HT2989: iMac (Flat Panel) and iMac (17-inch Flat Panel): Installing or Replacing Memory

Learn about iMac (Flat Panel) and iMac (17-inch Flat Panel): Installing or Replacing Memory
Kendrick.production's
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Q: Can I put ram that has been used in a pc in to a imac g4

C i put ram from a pc in to a imac g4

iMac

Posted on Mar 8, 2015 11:13 PM

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Kendrick.production's

Q: Can I put ram that has been used in a pc in to a imac g4

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  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Mar 9, 2015 6:55 AM in response to Kendrick.production's
    Level 8 (35,331 points)
    iPad
    Mar 9, 2015 6:55 AM in response to Kendrick.production's

    Generally no but, to make sure, we need to know the exact sub-model of your G4 iMac and full specs of the PC RAM.

     

    You can get the sub-model by entering the last three characters of your serial number here:

     

    http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/

     

    The best way to get specs for a unpackaged RAM module is to find the makers's model number on the module and google it.

     

    The G4 iMac has two different RAM slots: one "user accessible" and the other "factory accessible." and each uses a different style of RAM.

     

    The factory RAM slot is hard to reach and improper reassembly could leave you with a "FryMac!"

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Mar 9, 2015 1:17 PM in response to Kendrick.production's
    Level 6 (14,587 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 9, 2015 1:17 PM in response to Kendrick.production's

    Across the build series of iMac G4 there were various RAM specifications in use

    depending on the processor, and other architectural internal differences per series.

     

    The early iMac G4 700MHz units and the most early 800MHz use different RAM

    modules in both user-accessible and factory-installed slots. To identify the iMac G4

    exactly would be most helpful and important to match the correct parts to purpose.

     

    PC RAM generally was a source of problems for these computers; most of the PC

    intended memory chips were lax in quality and their computer design generally

    did not push the RAM to the limit. So problems in the Mac due to RAM commonly

    were due to cheap inept low-quality use of these parts. Kernel panic & other issues.

     

    The cited http://everymac.com site can be helpful to locate specs if you know your

    model of computer. The link given in above post should help with that aspect. Also

    you could download the mactracker application for more info http://mactracker.ca

     

    •Mr Totes iMac G4 (1.25)

    http://www.mrtotes.co.uk/page1/page1.html

     

    •iMac G4 Take-apart for Drive, RAM, and optical drive upgrade:

    http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/imac_g4/imacg4_takeapart.html

     

    •3.6v 1/2AA Lithium clock battery:

    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAA36VPRAM/

     

    •Identify your Mac - Lookup by serial number (for most detail)

    https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

     

    •iMac (Flat Panel) and iMac (17-inch Flat Panel): Installing or Replacing Memory - Apple Support

     

    There may be a page or two in iFixit.com guides, but could lack some detail.

     

    The iMac (non-Intel) models I've owned were all picky with RAM and an Apple AASP

    did a great job of killing one of mine under AppleCare in the day, when I was not

    supposed to open it up beyond the bottom panel to install an AirPort Extreme card.

     

    I've owned most iMac G4 from 700MHz to 1.25GHz. Inside is a unique, tiny city.

    And I don't like going there, would prefer to hike or snowshoe instead...