Upgrading 1.25 GHz iMac G4 RAM to 2+ GB

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Level 1

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Upgrading 1.25 GHz iMac G4 RAM to 2+ GB

Hello. My iMac G4 (white snowball) has 768 MB of RAM. I believe this is 256 MB on-board and a 512 MB PC2700 SODIMM. I see there are GB 2 X 1GB PC2700 DDR 333MHz SODIMM 200PIN offered (see http://cgi.ebay.com/2GB-2-X-1GB-PC2700-DDR-333MHz-SODIMM-200PIN-LAPTOP-RAM_W0QQi temZ250223721598QQihZ015QQcategoryZ80202QQcmdZViewItem ). The physical size of this 2 GB SODIMM is the same as those with lesser capacity.

Does anyone know if the computer will recognize all that memory? Will I have 1.25, 2, or 2.25 GB recognized?

I’ve read other posts in this venue and can see that some users are using stock + 1 GB setups with up to 1.5 GB recognized. In fact, I’m writing this post on my iBook G4 laptop, which has 1.125 GB of RAM (125 MB + 1 GB) and it recognizes it all. Does anyone know if the iMac can not only work with the 2 GB SODIMM, but actually make effective use of it all?

P.S. I work my computer hard with a CAD program called Ashlar Cobalt, Photoshop, etc. If I’m going to pay for RAM, why not spend a bit more a settle the issue once and for all. 1 GB costs $75 and 2 GB costs $100.

iMac G4, 1.25 GHz, Mac OS X (10.3.x), OS X, 10.3.9, 768 MB

Posted on Mar 11, 2008 5:22 PM

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Answer 1

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Mar 12, 2008 1:17 PM in response to Greg A L

You would only be able to use one of those devices since one slot in your iMac G4 requires a 200 pin SO-DIMM while the other requires a 184 pin DIMM.

If you installed one of those SO-DIMMs in the user-accessible slot and have 256 MB in the factory slot, you will have 1.256 GB of total usable RAM.

If you also replaced the RAM in the factory slot with a 184 pin DIMM PC2700 device you would have 2 GB of total usable RAM.

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Answer 2

Greg A L Author

Level 1

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Mar 13, 2008 1:53 PM in response to Duane

Thanks for taking the time to help Duane. Let me do a sanity check here: Regardless of what I do with the “factory” 184-pin DIMM, are you saying that if I install a 2 GB card in the 200-pin SODIMM slot, the computer will only recognize 1 GB of it?

If that is correct, then I believe the absolute max RAM this computer ever recognize is 1 GB in the 184-pin slot plus 1 GB in the 200-pin slot, for a total of 2 GB. Correct?

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Mar 13, 2008 2:01 PM in response to Greg A L

...are you saying that if I install a 2 GB card in the 200-pin SODIMM slot, the computer will only recognize 1 GB of it?

Yes

...then I believe the absolute max RAM this computer ever recognize is 1 GB in the 184-pin slot plus 1 GB in the 200-pin slot, for a total of 2 GB. Correct?

Yes

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Answer 4

tonstyle

Level 1

0 points

Mar 18, 2008 11:06 AM in response to Duane

Hi, I have an iMac G4 too, and i would to upgrade my Ram to 2 Gb.
Upgrading the Factory Ram (184 pin), it must be low or high density?

Thanks

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Answer 5

Mar 21, 2008 3:07 PM in response to Greg A L

Guys, my machine is identical to the one Greg owns. While I now understand from this and other threads exactly how I can updgrade the RAM in my machine from the current 768 MB, my question is this: If I am using mostly lightweight appications like Safari, Firefox, iTunes, and Word (often all open at the same time), will I see a noticeable difference in performance by going to 1256 MB RAM? I am also planning to use Google Sketch-Up once I upgrade from OS 10.3.9 to 10.4.11 in the very near future. Do you know if Sketch-Up is a memory hog?

The price of the new 1 GB chip is low enough that it is not an issue, but my time is worth something, and in your view is it typically worth one's time in terms of performance gain, considering the above?

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Answer 6

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Apr 3, 2008 2:34 AM in response to Falcoperegrinus

Hello and Welcome to Apple Discussions.

Unfortunately your post has probably been overlooked so far, best to start your own new thread in future.

I'm going to get you to answer your own question by examining your own memory usage before considering the upgrade. Have a read of this article. It explains that if you have low amounts of both free and inactive RAM in your system and lots of page-outs that you could benefit from some more RAM:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107918

If you have any trouble interpreting the figures let us know.

cheers

mrtotes

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Answer 7

Big Rocco

Level 1

104 points

Apr 6, 2008 8:56 AM in response to Greg A L

Hi All,

Great thread and thanks for the information.

I am upgrading my G4 17" and 20". I will be adding 1GB to the open slot.

My confusion is that when I search Small Dog and use their memory finder tool, the part number for the G4 is the same as the part number for the laptop.
Is this right?

G4 iMac http://www.smalldog.com/product/45582

G4 iBook http://www.smalldog.com/product/45582

I ask because Staples has a nice deal locally for 1GB so dimm PC2700, but the cases that the memory are in read "notebook".

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?&langId=- 1&storeId=10001&noredir=true&splCatType=1&catalogId=10051&productId=141831&cmAre a=SC3:CG6:DP401:CL142708

Memory Size 1GB
Memory Type PC2700 DDR
Pin Configuration 200-Pin
Memory Speed 333MHz
Manufacturer PNY
Warranty 1-year limited mfr. warranty

Is there a difference?
Can This work on my iMac?

The Apple Store and AppleCare gave conflicting answers.One Genius said that there was a 1/10th of an inch difference.

Duane and all you that know more than me, can you help me out?
I would like to buy now and upgrade today.

Thanks COVRC

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Answer 8

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Apr 12, 2008 2:54 PM in response to Big Rocco

Unfortunately I can't follow your link... it wants a US zip code to continue. My first thought is why settle for a one year warranty? Most RAM is lifetime warranty.

Laptop RAM is the correct (physical size) type for the "user-accessible" slot on the iMac G4. PC2700 (333MHz) is certainly the correct specification for the 20" iMac G4 and is also suitable for 1GHz and 1.25GHz 17" iMac. The 800MHz 17" iMac needs PC133 RAM. Depending on which iBook G4 you are referring to it may well be exactly the same part. Here are some better prices and lifetime warranties:

RAM Prices.

mrtotes

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Answer 9

Apr 21, 2008 7:29 AM in response to mrtotes

Mr. Totes, many thanks for your thoughtful reply and for the information and recommendation to start a new thread (I'll keep that in mind for the next time). I did finally end up installing the full 1 GB in the user slot (no way I'm going into the guts of the machine to upgrade the factory installed memory), which was very straightforward. I also installed Tiger, which I love. If Macs are this great now, I can't imagine how amazing they'll be 10 years from now.

Of note, the disk from which I installed Tiger was exactly what ali brown recommended against ("The discs should...not say Upgrade, CPU Drop-in DVD, or "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately." on them."), but the upgrade went without a hitch. Yea!
Cheers,
Falco

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Answer 10

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Apr 21, 2008 9:08 AM in response to Falcoperegrinus

Glad to hear things went well. I share ali's opinion on the discs. FWIW there are some legal issues with types of disc you used and those of us who are regulars here are loathed to suggest anything that may cause complications for posters. Most people find those discs don't work well or cause unnecessary complications.

Anyhow enjoy your 'new' Mac.

mrtotes

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