Ram sticks only fit in the 1st and 2nd slots

[note551]

Recently bought new ram sticks, but when i tried putting them in the 3rd and 4th slots they wouldnt fit in my iMac 2011 21". So, i tried swapping the original ram sticks out (2x2GB) and the new rams fit just fine in there, but now the original ram sticks cant fit in the 3rd or 4th slots either. Any ideas? Im sure i put it in the correct way and applied alot of force but it still wont fit.

**UPDATE

Just a reminder, but both rams, old and the new ones can both fit in the top slots (1 & 2) but not the lower slots (3 & 4) like this:
----1---- ----2----
----3---- ----4----

 

[Darkbreeze]

Try unlocking the end locks. The should slide outward (Push down on the tabs at the end of each slot) to open. You probably accidentally pushed them in and now the modules can't be seated. They snap into place into the recesses in the end of the memory modules automatically when the RAM is fully seated but can accidentally be pushed into the lock position when the slot is not populated. The lock mechanism on the iMac is a bit different than on a PC, but substantially the same concept. There is a slide lock that must be disengaged before the module can be installed.

Or it's the wrong memory type.

 

[Shaun o]

If you look on all of the memory sticks there is a notch taken out of them.
If you then look at the memory slots on the IMac you will note that from where the key or bit of plastic in the memory slot its self one space is longer than the other.

You must turn your ram sticks over so the notch and key line up, you will have to check if the Imac takes what we call DDR 2 memory or DDR 3 memory. The notch and key prevent fitting of DDR 3 memory for a board ment to run DDR 2 memory.


It should say or state this.
It may be the case you have bought DDR 3 memory but the Imac needs DD2 memory modules.
Each memory module differs in the amount of gold wafer fins on each memory module.
The notch, and the key in the memory slot prevents you from inserting the wrong type of memory and why the new memory will not fit it is likely DD3 memory and not DD2 that is should be used with the memory slots of the imac.

 

[skitszo]

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191#2

not worked on macs.. but here's a tech page....

 

[note551]

Try unlocking the end locks. The should slide outward (Push down on the tabs at the end of each slot) to open. You probably accidentally pushed them in and now the modules can't be seated. They snap into place into the recesses in the end of the memory modules automatically when the RAM is fully seated but can accidentally be pushed into the lock position when the slot is not populated. The lock mechanism on the iMac is a bit different than on a PC, but substantially the same concept. There is a slide lock that must be disengaged before the module can be installed.

Or it's the wrong memory type.

It's the correct memory type for the iMac 2011 21 inch, taking DDR3 and other things.
Also, i can't seem to find any tabs at the end slots or any kind of slide lock that can be disengaged..

 

[Darkbreeze]

Then flip the modules horizontally. There are cutouts in the bottom of the module along the row of teeth that only allow them to be installed in one orientation.