memory question for G3 233

Hi...I recently got a used iMac G3 with 64mb RAM. Each time I would open a webpage I'd get an error message stating I didn't have enough memory to open Shockwave. Well, today I installed a SODIMM PC133 256 mb card into my computer. After having it in for a few hours I am getting that message again. I'm hoping that this is the right card. So my question is, is Pc133 compatible with my computer or is only PC100 compatible? I hoping I can use either because I got this off of ebay and am axiously awaiting my OS X jaguar to arrive any day now. I want out of the stone age! Any help anyone can give is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

iMac G3 233, Mac OS 9.2.x

Posted on Jan 11, 2006 7:48 PM

24 replies

smileyme

Level 4

1,920 points

Jan 15, 2006 7:13 PM in response to Diamondsnflowers

OS X is picky about memory, and may not like the memory you have. Getting a Mac is never a bad thing, but the 233 was, perhaps, not the best choice. I have run Jaguar on the 233, but OS 9 is, probably, a better choice. I would suggest watching ebay for a slot load iMac, 400 MHz or better. I have Tiger on a 400, and its not too bad. The average prices on ebay for the 400 is around $50. Just before XMas, I got a 450 DV for $59.99 shipped. I looked at a lot of 500-600s, for $140.

Rick 🙂

Jan 15, 2006 8:21 PM in response to Diamondsnflowers

rick~ after i hit reply i knew that it didn't come out rigth. i did mean to say older mac.

but guess what? i'm using my os x right now. i took a chance on installing it anyway.

all in all...i think i will keep my mac and my memory...lol, continue looking for a another one and give this one to my dd (3) to use for games.

i'm wondering if i should still allocate memory?..... as this is not moving much faster than os 9.

also, how do i get a full screen? i've tried mazimizing, but it's still very small.

thanks to everyone for all of your help and tolerating all of my questions.

smileyme

Level 4

1,920 points

Jan 16, 2006 12:01 PM in response to Diamondsnflowers

how do i get a full screen?

In Preferences, open Displays. You will find a list of resolutions. Try 800 X 600 @ 85 Hz. If that doesn't work try another. I'm afraid my memory isn't as good as it once was.

Rick 🙂

Jan 17, 2006 8:07 AM in response to smileyme

thanks. i'll try that.

ok..not sure if i should post a new message or as here...

i'll ask here and then search the boards.

now i'm looking for a superdrive. can anyone tell me what to look for, what's compatible with my mac and about how much should they cost?

thanks in advance!

Jan 17, 2006 12:27 PM in response to Diamondsnflowers

now please tell me how to allocate to the memory.

Surely we've been through this!

Donna is saying that you should allocate more memory to both Shockwave and the Web broswer (a detail I overlooked).

When the Jaguar system requirements say that the orginal G3 is not supported it means the Beige coloured G3 Tower Mac not the iMac G3 - hence why you were able to install it.

You don't allocate memory in Jaguar it's all done for you. - The reason it's not the slickest is because you're using an 8 year old computer.

A Superdrive is a DVD-burner and is basically out of the question for your iMac. You should be looking at a Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive instead and as your iMac only has USB1 (rather than Firewire/USB2) you will be limited to burning CDs at about 4 speed.

regards

mrtotes

Feb 4, 2006 3:46 PM in response to Adam Coates

I found a 233 on the street and would like to upgrade it without spending a fortune in time & money. It works right now with OS 8.1. I'm using OS 10.3.9 onn my other macs.

What can I substitute for the curent logic board & HD? The system bus I understand is 66 mhz, so tat limitaffects possible choices.

As for the
logic board: You currently have a 233MHz board which
has 2Mb or 6 VRAM and a ATA/33 IDE and no Firewire.
You may be able to fit a 333MHz logic board
with 6Mb VRAM and still no Firewire. The 233Mhz -
333MHz iMacs were called "Tray Loaders". You have a
Revision A or B iMac. The 350MHz - 700MHz iMac
logic boards are a different shape and belong to the
"Slot Loading" iMacs. The 400MHz logic boards and
above feature Firewire (very very useful).

Is
that slightly clearer? I do have difficulties
elocuting myself sometimes!! ;-)Anything else you
need just shout...

mrotes

Feb 5, 2006 3:44 AM in response to Steven Hubert1

Steven,

You can install any IDE Hard Disk up to 127Gb (if you install OS X this must be on a 8Gb partition).

As for the logic board here's some options:

Rev B board (233Mhz 6Mb VRAM)
333MHz - I don't know that is compatible - I think it would be though.

(but frankly you'll probably find a faster slot-loader iMac complete for less!)

regards

mrtotes

Vilem

Level 1

0 points

Feb 6, 2006 5:53 PM in response to Diamondsnflowers

From what ive come to understand is that the rev a to d iMacs do not support anything faster than pc100 ram. I have 2 256 PC133 sticks in my Strawberry iMac 333, anything faster than PC100 speeds and the computer halves the RAMs total capacity. Hope this helps if it hasnt already been answered! =)

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Feb 9, 2006 9:01 AM in response to Vilem

It hasn't got anything to do with the iMac supporting PC100, the problem is that many PC100 devices will not operate at the bus speed (66 MHz) used by those iMacs.

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memory question for G3 233