iMac Intel Core Duo memory question

[Doubtful]

Hopefully someone can offer some insight to this memory dilemma I'm facing.

I got the iMac Intel Core Duo with the standard 512 mb of memory. I knew I needed more seeing as I use Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, etc... and now I'm ready to buy some.

What I've found is that the Apple Store charges $300 for a 1 GB module of DDR2-667 PC2-5300. That seems a little pricey so I looked for alternatives and found this site: http://macramdirect.com/imac.html but there are two options on there. One for Samsung and one for a brand named MRD.

I can get 2 GB of RAM for $250 if I go with MRD, or get 2 GB for $350 if I go with Samsung.

So the question is: Is there a big advantage to getting the Samsung memory or would it basically just be paying for the name and the fact that Samsung is the brand of memory Apple uses? I guess it boils down to what would you all go with if you were buying memory.


In addition if you have any recommended sites to buy from I'd be willing to buy elsewhere. Thanks to anyone who can make some suggestions and help me get my computer the boost it needs.

 

[topgunn]

First, a simple search would turn up many other threads with the answers to your questions.

Does the off-brand memory come with a guarantee that it will work in your iMac? That would be a must for me. Personally, $250 seems high for 2GB. I bought two 1GB modules from Newegg.com for $90 each. Now, they weren't guaranteed to work but if you read the reviews, many times you will see Mac users who have posted saying that it works in their mini/iMac/MBP. That is good enough for me.

 

[TMA]

The easiest solution would be to turn to a non-Apple hardware supplier but one that sells RAM specified for Apple macs. e.g Crucial. You'll normally save a lot of money over Apple.com (never buy RAM from Apple) and it's guaranteed to work on your mac.

 

[octoberdeath]

other upgrades?

is it possible to upgrade the hard drive in the iMac? what about the graphics chip? and processor?

 

[5683565]

is it possible to upgrade the hard drive in the iMac? what about the graphics chip? and processor?

Hard Drive yes, graphics chip no, processor maybe, provided there is another socket processor made with the same amount of pins. I recall that Intel are going to make one.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Mac RAM Direct -- never heard of them before. I don't like it when a vendor makes it very difficult to find their physical address on their website. I also don't like it when firms advertise "HyperVelocity" or some other meaningless term that implies their RAM is faster.

"Whenever applicable, Mac RAM Direct will spec upgrades in the form of modules capable of faster speeds than originally supplied. Remember, faster RAM is like Premium gasoline where even if your car uses 87 octane Regular, she'll purr like a kitten with the higher octane juice. The same holds true for RAM. Enjoy!"

It's a crock, of course, (purr like a frackin' kitten, gimme a break) because every compatible RAM module in your iMac will run at exactly the same clock speed. The Mac sets the speed, not the RAM module.

Also, they can't even be shifted to correct the techical errors in their website -- "Core Duo Powered iMac models have two memory expansion slots that use special 240 pin Mac spec DIMM DDR2 type modules." No they don't. They have standard 200 pin DDR-2 667 MHz SODIMM modules.

In case you're still wondering, my personal opinion is to give these jokers a WIDE berth and buy from someone reputable.



At any rate, you'll get a better deal from Data Memory Systems or OWC

And have a Search through the forums, we have covered intel RAM perhaps 30 times in the last three weeks...