Power Mac G5 dual core ram

[ww2_1943]

Hello all,

Some might recall my post about finding a new case for a recently acquired dual core Power Mac G5 2.3. I have not found a case yet, but I have been using the computer and it works flawlessly. I was really surprised by the speed, especially on the internet compared to my DP 1.8 G5. Even watching YouTube the processor might spike once but then it runs at maybe half speed. My 1.8 would stay pegged.

Currently, I have 1GB of ram. Is there any practical reason for using 16GB of ram vs 8GB? I can easily find the modules for 8GB. 4GB modules are surprisingly hard to find and pretty expensive. My DP 1.8 uses 4GB of ram and that is rarely all used. However, a large swap disk is usually created. I do plan on changing the SATA HDD to a SATA SSD soon. Currently, I am running OS X 10.5 Sorbet. I am considering Linux in the future. I didn't have much luck installing Void on my DP 1.8.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

[Amethyst1]

Is there any practical reason for using 16GB of ram vs 8GB?

Unless you plan to use huge RAM disks or go crazy with virtualisation, I’d say 8 GB is plenty for a G5.

 

[ww2_1943]

Unless you plan to use huge RAM disks or go crazy with virtualisation, I’d say 8 GB is plenty for a G5.

That is pretty much what I figured. I want to try VCN to access my M1 from the G5. But I don't think I will necessarily do that often.

I was thinking 16 might be more useful for Linux if I ever get that to work.

 

[davisdelo]

I’ve got 16 in my dual core, literally zero difference between it and 8 GB performance wise. It is nice to have a big RAM disk though for video capture, cache folders and the like, totally not necessary though.

 

[ww2_1943]

I’ve got 16 in my dual core, literally zero difference between it and 8 GB performance wise. It is nice to have a big RAM disk though for video capture, cache folders and the like, totally not necessary though.

In reality, I am likely not going to use things like video capture and video editing. It sounds like I should just save the money and go with 8GB.