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Hi, Can I put in my late 2012 iMac 16gb ddr3 1333 MHz memory instead of 8gb ddr3 1600 MHz installed? I know that is speed downgrade. Cheers

Your machine uses: RAM Type:PC3-12800 DDR3*Min. RAM Speed:1600 MHz Details:By default, this system has 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM. Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the RAM in this system. However, as first discovered by site sponsor OWC, this system has two SO-DIMM slots (204-pin). Unfortunately, accessing these slots requires one to pry off the display that is glued to the case and remove the logic board. Standard RAM:8 GBMaximum RAM:16 GB Details:*8 GB of RAM is standard and it could be upgraded at the time of purchase to 16 GB for an additional US$200. Although Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the RAM after purchase, and doing so is difficult, it is possible. https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/

Your system uses 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. 1333 MHz SO-DIMM’s are the correct RAM. It’s getting harder to find these slower SO-DIMMs. 1600 MHz SO-DIMM’s will also work. Apple didn’t make getting to the RAM easy! Here’s the iFixit guide iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2544 RAM Replacement as you can see its quite a bit of work. I would strongly recommend getting the iFixit tool kit with the needed pizza cutter and adhesive strips for the display iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2544 (Late 2012) Memory Maxxer RAM Upgrade Kit