Want to add RAM to an iBook G4 1.42 GHz - please advise

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Want to add RAM to an iBook G4 1.42 GHz - please advise

I have an iBook G4 1.42 Ghz, OS X 10.4.8, 512MB built-in. And I would like to get a 1GB RAM.

I get really confused about which RAM type I should buy. On the User Manual that came with iBook, it says my computer can take SDRAM module that meets the following requirements:

- DDR So-DIMM format
- 1.25 inch or smaller
- 128, 256, 512 MB or 1 GB
- 200-pin
- PC2100 DDR 266 Type RAM or PC2400 DDR 333 Type RAM.

It also says in the notes:
"Your computer processes data at the speed of PC2100 DDR 266 type ram. You can install PC2400 DDR 333 type ram but your iBook will run at the lower speed.

If I didn't misunderstand the user manual, I would assume that I should get a PC2100 DDR 266 RAM for my iBook.

However, when I checked the mac online store, I got a different suggestion. If you go to http://store.apple.com > Memory > iBook G4 14 in. 1.42GHz ( http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nclm=9C 8CA2E8), APPLE recommended a PC2700 DDR333 SO-DIMM. So here are my questions:

1. Why do APPLE online store and the iBook user guide have different recommendations in terms of RAM type?

2. Which ram type is actually suitable for my computer? 2100, 2400 or 2700?

3. I saw this RAM on a website and I'm wondering if this will work for my iBook. It says it's compatible: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/2100DDRSO1GB/

Thanks for clearing my fog away.

iBook G4 1.42 Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Dec 31, 2006 1:07 AM

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Answer 1

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,144 points

Dec 31, 2006 1:33 AM in response to Soy

If your computer is a year 2004 iBook 1.2/1.42GHz 14" model, it would've
shipped with PC2100 RAM and could use either that series, or could also
use the newer PC2700 DDR333 RAM; since this is backward compatible.
The newer DDR333 speed RAM will run at 266 in these PC2100 iBooks.

If your computer is a year 2005 iBook 1.33/1.42GHz 12"/14" model, it
would have shipped (spec recommendation minimum) with PC2700 DDR333
in 200-pin SO-DIMM notebook RAM, up to 1024MB capacity, specification.

So, in any of these, you can buy and use a PC2700 DDR333 200 - pin SO-DIMM
RAM chip, up to 1024MB. Try and avoid the bargain basement generic brands
nobody ever heard of (I avoid a few everyone's heard of, too) and stick with the
companies who know not to sell you RAM that may not work in Macs that run OSX.

In my iBook, I found a good deal on Samsung/Apple OEM 1024MB RAM
in PC2700 DDR333 200-pin low-heat specification, and it works. The
same RAM chip will also work in my last model iMacG4's second slot.

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Answer 2

Soy Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 31, 2006 1:28 PM in response to K Shaffer

Your response is so helpful. Thanks a lot!

I got my iBook right before the new Intel Macs came out - I would assume my iBook is the 2005 model, which will work with PC2700 RAM.

May I ask where you got your RAM? I have been researching on the internet for a while and I'm not sure which online store is reliable.

But anyway, thanks a lot for your helpful advise. =D

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Answer 3

PB PM

Level 4

2,480 points

Jan 1, 2007 7:45 PM in response to Soy

14" 1.42Ghz iBook G4 shipped from August 2005 till May 2006. So yes you have the 2005 model.

There are many places online to buy RAM, some are better than others. Here are some that I checked out, or had recommended.

www.neweggy.com

www.macsales.com

www.tigerdirect.com

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Answer 4

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,144 points

Jan 2, 2007 9:48 PM in response to Soy

The RAM upgrade chip I bought for my mid-2005 iBookG4 1.33GHz 12"
computer (fits 1.42GHz 14" iBookG4, & iMacG4 USB2.0 upgrade slot) was
from a reseller who does a good business and shipping was free. I paid
$2. for insurance and they sent my order to my PO box, per my request.
[ OEM PC2700 DDR333 reseller page ]

The item I bought is on the far right, or this chip:
Samsung PC2700 333 1.0GB SO-DIMM 200-PIN*

"...*1.0GB 200pin DDR SODIMM 128Mx64 non ECC gold leads unbuffered
2.5 volts PC2700 spec 333Mhz with SPD CAS 2.5 latency max 1.25
inches tall Samsung original - Certified by Apple Dell HP Sony and Compaq..."

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