512MB RAM for G4 Digital Audio

Question

Level 1

29 points

512MB RAM for G4 Digital Audio

I want to buy an additional 512MB RAM for a G4 Digital Audio. I know the specs required for the RAM (and how to install it etc.):

512mb DIMMs must have 256 megabit (Mbit) devices.
PC-133 Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
3.3 volt (V)
64-bit wide, 168-pin module
Maximum number of memory devices on a DIMM - x16.
Unbuffered; not registered or buffered SDRAM.
Height must not exceed 2.0 inches.

I see PC RAM listed with exactly the same specifications - I've tried asking but PC suppliers can't tell me if it will work in a Mac (and Mac suppliers obviously won't tell me if PC RAM will work because it's not in their interests). Can I actually use RAM from a PC supplier if it fits the right specifications? Hope so - I've had enough of the 'Mac users 4x plus idiot premium'.

If yes - Any suggestions for the best suppliers?

Thanks

Posted on Oct 28, 2005 9:37 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Oct 28, 2005 10:52 AM in response to dasd01

There is no PC RAM. RAM is RAM. And will work on any system provided it meets the systems requirements.

Reply

Answer 2

dasd01 Author

Level 1

29 points

Oct 28, 2005 11:42 PM in response to Templeton Peck

Yep, that's precisely what I always thought - but I've seen notices by suppliers lately stating that specific RAM is 'not compatible with Macs' - even though it clearly fits the identical specs for Macs. That's why I thought I must perhaps be mistaken. What are they up to do you think - just covering themselves for some reason? (Can't figure out what though, doesn't make sense).

The other issue that induced me to question my original assumption is that RAM from Mac suppliers is massively more expensive than that offered by PC suppliers, even though the specs are identical. Guess it's just down to taking advantage again.

Reply

Answer 3

Costa

Level 6

9,620 points

Oct 29, 2005 2:12 AM in response to dasd01

Dear dasd01,

...Any suggestions for the best suppliers?...

I have always bought my RAM expansion modules from reputable and trustworthy suppliers, even if this may have cost me a few bucks more. I have never had issues.

I buy from "on-line" vendors and my preferred list is:

However, in order to avoid eventual issues with the new RAM expansion, I wormly invite you to read this thread about mixing different in specification RAM modules inside our machines.

If you want to know what specifications your present RAM modules are bearing, you'll need to run DIMM First Aid in Classic - or by booting into OS9.x (since you still have a machine capable of such dual boting). Such programme will provide you with the precise answers (much more reliable than Apple's OSX System Profiler).

Post back if you want to know more.

All the best.

Costa

Reply

Answer 4

Oct 29, 2005 7:32 AM in response to dasd01

Hi dasd01 !

"........but I've seen notices by suppliers lately stating that specific RAM is 'not compatible with Macs' - even though it clearly fits the identical specs for Macs."

If it says clearly that it is not compatible with Macs, it is probably because it is ECC RAM (which is error correcting) in which case it SHOULD NOT BE USED ON A MAC, unless the Mac specs specifically call it out.

If you see ECC in the description of any RAM, avoid it..........

I believe that the G5s can use ECC RAM though..........

Kevin

Reply

Answer 5

Nov 5, 2005 6:44 AM in response to dasd01

Hi

I have the same mac as you, and have just added an extra 512mb of ram. I bought normal ram, as like you I didn't fancy paying the extra that apple branded memory would have cost me. I installed the memory as normal, and the mac is refusing to recognise that there is anything in the slot. V annoying - so tread carefully!

Cheers

Nick

Reply

Answer 6

Nov 5, 2005 9:21 AM in response to Nick Gower-Jones

More memory i definitely the first step in refurbing G4s.

Actually, there is no "Apple branded" memory.

Apple sells extra memory as a build to order option on new machines-- but its not Apple branded.

There is however, memory that doesn't exactly match the specifications for different machines.

The cheaper you go, the greater the chance that memory won't be spec'd properly. I bought some super cheapie discount stuff from OWC a while back. It would work in one of my Macs (G4) but not the other.

So I tried it in my two PeeSeas- same result! Worked in one, not the other.

I MUST point out that OWC made it clear that the cheapie stuff might not work in my G3 (and it didn't...)

Next time, I think I'll try the Techworks brand units that OWC sells (for less than Techworks direct prices.)

Since I have a ragtag raggamuffin collection of mismatched memory that I've bought over the years, I found that the order that I load the sticks into the slots seemed to make a difference in stability. Now, even though my DRAM is pretty mismatched (PC 100, PC 133, different latencies, manufacturers, etc) it works OK.

Memory is SOOO cheap nowadays I can't believe it.

When we bought our 7600, I can remember that 32 MB sticks cost a BUNDLE! It was our first "modern" Mac and the first that we bought direct from Apple. A little extra memory was a big investment. Apple has always shipped units without enough memory.

Reply