I had added an 8GB RAM along with existing 4GB when I purchased this iMac in 2016. For all this long it was running fine when lately I thought to add more RAM. So yesterday I added 2 more 8GB RAM modules and as I turned the system on it starts running to slow.
Apps which were running smooth earlier are now running too slow.
On Civilization VI i can practically see every frame moving every second, which earlier was running very fine.
Old config RAM
- Slot 1 from bottom 4GB – system default RAM
- Slot 3 from bottom 8GB – Hyper Kingston 1867 DDR3 RAM SODIMM
Now added RAM
- Slot 2 from bottom 8GB – Hyper Kingston 1867 DDR3 RAM SODIMM
- Slot 4 from bottom 8GB – Hyper Kingston 1867 DDR3 RAM SODIMM
Best Answer
You should have matching DIMMS in order to maximize performance / dual channel functionality. Also note that RAM is going to operate at the lowest speed of all the DIMMS, which is another reason why they should all match.
That being said, it shouldn't be operating that slowly. I would start with removing the original 4 GB stick, possibly doing a PRAM reset, and maybe shuffling around which slots they're installed in, since the problem only starting showing when you used the two vacant slots with the new RAM, if I'm reading correctly. Also confirm that the system is recognizing all the memory you installed.
Finally, it's possible you got bad/defective memory. You can also try running diagnostics to rule out logic board issues etc.