PB17 1Ghz RAM upgrade confusion

Question

Level 1

9 points

PB17 1Ghz RAM upgrade confusion

OK...I want to upgrade my RAM on my older PB17 G4 - 1ghz.

Apple says 1gb max.

Practically EVERY memory vendor says I can do 2gb of RAM, including Crucial's site.

I called an Apple Store. The guy asked me for my PB17's serial number and then tells me I can only do 1gb of RAM max with no explanation.

I find other posters here saying that they are running 2gb total on their older 1ghz PB17's.

What gives folks!? Help me out puh-lease! Thanks!

PB17 G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Apr 2, 2007 7:11 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

743,477 points

Apr 2, 2007 7:38 PM in response to Markie-Poo

Apple's specifications regarding the maximum amount of RAM that can be installed in a Mac aren't updated when larger compatible RAM modules become available. Your computer can accomodate 2GB of RAM.

(20737)

Reply

Answer 2

Markie-Poo Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 2, 2007 7:44 PM in response to Niel

Thank you kind Sir Niel!

Just after I posted I discovered Mactracker which was helpful as well.

Again, sincere thanks for a very speedy reply by Niel!

NOW!!! Off to OWC to purchase 2GBs of Samsung RAM!!!

Regards to all! - Mark

PB17 G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Reply

Answer 3

Markie-Poo Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 5, 2007 6:59 PM in response to Markie-Poo

Just a follow-up to my original post.

I decided to go with Crucial instead of OWC. Only a price point mind you . OWC is an excellent place to do business with.

So I ordered TWO 1gb memory modules from Crucial. Lo and behold a pleasant surprise! They were Samsung chips too! So I saved a bit of cash (not much mind you) by going with Crucial instead and still got coveted Samsung memory.

Installation was a snap. My Powerbook 17 1ghz so far LOVES the 2gb upgrade that according to "you know who" doesn't fly.

No, I don't work for Crucial! I'm just very happy that this whole bit of confusion with max capacity on the older PB's is confirmed and cleared up for me. Powerbook 17 1ghz's WILL do 2gb of RAM!

PB17 G4 1ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8) Grrrrrrrrrr! Tiger! Tiger!

Reply

Answer 4

CanadaRAM

Level 2

449 points

Apr 7, 2007 6:06 PM in response to Markie-Poo

The reason you got Samsung modules from Crucial is that the 1st generation AlBooks (15" 1.0 and 1.25, 17" 1.0 and 1.33) require RAM that is compatible with processor slewing, which happens when the machine moves in and out of energy save modes. The normal Crucial Powerbook RAM (and almost every other brand of generic PC2700 SODIMMs) are not compatible with slewing and will crash the machine consistently.

So when you are ordering RAM for these machines, be very careful tospecify the speed and screensize, and do not accept a module that is not guaranteed to be specifically compatible with your model Powerbook.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM

Reply