How do I increase the memory on my imac?

Question

How do I increase the memory on my imac?

Hi I would like to increase the memory on my imac, please can someone tell me 1) if it is possible and 2) how to do it in easy instructions?
Thanks for your time

Imac, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Jul 11, 2007 7:45 AM

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Answer 1

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Jul 11, 2007 8:23 AM in response to Mary Ann Scadding

Hi Mary,

Yes it's possible and very easy. To give you the best possible advice we need to know your processor speed, screen size and the amount of memory you currently have. (Have a look in Apple menu >About This Mac for the former and latter).

More generally the iMac G4 has two RAM slots one is called the "factory" slot and will have been filled by Apple when your bought the iMac. The "user-accessible" slot takes an SODIMM but we need the details above to tell you what type and the maximum possible you can install.

Apple provides installation instructions for each of the two main types of iMac G4 but again we need that processor speed.

kind regards

mrtotes

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Answer 2

Jul 11, 2007 2:19 PM in response to mrtotes

mrtotes,

I've got a friend with an iMac G4, 1.25GHz processor, 17" screen. Can this handle a new 1GB memory module (PC2700)?

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Answer 3

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Jul 11, 2007 2:21 PM in response to Joe Maloney

Yep. I have a 1GB PC22700 DIMM and a 512MB PC2700 SODIMM installed in my 1.25GHz iMac.

mrtotes

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Answer 4

Jul 11, 2007 2:25 PM in response to mrtotes

Thanks. I've read that there's an "internal" slot vs. a "user accessible" slot, or are they both upgradable?

I assume the normal user accessible one is a DIMM, and the other may be SODIMM?

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Answer 5

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Jul 11, 2007 3:00 PM in response to Joe Maloney

Actually the factory-only slot is the DIMM and the user-accessible slot is the SODIMM.

Both are upgradable, but the DIMM is significantly more complex, frankly putting a 1GB SODIMM along with whatever you have in the factory slot should be enough for any G4 machine today. If you need more than that then your money is probably better spent towards a more powerful Mac.

cheers

mrtotes

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Answer 6

Jul 11, 2007 5:32 PM in response to mrtotes

Yes, very good point. I just wanted to make sure I got the right kind of memory.

Thanks.

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Answer 7

Jul 16, 2007 5:56 PM in response to mrtotes

hi mrtotes, you seem to know in these discussions, I myself am about to upgrade my memory on my older 80GB imac, PowerMac 4.2 PowerPC G4 (2.1) cpu speed 800 MHz Bus Speed 100 MHz so I can speed the processing to use it for my pre-editing musics via Pro Tools app then put it on my external drive for finishing masterings which houses pro-tools app. also but that one has 250GB fast processor plenty of space on it for now. my ? to you is how many pins are in user accessible memory upgrade chip for the imac, thanks much Michael the"Hook"

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Answer 8

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Jul 17, 2007 11:57 AM in response to Hook em Up

The iMac 800MHz needs a 144pin PC133 SODIMM of up to 512MB for the 'user-accessible' slot.

Where to buy?

How to fit?

cheers

mrtotes

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Answer 9

Jul 23, 2007 1:31 PM in response to mrtotes

I've got an flat-panel iMac 700MHz PowerPC G4 (PowerMac4,2) with a 512MB SDRAM chip in the DIMM0/J12 slot and a 256MB SDRAM chip in the DIMM0/J13 -- how can I upgrade to the maximum possible memory for this machine?

Thanks...

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Answer 10

Jul 23, 2007 5:44 PM in response to Mark Leccese

You'll have to open the casing and replace the factory module (256Mb) with 512MB. this will give you a total of about 1GB.

It's quite an under taking so carefully consider if it's something you'd like to attempt.

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Answer 11

Jul 24, 2007 7:10 AM in response to Major Biggles

Thanks, Major. I plan to use this document as a how-to:

"iMac (Flat Panel) and iMac (17-inch Flat Panel): Installing or Replacing Memory"

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=26239

Which one is the factory module? How can I tell?

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Answer 12

Jul 25, 2007 7:26 AM in response to Mark Leccese

Not that easy I'm afraid.

You'll need to remove the screws that you were told not to touch in figure 3 of the page you sited to gain access to the mother board. This is a tricky procedure (especially in sub 1GHz imacs) and has an inherent risk associated with it. see the link for instructions

http://www.macworld.com/2003/08/features/15fpimacupgrade/index.php
http://xlr8yourmac.com/systems/iMacg4/imacg4takeapart.html

don't attempt if you're not confident as no-one will take responsibility for any damage occurring. you'll need to have torx screwdrivers and thermal paste (essential). you could open the bottom panel, just to check and see if the user accessible slot has 256 instead of 512 which is more easily replaced.

note that the ram in the user slot is SODIMM and the factory slot on the mother board is DIMM

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Answer 13

Jul 25, 2007 8:01 AM in response to Major Biggles

Hmmm. I think I'll take it into the shop instead. Thanks.

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Answer 14

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Jul 26, 2007 4:54 AM in response to Mark Leccese

I wouldn't bother taking it in to be done as the difference between 768Mb and 1GB won't be that great on such as old machine. Better to save your money.

mrtotes
Message was edited by: mrtotes

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Answer 15

Jul 31, 2007 1:21 PM in response to mrtotes

Hi Mr Totes
I think this is the information that you have asked for:
Processor 600mHz
Power PC G3
Memory 256 MB SDRAM

thanks for your help.

Regards Mary Ann

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