Increasing RAM on a PowerPC G4

[jofima]

I have a PowerPC G4 466 Mhz which has three "PC133" thingies in it, one 128 MB and two 256 MB, totalling 640 MB.

I want to change those to one, two or three 512 MB cards instead, but the manual says something about there being certain restrictions for 512 cards. Translated from Swedish:"If you install DIMM-modules of 512 MB they must have 256 Mb-units". What does that mean exactly and how do I check that they in fact have "256 Mb-units"?

EDIT: Sorry, I just realised that perhaps this should have gone into the "Mac Basics and Help" forum instead.

 

[Cosmoza]

Good site

You need to look for "low-density" memory modules. Buying them from eBay or such, check they mention "low-density" or it's not gonna work. One way is to buy them from Kingston or Crucial, but they... are expensive. SDRAM PC100/133 low-density modules are expensive usually.

 

[jofima]

Thanks!

I read the page you linked to, and it certainly answered several questions, many which I hadn't even thought about. I'm still confused about the required "256-units" mentioned in the manual, though.

Btw, by "low density", I assume, you mean "low profile"?

(And yes, I've noticed they are expensive, which is why I want to make sure I get something that is compatible.)

 

[SmurfBoxMasta]

No, low density means that the sticks have chips on both sides of the circuit boards, as opposed to high density ones, that have chips only on 1 side. The memory controller in those G4's can NOT read high density ram......

ps: you can get 512's for $30.75 lookie here:

http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=3321&Item=OWC133SD512328

guaranteed compatible, great service, fast shipping, no hassle returns........

 

[jofima]

No, low density means that the sticks have chips on both sides of the circuit boards, as opposed to high density ones, that have chips only on 1 side. The memory controller in those G4's can NOT read high density ram......

Ok, thanks!

ps: you can get 512's for $30.75 lookie here:

http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=3321&Item=OWC133SD512328

guaranteed compatible, great service, fast shipping, no hassle returns........

I just ordered two 512 sticks (Kingston ones with chips on two sides!) from Swedish eBay, roughly USD 19 a piece. They are supposed to be brand new and come in sealed bags. It looked too good to miss.