Memory Upgrade: 512MB vs. 1GB

Question

Memory Upgrade: 512MB vs. 1GB

Hi All!

I am waaaay overdue on upgrading the memory of my iMac 17" flat panel G4 1GHz. Currently I have 256 MB RAM, an 80 GB hard drive that has about 39 GB available.

I read in previous posts that I can add a 1GB RAM card into the J22 user slot and that's what I'm considering. However, I like to know if there will be a really noticeable difference between adding an additional 1GB RAM or 512MB. I often use applications such as Photoshop and Roxio Toast that really eat up memory.

Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated.

iMac 17 flat panel G4 1GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Posted on Mar 4, 2007 11:47 AM

Reply

Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Mar 4, 2007 11:51 AM in response to Im.Not.Your.Mother

Given that the machine is technically only upgradeable to 1 GB, I would not put a 1 GB RAM card. It may not be able to properly address or have the proper timing for the RAM. Add a 512 MB RAM card. Some may succeed in upgrading beyond specs, but Mac OS X's sensitivity to RAM and timing says, it isn't worth the trouble. So follow the specs on this page:

http://support.apple.com/specs/imac/iMac17-inch1Ghz.html

Note, the user accessible slot's RAM has very fragile clips. If you have any lack of dexterity, best to have an authorized service technician install it for you.

Reply

Answer 2

mrtotes

Level 6

11,836 points

Mar 4, 2007 2:07 PM in response to Im.Not.Your.Mother

Hello,

Reading this article (link) will help you decide whether you need a RAM upgrade or not.

mrtotes

Reply

Answer 3

VivaLaCaz

Level 2

262 points

Mar 5, 2007 10:37 AM in response to Im.Not.Your.Mother

Add a 512 MB chip to see if you like it, than if you dont add another 512 MB chip. 1 GB should be more than enough. iMac G4s shouldn't be outdated for another 3-4 years.

BTW, I would get an external Hard Drive if you get around 25 GB's, internals are expensive at times, and externals are a lot cheaper, and just as fast if you use firewire.

Reply

Answer 4

Mar 6, 2007 2:27 PM in response to VivaLaCaz

Thanks to all above. Your comments were very helpful!

Reply

Answer 5

Paul Yu

Level 2

220 points

Mar 8, 2007 9:24 AM in response to a brody

I have installed a 1G simm on my G4 17" flat panel and it has been runing with no problem for 2 years now. IMHO you can never have too much memory... especially when it comes to using Photoshop. Besides, a 1G simm is not that expensive these days.

Reply