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Powerbook DDR2 PC4200 Ram Thread

Mass Hysteria said:
For my rev B 1.33 17", I have the KTA-PBG4333/1G Powerbook recommended Kingston memory, which works fine. (DDR, in my case, not DDR2)

I too would like to know how the memory is different when all the specs/numbers appear the same, just one of them says 'OK for Apple', has a different part number and costs £10+ more.
Click to expand...

The "specifications" commonly listed such as data rate, ECC/nonEEC, PC3200, etc do not emcompass all the variables for a stick of RAM. One variable that matters for some Apple computers is the number of RAM chips used to construct the stick. The number of RAM chips used is rarely listed as part of the stick description but is important for Apple compatibility. (I know this is the case for the MacMini and am using this as an example to extrapolate to other Apple machines.)

Other detailed specifications that are not always reported but could vary in some way to lead to incompatibility is the RAm timings. Depending on the manufacturer and their testing methods some RAM could be tested and pass as being stable at a certain speed/frequency but be marginal enough to not be stable at that level in Apple computers.
 
CanadaRAM said:
Yes, I have dealt with them for over 5 years and recommend them without hesitation.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com
Click to expand...

thanks, so my next question is should i buy a 1gb stick of ram for my new powerbook, since quite a few people have had problems? i'm kinda worried
 
I use www.datamem.com for my purchases. As far as the RAM brand goes (in my PB)...I purchased Samsung RAM as that is the same brand that Apple will use when they upgrade. I needed to go from my 1 gig up to 2 gigs and it turned out I purchased the same stick of memory form datamem for 145 and would have paid 300 for it at Apple.:eek:
 
I bought 1GB RAM stick from Crucial for my iMac (PC3200) and it works fine. Same speed as my iMac (previous model from iSight) and it works fine.
So far, no lockups or any problems at all.
I'd really recommend Crucial RAM.

I've also used their RAM in the past for my PCs; of course, it has always worked fine as well. They also ship free and fast.

Buying RAM from Apple directly is too much money, IMO.
 
g0gie said:
So a lot of people have been asking questions about what 3rd party ram to buy ect ect so I thought I would start this thread. If you have bought ram for your new powerbook please review the ram you bought and where you purchased it from. Also if you have questions about ram post it here. I myself would like to know from everyone's experience what ram was compatible and how it felt running on their powerbooks :)
Click to expand...

Depending on how much you want, I am finding 512RAM on ebay for $50. I got a 512 stick a few weeks ago for $37.00.
 
I ordered This memory memory from newegg. It is a 1gb Transcend module. It installed fine, and I haven't observed any problems so far (9 days.) The reviews on newegg seem to be positive. The main thing about this memory was the price.

If anybody knows of any way to test the memory, let me know, and I'll try it out.
 
G4scott said:
I ordered This memory memory from newegg. It is a 1gb Transcend module. It installed fine, and I haven't observed any problems so far (9 days.) The reviews on newegg seem to be positive. The main thing about this memory was the price.

If anybody knows of any way to test the memory, let me know, and I'll try it out.
Click to expand...

Apple Hardware Test
TechTool Pro 4
memtest
rember

(search for the last two on versiontracker.com)
 
well i just ordered a 1gb stick of ram for my powerbook from datamem.com. hopefully it'll be here in a few days. hope it's not too hard installing it. does it say how to install ram in the manual?
 
twoodcc said:
well i just ordered a 1gb stick of ram for my powerbook from datamem.com. hopefully it'll be here in a few days. hope it's not too hard installing it. does it say how to install ram in the manual?
Click to expand...
Yes. You can check whether it does by... reading the Powerbook manual?

If you don't have the manuals (on the machine's CD) then instructions for most G3 and G4 Powerbooks can be found at PBFixit.com, or you can go to support.apple.com and download instructions.

The one thing you really want to do is to get the CORRECT SIZE of Phillips screwdriver -- its a jewellers screwdriver or something like an 00 size. Do not attempt to unscrew the tiny screws that hold on the memory compartment cover unless you have a screwdriver that fits exactly. The screws will strip, and you'll be, well, screwed. Permanently.
 
Reading this thread is making me jones for a powerbook in the worst way!!! Is there any sexier tech hardware in the world? I've wanted one since 700Mhz was considered fast... First Intel pbook on the market is mine. ;)

Back on topic: I've bought memory from Crucial twice. Once for a mac and once for a pc. It's not the fastest stuff in the world, but nothing's more stable. Regarding the post about speed, RAM is the best upgrade you can make. The difference between 512 and a gig is huge, and the difference between 1 gig and 2 is even more impressive.

Congrats to all you lucky pbook owners.:)
 
CanadaRAM said:
Yes. You can check whether it does by... reading the Powerbook manual?

If you don't have the manuals (on the machine's CD) then instructions for most G3 and G4 Powerbooks can be found at PBFixit.com, or you can go to support.apple.com and download instructions.

The one thing you really want to do is to get the CORRECT SIZE of Phillips screwdriver -- its a jewellers screwdriver or something like an 00 size. Do not attempt to unscrew the tiny screws that hold on the memory compartment cover unless you have a screwdriver that fits exactly. The screws will strip, and you'll be, well, screwed. Permanently.
Click to expand...

thanks for the tip. i'll have to get a screwdriver by the time the ram gets here. i can't wait!
 
well i'm kinda worried now. i got an email from datamem.com and the email is just empty. but it's the confirmation email about my order. should i do anything?
 
twoodcc said:
well i'm kinda worried now. i got an email from datamem.com and the email is just empty. but it's the confirmation email about my order. should i do anything?
Click to expand...
Email back or call them in the morning if you are concerned; but I wouldn't be worried, they are stand-up people. If you chose the free shipping, your RAM will come by US Postal Service, if you chose the UPS shipping you'll have it in a day or two.
 
CanadaRAM said:
Email back or call them in the morning if you are concerned; but I wouldn't be worried, they are stand-up people. If you chose the free shipping, your RAM will come by US Postal Service, if you chose the UPS shipping you'll have it in a day or two.
Click to expand...

ok thanks. i'll wait til tomorrow and see if i get another email. i choose UPS shipping, so hopefully i'll get it before the end of the week.
 
well it shipped yesterday, so everything is looking fine. it's not supposed to get here til the 19th though, which i'm not too happy about, but i guess it'll be here soon enough.
 
CanadaRAM said:
Apple Hardware Test
TechTool Pro 4
memtest
rember

(search for the last two on versiontracker.com)
Click to expand...

I tried AHT but it really isn't worth the 1 hour that it took to run. My ex-PB on these Kingston modules passed AHT with flying colours but would freeze up during actual operation.

Anyway those Transcend modules are great modules, you'd have no issues with those.
 
Ocz

Hey Guys,
I'm new to this board and it looks pretty nice so far.
I do not yet own a PB but I am considering getting the new 15". I need ALOT of ram but the prices Apple charges is crazy. I was looking at this: http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_pc2_4200_ddr2-sodimm It's from OCZ which I hear is really good. I found this by using their Ultimate Memory Configurator. I see you guys mentioning RAM that's designed for optimum Mac use... Would this be considered as such since I found it by searching for the specific PB model? Also do you know if this memory is any good? I want the 1 Gig model and found 2 sticks for $216 Cad.
Good deal? Worth getting?
Thanks so much.
Ari
 
azilnik said:
I do not yet own a PB but I am considering getting the new 15". I need ALOT of ram but the prices Apple charges is crazy. I was looking at this: http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_pc2_4200_ddr2-sodimm It's from OCZ which I hear is really good. I found this by using their Ultimate Memory Configurator. I see you guys mentioning RAM that's designed for optimum Mac use... Would this be considered as such since I found it by searching for the specific PB model? Also do you know if this memory is any good? I want the 1 Gig model and found 2 sticks for $216 Cad.
Good deal? Worth getting?
Thanks so much.
Ari
Click to expand...

Where did you see that OCZ recommends this for a Powerbook?
The only Apple RAM on the OCZ site seems to be for the PowerMac G5 (<OCt 19 2005) PC3200 DIMMs. A search for Powerbook comes up empty.

OCZ has made their reputation on PC overclocker's RAM.

As stated earlier - generic RAM MAY work. But your only way to know for sure in advance is to buy from a reputable seller who tests and guarantees compatibility with your model Mac.
 
CanadaRAM said:
Where did you see that OCZ recommends this for a Powerbook?
The only Apple RAM on the OCZ site seems to be for the PowerMac G5 (<OCt 19 2005) PC3200 DIMMs. A search for Powerbook comes up empty.

OCZ has made their reputation on PC overclocker's RAM.

As stated earlier - generic RAM MAY work. But your only way to know for sure in advance is to buy from a reputable seller who tests and guarantees compatibility with your model Mac.
Click to expand...

http://configurator.ocztechnology.com/

Select system type ==> "Laptops"
Select Manufaturer ==> "Apple"
Select Model ==> "PowerBook G4 1.67GHz 15.2" (M9969LL/A)"

Isn't that the newest revision of the 15" Powerbook?
 
well i got my 1 gb stick of ram and i already installed it. i haven't noticed that much of a difference in performance. i put the 1 gb stick in the already open slot. should i switch the 512 stick with the 1 gb stick? or does that really matter? any tests i should run on it, just to make sure everything is working right?
 
azilnik said:
http://configurator.ocztechnology.com/

Select system type ==> "Laptops"
Select Manufaturer ==> "Apple"
Select Model ==> "PowerBook G4 1.67GHz 15.2" (M9969LL/A)"

Isn't that the newest revision of the 15" Powerbook?
Click to expand...

Interesting: the main OCZ site a Search for Powerbook gets nada.

Ah - OK, the link for the configurator is not under Products,
not under Products: Upgrade Memory: Apple Memory, not under Resources, but under "Support". Yeah.
 
CanadaRAM said:
Interesting: the main OCZ site a Search for Powerbook gets nada.

Ah - OK, the link for the configurator is not under Products,
not under Products: Upgrade Memory: Apple Memory, not under Resources, but under "Support". Yeah.
Click to expand...
What does that mean?
Edit: Not so much what it means as in I'm a moron, but as in yes that's weird but does that mean that it's not supported for the Powerbook?
 
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