iMac with Intel RAM recommendation 1 Gb vs 1.5 Gb vs 2 Gb

[McGiord]

Hi, a very good friend who is going to switch from a Sony VAIO to an Intel iMac, is asking me what he should do regarding the RAM, his options are:

When ordering it he could for 100$:
add a 512MB to get a 1Gb or
add a 1Gb to get 1.5 Gb

Or buy somewhere else 2 x 1Gb to get 2Gb, for 220$
Then sell or re-use n other computer the original 512MB.

Questions for you:
1- Which are your recommendations?
2- How different would the iMac behave in each of the 3 configurations?
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Toyota Coaster

 

[CanadaRAM]

1st choice: Buy from Apple in the minimum configuration.
Install 2 Gb of reputable third-party RAM.
Guaranteed to get you matching RAM for DUal Channel Access

 

[4legsmedia]

Does the iMac Core Duo uses a special kind of ram or does normal DDR ram (Kingston / Corsair) that you can use on PC's work too?
If not do you know which type?

 

[McGiord]

specs

Does the iMac Core Duo uses a special kind of ram or does normal DDR ram (Kingston / Corsair) that you can use on PC's work too?
If not do you know which type?

They use the PC5300 DDR2 667MHz 200 pin DIMM (512MB or 1024MB) , so if the other computers are compatible with this type I think they work.
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Chrysler FirePower engine picture

 

[McGiord]

OWC prices...and details

http://eshop.macsales.com/Search/Search.cfm?Criteria=iMac+Intel&Manufacturer=&x=0&y=0
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BMW E34 specifications

 

[imacintel]

1st choice: Buy from Apple in the minimum configuration.
Install 2 Gb of reputable third-party RAM.
Guaranteed to get you matching RAM for DUal Channel Access

Trust him. He is a RAM expert. He helped me with my RAM purchae.

 

[VoodooDaddy]

http://guides.macrumors.com/Matched_RAM_on_Intel_Macs

 

[netdog]

2 covers you for the future. 1 will do okay for now unless you want to run Parallels. 512MB will have him selling his iMac for a PC.