What is the real max RAM of iBook G4?

[jamdr]

I just got the 12" iBook G4 and wanted to upgrade its RAM. I know Apple says the max RAM capacity is 640 MB, but PC2100 RAM comes in 1 GB and 2 GB sizes as well. So, is the RAM capacity actually higher? What if I got the 1 GB chip, would it work? 18004MEMORY.com has the 1 GB chip for only $149.

 

[huntsman]

Page 52 of the Getting Started guide says "The recommended maximum amount of memory you can install in your iBook G4 is 640 MB, using one 512 MB DIMM in the memory slot."

The interesting word being "recommended", as it seems to leave the door slightly ajar. But you'll be taking a risk if you try to install a larger module (if you do, let us know how it goes).

 

[huntsman]

Have an update on this. Today on xlr8yourmac.com I spotted the following story:

1GB Memory Modules for iBook G4s - Transintl sent a press release on their 1GB memory modules for the new iBook G4 (800MHz to 1GHz models).

"Trans Intl. today announced the availability of a 1 Gigabyte (GB) DDR (Double Data Rate) memory upgrade module for the newly released Apple ibook G4 800 Mhz, 933 Mhz, 1 Ghz Model.Trans Intl.'s 1 Gigabyte (GB) memory modules double the system's main memory in the ibook G4 models to 1152 Megabytes (MB) of available RAM.
The ibook G4 models have one available memory expansion slot for main memory expansion and 128 MB of RAM soldered on the system logic board. Trans Intl.'s 1 Gigabyte (GB) memory upgrades double the memory density of the available memory expansion slot to 1 GB. Without this upgrade, the system memory capacity was limited to a total of 640 MB of main memory as currently specified in Apple documentation. Pricing and availability:
Apple iBook G4 800 Mhz 12 inch Model, G4 933 Mhz 14 inch Model and G4 1 Ghz 14 inch Model. TransIntl has recently introduced 1 GB Memory Modules for Apple Power Macintosh G5 2GHz/1.8 GHz ($319 for PC3200) and G5/1.6GHz models ($219 for PC2700)"

The G4 12" version is at http://www.transintl.com/store/category.cfm?Category=2443 and is quite expensive

 

[jxyama]

Re: What is the real max RAM of iBook G4?

Originally posted by jamdr
18004MEMORY.com has the 1 GB chip for only $149.

that's not SODIMM. those PC2100 1 GB RAMs are for desktops. SODIMM PC2100 1 GB RAM is at least a few hundred bucks last i checked.

 

[yamabushi]

The theoretical maximum RAM for the G4 iBook is probably 2GB. However, this would involve replacing both main and expansion memory and would void the warranty.

 

[asgardn1]

no, transinternational does sell 1 GB SO-DIMMS for the Powerbooks and iBooks that trick it into accepting the full GB. Not just any chip will work. I had the same problem going past 192MB on my Wallstreet until OWC came out with the same trick for that.

 

[cleo]

Would the new 1GB chip being sold by Apple for the new iBook revision work in the 800's?

 

[IndyGopher]

no, transinternational does sell 1 GB SO-DIMMS for the Powerbooks and iBooks that trick it into accepting the full GB. Not just any chip will work. I had the same problem going past 192MB on my Wallstreet until OWC came out with the same trick for that.

I can't speak for the G4 iBooks, though I am positive it's the same situation.. however, there was no "trick" with memory in Wallstreet powerbooks.. it was physical size and mbit density. I defy you to buy a double-sided 1" or lower PC-66 SDR 128M SO-DIMM that doesn't work in a Wallstreet Powerbook. I've installed half a dozen of them in pretty much every sort of Wallstreet they made, 233, 250, 292, 300... using chips from several different manufacturers. Paying a company some insane amount for a chip "designed for" an Apple is folly. Any reputable memory vendor will guarantee memory for life, and will accept a return if it doesn't work in your machine (so long as YOU don't damage it putting it in)

 

[titaniumducky]

I just got the 12" iBook G4 and wanted to upgrade its RAM. I know Apple says the max RAM capacity is 640 MB, but PC2100 RAM comes in 1 GB and 2 GB sizes as well. So, is the RAM capacity actually higher? What if I got the 1 GB chip, would it work? 18004MEMORY.com has the 1 GB chip for only $149.

You need special chips, but it can be fooled.

 

[asgardn1]

I can't speak for the G4 iBooks, though I am positive it's the same situation.. however, there was no "trick" with memory in Wallstreet powerbooks.. it was physical size and mbit density. I defy you to buy a double-sided 1" or lower PC-66 SDR 128M SO-DIMM that doesn't work in a Wallstreet Powerbook. I've installed half a dozen of them in pretty much every sort of Wallstreet they made, 233, 250, 292, 300... using chips from several different manufacturers. Paying a company some insane amount for a chip "designed for" an Apple is folly. Any reputable memory vendor will guarantee memory for life, and will accept a return if it doesn't work in your machine (so long as YOU don't damage it putting it in)

Yes, there are other 256MB SO-DIMMs that can do the same thing in a Wallstreet. Yes, I was oversimplifying by calling it a trick. Apple still lists the maximum acceptable RAM as 192MB. When I was first trying to go past that 192MB, I went through 3 SO-DIMMs before someone told me about the OWC chip, which at the time, was the only 256MB PC-66 SO-DIMM, that I knew of at the time, that would both be accepted as the full 256MB to go to 512MB. The story is different now even though Apple still lists 192 as the max.

In the case of several other newer Macs the situation is similar. In DDR iMac G4s, Apple still lists the max as 1GB. Yes, if you know what to look for to surpass that lie, you can get several different brands of SO-DIMMs. Transinternational is just nice enough to list the max using their sticks as 2GB. OWC did and still does the same thing. They list what the situation is with Macs first. They do tell you that it will work in x86 machines, but they don't give much help in that area. In the case of OWC, their sticks are some of the best prices available, especially compared to Kinsgston and what Apple charges. Besides the fact that I prefer to deal with companies who put Macs first. Of course, you can buy from any company you want to if you know what you are looking for.

 

[tjwett]

Apple listed the same RAM specs for the Rev A 12" PowerBooks (basically same guts as the new iBooks) and i've seen with my own eyes one running with a 1GB chip installed. they are getting cheaper.

 

[IndyGopher]

Yes, there are other 256MB SO-DIMMs that can do the same thing in a Wallstreet. Yes, I was oversimplifying by calling it a trick. Apple still lists the maximum acceptable RAM as 192MB. When I was first trying to go past that 192MB, I went through 3 SO-DIMMs before someone told me about the OWC chip, which at the time, was the only 256MB PC-66 SO-DIMM, that I knew of at the time, that would both be accepted as the full 256MB to go to 512MB. The story is different now even though Apple still lists 192 as the max.

In the case of several other newer Macs the situation is similar. In DDR iMac G4s, Apple still lists the max as 1GB. Yes, if you know what to look for to surpass that lie, you can get several different brands of SO-DIMMs. Transinternational is just nice enough to list the max using their sticks as 2GB. OWC did and still does the same thing. They list what the situation is with Macs first. They do tell you that it will work in x86 machines, but they don't give much help in that area. In the case of OWC, their sticks are some of the best prices available, especially compared to Kinsgston and what Apple charges. Besides the fact that I prefer to deal with companies who put Macs first. Of course, you can buy from any company you want to if you know what you are looking for.

I hope you didn't take my earlier response as a personal attack, I didn't mean for it to be taken that way. I think the difference here is one of perception. You seem to see these companies as doing Apple users a favor, and putting Apple first. I see them as taking advantage of Apple users by charging an insultingly high markup because they (often rightly) assume people will pay it if they present themselves as Apple-Friendly. The real culprit, as usual, is Apple. They don't list exacting specifications for memory, knowing that most users for the sake of convenience (and fear of harming their computer) will then buy memory from Apple (who SHAMELESSLY gouges customers on memory) or at least from one of aforementioned so-called Apple-Friendly suppliers. We complain, and rightly so, about Microsoft's FUD but tend to ignore the stuff coming from Cupertino.