emacdave

Q: E mac freezing up frequently OS X upgrades

I have the e mac 1.25 ghz power pc g4 processor. 

 

I installed a 1 gb ram module, and left the original 256 mb module installed.  The thing about this is the 1 gb module is the same RAM I used in my windows pc.  Got a good price on it from Fry's.  It is PC 2700 133 mhz.  Could this be the cause of the freeze ups ?  What is the maximum amount of ram i can use in this computer?  When i look at the 'about this mac' memory speed for the 1gb module says PC2700U-25330, the 256mb module says PC2700U-30330.  Is that a problem?

 

Also, I have been running into several roadblocks because I am running OS X 10.3.9.  A lot of programs require newer software.  What is the newest OSX version that will work in my computer?

 

<Serial Number Edited by Host>

e mac 1.25ghz Power PC G4, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Aug 20, 2011 9:38 AM

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Q: E mac freezing up frequently OS X upgrades

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  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Aug 20, 2011 9:31 AM in response to emacdave
    Level 8 (35,151 points)
    iPad
    Aug 20, 2011 9:31 AM in response to emacdave

    There are a large number of 1.25 emacs with near-fatal logic board issues. They usually fall in these serial number ranges:

     

    • G8412xxxxxx- G8520xxxxxx
    • YM412xxxxxx - YM520xxxxxx
    • VM440xxxxxx - VM516xxxxxx

     

    As you see, you eMac falls smack in the middle of the first range, so there is a good chance that's the source of the problem. There was a repair extension program from this issues but it expired in June 2009. In today's market, there is no practical fix that does not involve other used (and potentially defective) parts and cost 2-3X the current value of the computer.

     

    That said, the new RAM stick could be at play if you never had trouble before. Take it out and see if thing straighten up. I like Fry's but they are pretty Windows-centric in the RAM dept at the store I usually visit. I bough this RAM from OWC:

     

    1GB PC2700 DDR 333MHz CAS 2.5 184 Pin DIMM

     

    for my wife's 1.42 eMac and it's worked great--tested in a mAc by the vendor. However, I'm on the road at the moment so can't check the extended numbers of that module until Monday evening.

     

    If you get stability, and get the extra RAM working, you can install up to OS 10.5. It's still available but you have to call the US Apple store--it's not on their web sites.

     

    It may not be available outside North America, and you don't say where you are.

  • by cosmichobo,

    cosmichobo cosmichobo Aug 20, 2011 3:55 PM in response to emacdave
    Level 3 (519 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 20, 2011 3:55 PM in response to emacdave

    Officially your eMac can only take 1GB of RAM, however most people find they can instal 2GB - though sometimes this depends on the RAM they use...

     

    Look back inside the RAM hatch.  There are 2 capacitors there, opposite side to the battery.  If they have brown/yellow stuff coming out, or are bulging at all, then your freezing problem may be the capacitor issue Allan refers to in the Repair Program.

     

    If this is the case, it's been great, but it's time to upgrade...

     

    Personally whilst OS 10.5 will run on the eMac, 10.4 will be compatible with most applications, and performs faster than 10.5... You would need to locate a black-labelled copy off eBay... (don't buy any grey-labelled Mac system software - this is specifically made for the computer it was sold with - black labels are universal installers).

  • by emacdave,

    emacdave emacdave Aug 21, 2011 7:08 AM in response to Allan Jones
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 21, 2011 7:08 AM in response to Allan Jones

    Thanks for your input.  I hope my computer does not have that logic board problem.  I will replace the RAM with the one you suggest.  I'll let you know how it works out.  2x 512 mb should do it I  think.

  • by emacdave,

    emacdave emacdave Aug 21, 2011 7:10 AM in response to cosmichobo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 21, 2011 7:10 AM in response to cosmichobo

    Thanks for the help, I'll look for 10.4 for my upgrade.  I'll post the results when I replace my RAM.

     

    G'Day !