Will Apple use DDR2 or DDR3 RAM in the Montevina iMacs?

[Tsurisuto]

And if they don't, can I buy and install DDR3 RAM myself, or will there be a restriction by Apple on the type of RAM supported?

The only reason I ask is that current DDR3 is very expensive and I don't see Apple eating into their own profit margin.

[CanadaRAM]

You cannot substitute DDR3 for DDR2 or vice versa - they are incompatible. So whatever type Apple designs into the motherboard you're stuck with.

[Tsurisuto]

You cannot substitute DDR3 for DDR2 or vice versa - they are incompatible. So whatever type Apple designs into the motherboard you're stuck with.

Thanks for the quick response.

I have a feeling that I'm going to be stuck with DDR2 RAM when I upgrade my ageing iMac G5 2.0Ghz before the year's end. I hope Apple at least choose to go with 800Mhz DDR2 and not stay with the current 667Mhz.

[spooky mulder]

newb question.... whats the difference? just curious

[clyde2801]

The current ram apple uses in the minis and imacs has been available for a while, and is widely used. It's plentiful, and inexpensive. DDR3, on the other hand, is supposed to be awfully expensive, and I've read a couple of articles stating that its performance doesn't justify its price compared with DDR2.

[blurb23]

newb question.... whats the difference? just curious

DDR3 is faster.

However, it costs like twice as much as DDR2 for only 10% performance gain (these numbers aren't exact, just what I could remember off the top of my head).

[CWallace]

I am quite confident Apple will stick with DDR2 with Montevina since it will protect current user's investment in RAM (many purchased DDR2-800 for their DDR2-667 Macs).

DDR3 will likely come with Nehalam, especially on the Mac Pro.

[CanadaRAM]

I am quite confident Apple will stick with DDR2 with Montevina since it will protect current user's investment in RAM

Hahahaha <gasp> Haahaha :D

When has Apple EVER had protecting past owner's investment in mind? That's not even a blip on their corporate radar.

[Tsurisuto]

Many purchased DDR2-800 for their DDR2-667 Macs.

Why?

[clyde2801]

Hahahaha <gasp> Haahaha :D

When has Apple EVER had protecting past owner's investment in mind? That's not even a blip on their corporate radar.

Actually, it IS a blip on their corporate radar. Radar is to help you locate and identify objects so you can avoid them.

[cube]

DDR3, on the other hand, is supposed to be awfully expensive

DDR3 is expected to cost only 10% more than DDR2 by 2H 2008.

[Eidorian]

It's up to Apple but I expect DRR3 on the laptops.

[czeluff]

We won't see DDR3 until the CAS and RAS latency numbers get out of near-double-digit range.

avg ddr3 timings are gross: 8-8-8-18.

[cube]

Intel always pushes new RAM. They don't care about price or timings.

[cube]

We won't see DDR3 until the CAS and RAS latency numbers get out of near-double-digit range.

avg ddr3 timings are gross: 8-8-8-18.

Montevina goes up to DDR3-1066. This memory is commonly at CL7.

[mreg376]

newb question.... whats the difference? just curious

Bragging rights. 800 is a larger number than 667. Some people aren't happy unless they have the latest, highest specs. I seriously doubt that anyone on this forum could tell a real-world difference.

[mreg376]

Why?

Because they're morons. They're the same people who put 93 octane in a car designed for 87.

[Eidorian]

Bragging rights. 800 is a larger number than 667. Some people aren't happy unless they have the latest, highest specs. I seriously doubt that anyone on this forum could tell a real-world difference.I'm going to ignore higher bandwidth and lower voltages.

[mreg376]

I'm going to ignore higher bandwidth and lower voltages.

Which are course irrelevant in a computer not designed for it.

[Eidorian]

Which are course irrelevant in a computer not designed for it.Would you please elaborate on this? If it requires more dialog you'd be better off to IM me.

[mreg376]

Would you please elaborate on this? If it requires more dialog you'd be better off to IM me.

If the machine's specs call for 667Mhz RAM, installing 800Mhz RAM (assuming it will work at all) will give no speed benefit.

[Eidorian]

If the machine's specs call for 667Mhz RAM, installing 800Mhz RAM (assuming it will work at all) will give no speed benefit.I see the communication problem here. I was commenting on DDR2 vs. DDR3.

[mreg376]

I see the communication problem here. I was commenting on DDR2 vs. DDR3.

But wouldn't the same apply? If the machine calls for DDR2, you think you would see a benefit from using DDR3?

[Eidorian]

But wouldn't the same apply? If the machine calls for DDR2, you think you would see a benefit from using DDR3?As it has already been said DDR3 and DDR2 can't substitute for each other in the same slots.

DDR3 offers the benefits of greater bandwidth per clock and lower voltages. Montevina offers support for both memory types but it appears to be up to the manufacturer on what type their motherboard will use. Expect Montevina laptops with either DDR2 or DDR3 depending on their purpose.

Is there something else that I'm missing?