Can iMac G4 700 only take "Low Density" Ram?

[kanamong]

I'm not sure if this is the right place, please let me know if i'm wrong.

I bought iMac G4 700 at ebay recently.
The iMac is nice and I love the sound from apple pro speakers.

It had only 256M ram, and I thought it's way small to go with Tiger.
So, I bought 512M ram at ebay. The nightmare started here.

The one I bought was

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270153317326&sspagename=ADME:X:AAQ:US:11

It took 11 days to receive the ram from OH to MI. Maybe they use carrier pigeon to ship, but it’s OK.

The ram didn’t work, wasn’t even recognized in my iMac.
So, I emailed seller it’s not working and send me a new one.
Then, I got a reply like this.

“Hello,
The module you ordered is high density (dual in line 64x8, if your laptop only supports low density module (32x8) this could be the problem. We must have the make and model of your laptop in order to rule out a compatibility problem. If you do not provide us this information we will have no choice but to assume that you ordered incompatible memory and proceed as such.

If compatibility is the problem you can either upgrade to a compatible low density module for an addition $45 USD Each which includes shipping, or receive a refund according to our refunds policy (see Ebay) for your returned item. If it is bot a compatibility issue we will be happy to send you a free replacement.”

My questions are,

1. Is this guy telling a truth? Are there 2 types of “512MB SDRAM SODIMM PC133 512 MB M 133 Mhz 144PIN” and does my iMac only take “Low Density” ones?

2. If this guy is right, what is the best option?
a. Fight to get back to full refund.
b. Proceed his return policy. (He will not return shipping, ebay posting fee, etc.), and buy new one from more reliable seller.
c. Buy his $45 “upgrade”
d. Keep this “high density” ram and sell it at ebay to another victim, and buy a new one from more reliable seller.

Please tell me what you think.
Thanks.

 

[CanadaRAM]

"IMAGE IS FOR REFERENCE ACTUAL - ITEM WILL BE AS ADVERTISED
# work with Windows 98,ME,2000 and XP ready. "

OK, I'll say it -- don't buy memory from random people on eBay - they have no incentive to keep promises or deliver good customer service.

Now... here's a bullet for you
The same seller advertises another auction with very similar RAM, that they advertise as Mac compatible
512MB SDRAM SODIMM PC133 512 MB M 133 Mhz 144PIN PC MAC

There is only one type of 512 MB PC133 SODIMM that works in iMacs and Powerbook G4 and iBook G3s. So if this one is 64 x 8 and is Mac compatible, then yours should be (compare the specs)

Ah, but then he advertises

512MB SDRAM SODIMM PC133 512 MB M 133 Mhz 144PIN MAC LD

a 32 x 8 configuration that he also says is Mac compatible.

Does the module you bought have 8 memory chips on it or 16? If its 8 then it is high density, and will not work in any Mac.

I think you're pretty much hoopled here -- whatever you do he can claim you didn't order the Mac compatible RAM he offered, so it's your mistake. You have to decide is taking the hit on the shipping, handling, ebay fees etc. is worth it. Then buy your Mac RAM from a reputable vendor -- Data Memory Systems has it for US$72 free shipping.

 

[kanamong]

Thanks, Canada RAM

I will never buy a Ram at ebay from random people again,,.

By the way,

The very listing I bought also said,

"512MB SDRAM SODIMM PC133 512 MB M 133 Mhz 144PIN PC MAC"

If there is only one type of 512 MB PC133 SODIMM that works in iMacs and Powerbook G4 and iBook G3s, this one should work in my iMac.


I'll negotiate with the guy with this bullet.
Thanks.

kanamong