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iBook G4 Memory Upgrade

Hi guys,

I am currently trying to bump my iBook G4's memory up by inserting 1GB of RAM. I have inserted the RAM no problems, but the computer is failing to recognise the module. Here's the catch. Whilst installing Windows XP on my new MacBook, I used my old iBook to transfer files from. In doing so, I deleted ALL of my files, including Utilities, from the iBook. It's now a complete vegatable. I can log in and out, but not much more. I bought the iBook from Japan and whilst travelling, lost the Panther OS discs. I didn't think this would be a problem, as my plan was to simply up the RAM and install Leopard which came with my MacBook. My question is does the computer need the full OS to recognise the RAM? I have tried using Rember to see if that even detects the RAM but it does not. I'm pretty sure I bought the right card, which apparently is a 1GB DDR SODIMM PC2700 333Mhz. I don't know a single person with a Mac let alone Panther, so a reinstall is out of the question. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.
Scott

2Ghz Intel Core Duo 1GB Macbook, iBook G4 1.03Ghz 258Ram

Posted on Sep 4, 2008 11:24 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 4, 2008 12:29 PM

ScottMcUK, Welcome to the discussion area!

...as my plan was to simply up the RAM and install Leopard which came with my MacBook.


That will NOT work. The MacBook has an Intel processor so the Leopard which came with the MacBook is for an Intel processor. This will not boot your PowerPC-based iBook NOR will it install on your iBook.

My question is does the computer need the full OS to recognise the RAM?


The iBook must boot properly. It sounds like you get to the point where you can run applications, so the iBook is booted and will automatically detect the RAM.

So, one or more of the following is true:

(1) The RAM is not installed correctly.

(2) The RAM is defective.

(3) The iBook's motherboard is defective and not recognizing the RAM.
19 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 4, 2008 12:29 PM in response to ScottMcUK

ScottMcUK, Welcome to the discussion area!

...as my plan was to simply up the RAM and install Leopard which came with my MacBook.


That will NOT work. The MacBook has an Intel processor so the Leopard which came with the MacBook is for an Intel processor. This will not boot your PowerPC-based iBook NOR will it install on your iBook.

My question is does the computer need the full OS to recognise the RAM?


The iBook must boot properly. It sounds like you get to the point where you can run applications, so the iBook is booted and will automatically detect the RAM.

So, one or more of the following is true:

(1) The RAM is not installed correctly.

(2) The RAM is defective.

(3) The iBook's motherboard is defective and not recognizing the RAM.

Sep 4, 2008 1:11 PM in response to John Huber1

Thanks guys for the prompt reply, it's really appreciated. Now, with the greatest possible respect, are you sure that I cannot run Leopard on a G4? Internet forums are full of threads about this and the common thread running through them (excuse the pun!) is not that Leopard will not run on a Mac without an Intel processor, but that it requires at least 1GB of RAM to do so. When I brought this subject up with a Mac technical advisor, he simply advised that I needed a at least 1GB of RAM.

Exchanging the RAM is going to be a bit of hassle as it came all the way across the pond from the home of the brave, so I'd like to eliminate the possibility of the board being faulty if possible. I don't suppose I could put the 1GB in the 258mb slot, could I? Is it soldered in?

Sep 4, 2008 1:45 PM in response to Duane

And it's option number 1!!! The RAM was not installed properly!!! The iBook has been sat dormant for a while and on opening it up for the forth time, I noticed there was dust on the the connector pins. You also really have to slot it in as far as it will go.

I really appreciated all your help guys. Sorry to waste everyones time, but you saved me a lot of messing around by explaining that my plan to install Leopard will not work.

Oct 3, 2008 9:13 PM in response to Bod P

To second the earlier responses, I just finished upgrading an iBook G4 1GHz PPC(early 2004). I was a little wary given that the specs say max 640MB, and PC2100 RAM and I didn't find many accounts of people upgrading this model. However, I just booted it with a 1GB stick of PC2700 and it seems to work fine, recognizes the RAM (and is a lot quicker).

Just for my own peace of mind, should i be concerned about the PC2700 vs PC2100 aspect? Is there much difference? Will this shorten life (for the hardware) or compromise anything? I don't know much about RAM.

Cheers and thanks,
~Mark.
PS, For any Canadians looking for a deal, I paid $34.99 after the rebate.

This is the RAM (VS1GSDS333): http://www.corsair.com/products/notebook_memory.aspx

This is where I got it: http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=016352&cid=RA M.187.621

iBook G4 Memory Upgrade

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