memory type and documented maximum.
- Choose matched modules of the right generation, speed and voltage, in pairs where the machine is dual-channel.
- Shut down and unplug, then open the machine the way that model opens. The 27 inch iMac and 2013 Mac Pro have an access door or latch. The mini and older MacBook Pro open from the bottom.
- Seat the modules, close up, and confirm the full amount in About This Mac, Memory.
Send us the model identifier and we will confirm the module, or start from memory by manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Did Apple discontinue the Mac Pro?
Yes. Apple discontinued the Mac Pro in March 2026 and said it does not plan to design a new version. Intel Mac Pros (2009 to 2012, Late 2013, 2019 and 2020) remain upgradable with ECC memory. The Apple silicon Mac Pro uses memory built into the chip, which cannot be added to or replaced.
Can you upgrade the RAM in a MacBook Pro?
Only on older non-Retina models, up to the Mid 2012 13 inch and 15 inch and the 17 inch models. Every Retina MacBook Pro has soldered memory and cannot be upgraded.
Can you upgrade the RAM in a MacBook Air?
No. The memory in every MacBook Air is soldered to the board or built into the chip, and cannot be upgraded.
Can you upgrade RAM on an M1, M2 or M3 Mac?
No. Apple silicon Macs use unified memory built into the chip, so the memory cannot be added to or replaced. Choose the amount you need when you buy.
Which Macs can I upgrade the RAM on?
The 27 inch iMac from 2009 to 2020, the 2010 to 2012 and 2018 Mac mini, the non-Retina MacBook Pro through Mid 2012, and every Intel Mac Pro. The 2017 iMac Pro and most 21.5 inch iMacs are technically socketed but not user-upgradable.
How do I find out what memory my Mac uses?
Open the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then System Report, and read the Model Identifier. If a Memory tab appears in About This Mac, it lists each slot, the module installed and its speed.
Does my Mac need special RAM?
It needs RAM matched to its generation, speed and voltage. The Mac Pro and iMac Pro need ECC memory, and the iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro need non-ECC SODIMM.
Can I use any brand of RAM in a Mac?
On Intel Macs, yes, as long as the module meets the specification for that model. macOS runs any compatible module and shows the maker in About This Mac.
Sources
Models, identifiers, slot counts and documented maximums come from Apple's published specifications and our own compatibility testing. Cross-checked against Macworld on how to upgrade RAM in a Mac, read on October 28, 2026. Apple has not made any Apple silicon Mac user-upgradable, but confirm your exact model with Apple before buying. The March 2026 Mac Pro discontinuation was reported by MacRumors, read on October 28, 2026.
Memory for Macs, studios and fleets
NEMIX RAM is a US-based memory specialist, in business since 1993. Every module is researched, matched, and compatibility-tested by NEMIX RAM, is JEDEC-compliant, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Purchase orders, net terms and volume pricing are available for business, education and public-sector orders. Request a quote with your model identifiers and quantities, or contact our sales team.
NEMIX RAM is an independent memory supplier and is not affiliated with Apple Inc. Apple, Mac, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro, macOS and Apple silicon are trademarks of Apple Inc., used here only to identify compatible systems.