star shaped screw driver?

[Amphersand]

Anybody know if i can get hold of the star shaped screw driver, to get me into the bottom of my imac??? Cant say ive ever seen them before, are they a specialist mac thing i wont be able to get hold of????

Cheers
A.

 

[Collin973]

Nope, they aren't specially made for macs. They are known as Torx screw drivers and you can find one at the Home Depot or Lowes or any hardware store. I bought a small torx driver from home depot for about 6 dollars and it has every size bit I needed to open a powerbook and an iBook. Just ask for torx...They come in a number system. The lower the number, the smaller the bit size. You probably could find the sizes you'd need to open your iMac up some where on the internet in a take apart guide or something.

Good luck

 

[SpookTheHamster]

Yep, they're Torx bits, otherwise known as "hexalobular internal driving feature"[Wikipedia entry]

They're used on a lot more than Macs, lots of cars use them (if they use an obscure fastener, you're more likely to get your car fixed at a dealer), as do lots of other electronics.

Buy a set, you won't regret it. If you can get some of the security Torx bits, I'd recommend them over standard ones, they have more uses.

 

[Amphersand]

Cheers folks! Im just putting some more memory in my imac. Wasnt sure if i was going to be able to get into it. Winner!

 

[Amphersand]

Oh, anybody know how much ram i can put in an imac 2.1 (round base, screen on a stick)

Cheers
A.

 

[RobTuck]

You shouldnt need a torx screwdriver for upgrading memory. The memory access panel uses philips screws (cross). The Torx screws are for getting the whole thing open I imagine.

 

[iMeowbot]

Oh, anybody know how much ram i can put in an imac 2.1 (round base, screen on a stick)

What speed is the G4? Does the Mac have USB 2? What size screen? (the amount and type of RAM depends on those)

[ Edit: where is that 2.1 coming from, the number after "PowerPC G4" ? That would mean you probably have an older 800 MHz model, but ... ]

 

[Amphersand]

The 2.1 is from the System Profile - Machine Model 2.1

Its a g4 with a 800mhz processor and only 256mb of ram. I could do with at least a gig or so. Ive started working with some big photoshop files, upward of 2 gig in size.

Im going to start by putting in another 256mb that i have languishing in an old 1.2 imac at home. Thats why i need to get into the interior as i dont think the old ram i have will fit the credit card style ram attachment in the lid.

Dont know what USB i have but the monitor is 15' corner to corner.

Thanks for all the help everyone!
Cheers
A.

 

[zwida]

For your machine:

RAM: 256 MB, expandable to 1,024 MB using one user accessible 144-pin PC133 SODIMM (up to 512 MB) and one 168-pin PC133 SODIMM (also up to 512 MB) inside the computer.

 

[Amphersand]

Thinking i might just get 512MB PC133 speed RAM and put it in the user accesable slot. Bit worried i'll buy the wrong shaped ram tho. Do i need to get laptop ram? What is the shape spec im looking for on the shelf? I guarantee the feckers in the shop will be useless.

Cheers again everyone!
A.

 

[bossass]

You shouldnt need a torx screwdriver for upgrading memory. The memory access panel uses philips screws (cross). The Torx screws are for getting the whole thing open I imagine.

This is correct. The two or three screws on the RAM door take a normal size (#2 I think) phillips. But just the tip of the driver head fits in. You should barely have to torque these screws to get them to release.

 

[Amphersand]

Oh, can anyone suggest anywhere real cheap for buying ram? Ive had a look around and most places are charging around $120.00 plus shipping for 512mb.

Im in the uk but dont mind buying it in the states etc. Just want to beat that price. Actually been around a few shops today (here) and most dont stock it. They all had a bit of trouble with the PC133 speed bit!

Cheers
A.