User profile for user: sarahez
sarahez Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Upgrading memory on PowerBook G4

I have a PowerBook G4 and looking to upgrade the memory from 512Mb to 1.5Gb. Firstly am I ok to put a 1GB and 512Mb in there?

Secondly, I was assuming that my PowerBook was the standard one taking PC-2700 DDR333 200-pin SO-DIMM, but the 512Mb which is in there is PC2-4200 DDR2 200-pin SO-DIMM which I think is the Double Layer SD one. Is there any way I can find out for definite which model mine is as it was second hand and wonder whether the memory could have been swapped at some point.

Thanks in advance.

1.67 GHz PowerPC G4, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Sep 25, 2009 12:58 PM

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9 replies
User profile for user: BGreg
BGreg
User level: Level 6
17,558 points

Sep 25, 2009 1:10 PM in response to sarahez

First, yes, you can mix a 512MB and a 1GB memory card, they don't need to be matched sizes.

If the memory currently in your machine is DDR2 memory, then you have a 1.67Ghz system with the high resolution (1680x1050) screen and the double layer SD. The memory is not swappable with the prior model PC2700 memory. The memory cards have different slots cut in them to make sure they aren't used in a socket they weren't intended for. Kingston has the 1GB DDR2 memory for $33, direct from them.
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User profile for user: BGreg
BGreg
User level: Level 6
17,558 points

Sep 25, 2009 5:02 PM in response to sarahez

Memory spec'd at a higher speed will only work as fast as the architecture will allow. Here's the Kingston module on their UK site: http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configuratornew/modelsinfo.asp?id=1&SysID=25970&mfr=Apple&model=PowerBookG4+17&searchtype=&root=uk&LinkBack=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingston.com%2Fukroot&Sys=25970-Apple-Po werBook+G4+17-inch+1.67GHz%28PC2-4200%29&distributor=0&submit1=Search . You can 'click here' to find vendors who sell the Kingston memory. Don't get Kingston ValueRam, as it doesn't work predictably well with Powerbooks. Looks like the Kingston 1GB memory runs around £13 before VAT and shipping.

Crucial, another good brand, doesn't show any listing for your system. Samsung is another good memory brand.
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User profile for user: Cayley Vos
Cayley Vos
User level: Level 1
5 points

Dec 20, 2009 1:28 PM in response to sarahez

I just upgraded from 10.3 to 10.5 and suddenly 1 memory chip is not recognized. Before upgrading to leopard I had 1GB now it shows 512k.

What do i need to do to make the powerbook recognize the second chip?



SODIMM1/J23REVERSED:

Size: Empty
Type: Empty
Speed: Empty
Status: Empty


SODIMM0/J20STANDARD:

Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2700U-25330
Status: OK
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Upgrading memory on PowerBook G4

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