Another iMac G3, 333 upgrade question

Question

Another iMac G3, 333 upgrade question

I recently upgraded a tray-loading, grape, 333 iMac to OS 9.1. I then installed a 256MB PC100 SO-Dimm into the upper slot and moved a 64MB module onto the lower slot. The computer now says there is 192MB of ram-128 in the upper slot and 64 in the lower. I downloaded the 1.2 firmware update and when i went to install it, I got a message that there was a newer firmware update installed. (Someone else had this computer prior to me.) Could it be the firmware problem that only sees half of the 512 memory or just bad memory (memory is from Patriot at Fry's Electronics). I do want to upgrade to OSX and is Panther the highest I can go to?
Thank you, Linda

Posted on Sep 26, 2005 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

Strider

Level 6

14,600 points

Sep 26, 2005 2:01 PM in response to Linda in Phoenix

most likely cause of this is bad/incompatible ram. Some ram will show up in half its capacity exactly as you describe. Its better to buy from a reputable mac retailer, such as those listed at ramseeker.com, crucial.com (really good name around ehre) or datamem.com.

Your firmware is probably fine. The updater is indicating that your firmware is already up to date.

One note, in the first part o fyour post, you said it was a 256 meg module, later you say 512. A 256 meg module will work fine. the rare 512 meg modules for this model iMac don't seem to actually be compatible.

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Answer 2

Sep 26, 2005 2:24 PM in response to Linda in Phoenix

Strider,
Thank you for your reply. I just "wish" I had a 512MB chip; I did install a 256 MB module. I checked for the firmware version under the system profiler and it has Boot rom v 3.0f3. Does this sound like the firmware number? If not, where do you find the firmware version?
Thank you, Linda

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Answer 3

WTK

Level 2

197 points

Sep 27, 2005 3:45 AM in response to Linda in Phoenix

Hi Linda,
Yes, that is the correct firmware.
wtk

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Answer 4

Ron JACKLE

Level 7

33,451 points

Sep 28, 2005 2:59 AM in response to Linda in Phoenix

Linda Levesque...

There is 2 versions of Boot rom v 3.0f3 in an iMac 333.

(From mrjcd archives)
3.0.f3, build date 12/02/98 (needs updated)
OR...
3.0.f3, build date 07/16/99 (this one is ok)

It can only be confirmed in a iMac Open Firmware boot. (you can click this for more information)

Your new memory may not have the right module installed. The good iMac SODIMM modules should have a total of 16 chips and the not so good ones 8 chips.

Just post back if there is any questions. ...Ron

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Answer 5

WTK

Level 2

197 points

Sep 28, 2005 4:19 AM in response to Linda in Phoenix

I stand corrected.
wtk

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