ADDING RAM to iMAC G4

Question

ADDING RAM to iMAC G4

I recently updated my imac G4 to tiger. I then got the final cut pro. production package. I instqalled it but it says I need 512mb of RAM to run it. I have the factory 256mb RAM in there right now. I would like to upgrade to a 1gig. Is this possible and how difficult would it be? If it's not possible, can I get a 512mb stick and add it giving me 768mb total? I was told you can't mix 512 and 256...Is that true? And with 768mb will it run fine? Thanks.

iMAC G4 17inch, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Nov 12, 2007 6:23 AM

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Answer 1

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Nov 12, 2007 9:03 AM in response to closer than air

Hello and Welcome to Apple Discussions.

It's perfectly fine to mix RAM modules of different sizes on the iMac G4.

What is your processor speed (800MHz, 1.0GHz, 1.25GHz)? - each one takes a different type of RAM!

cheers

mrtotes

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Answer 2

Nov 12, 2007 9:11 AM in response to closer than air

THANKS... I CHECKED WHAT KIND OF RAM THAT MY COMPUTER IS RUNNING ON AND IT SAID 256MB SDRAM. I AM ASSUMING I JUST GET A 512MB STICK OF SD RAM AND SLIDE IN TO THE EMPTY SLOT? THE 512MB STICK LOOKS LONG... WILL IT FIT INTO THAT SLOT?

ONE LAST QUESTION... WILL MY COMPUTER RUN FINE ON 768MB IF IT NEEDS 512 FOR FINAL CUT PRO TO WORKL. I WILL BE SAVIONG ALL MY PROJECTS TO EXTERNAL HARDRIVES FROM NOW ON.

THANKS YOU'VE BEEN VERY HELPFUL.

MICHAEL

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Answer 3

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Nov 12, 2007 9:21 AM in response to closer than air

Sorry but I really need that processor speed to properly give you the correct advice. (Go to Apple menu > About This Mac and report what processor you have please).

The "+user-accessible slot+" on the iMac G4 is a laptop-sized SODIMM rather than the full desktop-sized DIMM that is used in the "+factor-accessible slot+". SODIMMs are about half the size of a DIMM.

mrtotes

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Answer 4

dodgster

Level 1

9 points

Nov 12, 2007 9:44 AM in response to closer than air

Hi.
I recently upgraded my iMac G4 to 1GB of ram.
Go to crucial memory website and enter your imac details. They will tell you the memory you require.
After you receive this details type in: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=26239.
This is the apple support website and this will show you how to install your new memory.
Pretty easy.
Good luck.

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Answer 5

Nov 13, 2007 7:18 AM in response to mrtotes

My processor is the 800mhz. I looked into getting a 512mb SDRAM to insert in the easy access slot. Here is the link to the product I was looking at:

http://www.amazon.com/PNY-512MB-PC133-SDRAM-Memory/dp/B000063K75/ref=sr11/102-6019747-7183354?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1194966100&sr=8-1

Will this fit into that front slot? The pictures make it look really long. Sorry if these are dumb questions. Just want to make sure I get it right. Also will my computer run descent on 768mb of RAM? I do alot of film editing with final cut pro., I will be saving everything on external hardrives.

thanks.

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Answer 6

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Nov 13, 2007 10:56 AM in response to closer than air

If you do a lot of editing in FCP I'd recommend putting the money towards a new Core 2 Duo iMac which will breeze through video and you'll be a lot more productive.

Firewire external hard drives are a must for iMac G4 800MHz due to the lack of USB2.0. Firewire sustains high data rates better than USB2.0 anyhow.

The RAM module that you link to is a DIMM and only suitable for the "factory-accessible" slot as shown in the upper image below. You need an SODIMM.