PowerMac G5 Compatiable memory list?

[tonyl]

Is there any list for these compatiable memories? Like kingston value rams, corsair or ocz value rams? Memories PM g5 usually are made by which chip company? Samsung, Hynix, Micron? How about timing? 3-3-3-8 1T (30330)?

 

[CanadaRAM]

No there isn't

Apple does not maintain a list of 'approved' memory (they do have some extra specs in the developers notes). Apple buys memory from Micron, Samsung, Hynix and IBM, among others - any of the above could be supplied as stock. Each machine can take a range of timings - and there is no indication that any modern Mac can take advantage of faster than normal latency.

Normal values are:
PC2700: CL2.5 (Powerbooks, eMac DDR models, Mini G4)
PC3200: CL3 (g5 PowerMac Single and Dual Processor, iMac G5 rev A and B)
DDR2-533: CL4 (G5 Dual Core, iMac iSight, DL Powerbok G4)
DDR2-667: CL5 (intel Macs)

One problem is that a determining factor for Mac compatibility is the Serial Presence Detect programming -- which is independent of the make and model of the module. So you could have a Samsung module #123xyz that was Mac compatible, and another outwardly identical #123xyz that had the wrong SPD program and was incompatible.

Another problem is that RAM manufacturers change the build of their modules, without notice, and sometimes retain the same model number; so the same make and model module could be made with, for example, 16 chips last year, and 8 chips this year. Crucial found when they changed the build on the CT12864X335, it no longer worked in early AlBooks, so they had to create a new module specifically for some models of Powerbook.

The best way to be sure that RAM is Mac compatible is to purchase from a reputable seller who tests and guarantees compatibility, in writing, for your model Mac.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com

 

[tonyl]

Thanks a lot! Very clear! But I think many mac users upgrade memories for themselves, then they can share their information.

No there isn't

Apple does not maintain a list of 'approved' memory (they do have some extra specs in the developers notes). Apple buys memory from Micron, Samsung, Hynix and IBM, among others - any of the above could be supplied as stock. Each machine can take a range of timings - and there is no indication that any modern Mac can take advantage of faster than normal latency.

Normal values are:
PC2700: CL2.5 (Powerbooks, eMac DDR models, Mini G4)
PC3200: CL3 (g5 PowerMac Single and Dual Processor, iMac G5 rev A and B)
DDR2-533: CL4 (G5 Dual Core, iMac iSight, DL Powerbok G4)
DDR2-667: CL5 (intel Macs)

One problem is that a determining factor for Mac compatibility is the Serial Presence Detect programming -- which is independent of the make and model of the module. So you could have a Samsung module #123xyz that was Mac compatible, and another outwardly identical #123xyz that had the wrong SPD program and was incompatible.

Another problem is that RAM manufacturers change the build of their modules, without notice, and sometimes retain the same model number; so the same make and model module could be made with, for example, 16 chips last year, and 8 chips this year. Crucial found when they changed the build on the CT12864X335, it no longer worked in early AlBooks, so they had to create a new module specifically for some models of Powerbook.

The best way to be sure that RAM is Mac compatible is to purchase from a reputable seller who tests and guarantees compatibility, in writing, for your model Mac.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com