RAM question for the iMac

[SaleenS351]

I'm looking to get the new iMac and wanna up the RAM from 1GB to 2GB.

1. Can I miss match the brands? Will a different 1GB stick brand with the one that is already in there cause any problems?

2. Can I get a reasonably priced 1GB stick from newegg.com or elsewhere for my new iMac for under a $100?

Thanks in advance, appreciate the help.

 

[swiftaw]

I'm guessing that if you get the iMac with 1Gb of RAM then it will actually contain 2 512Mb sticks of RAM, so to get 2Gb of RAM you'll have to replace them both, each with 1Gb sticks.

I like otherworldcomputing.com for my RAM needs, you can get 2*1Gb sicks there for $97

 

[SaleenS351]

Can you use the PC2 5300 in the new iMac?

 

[iBookG4user]

1. Can I miss match the brands? Will a different 1GB stick brand with the one that is already in there cause any problems?

Yes, you can mismatch brands.

2. Can I get a reasonably priced 1GB stick from newegg.com or elsewhere for my new iMac for under a $100?

Yeah, this RAM is dirt cheap after the rebate (even before) and it will work in the iMac.

I'm guessing that if you get the iMac with 1Gb of RAM then it will actually contain 2 512Mb sticks of RAM, so to get 2Gb of RAM you'll have to replace them both, each with 1Gb sticks.

I like otherworldcomputing.com for my RAM needs, you can get 2*1Gb sicks there for $97

Actually the iMac comes with 1x1GB stick, I checked on the Apple website.

 

[strider42]

I'm guessing that if you get the iMac with 1Gb of RAM then it will actually contain 2 512Mb sticks of RAM, so to get 2Gb of RAM you'll have to replace them both, each with 1Gb sticks.

My new iMac came with a single 1 gig stick, leaving an open ram slot.

 

[RainCityMacFan]

I'm guessing that if you get the iMac with 1Gb of RAM then it will actually contain 2 512Mb sticks of RAM, so to get 2Gb of RAM you'll have to replace them both, each with 1Gb sticks.

I like otherworldcomputing.com for my RAM needs, you can get 2*1Gb sicks there for $97

Yeah OWC is really cheap compare to other places I seen.

But does anyone have a 20" iMac ordered w/ 1GB of RAM?

Did it come with two 512MB or just 1GB stick and do the new iMacs support dual-channel memory (installing in kits to perform better)?

EDIT: wow.. Frys...
$20.00 Mail in Rebate valid from 2007-08-15 to 2007-08-21
Cheap, but the rebate doesn't fit my time line.. *sigh*

 

[SaleenS351]

Sorry got another question.

Can I run a 1GB stick and 2GB stick together or do they both have to be the same?

 

[RainCityMacFan]

Sorry got another question.

Can I run a 1GB stick and 2GB stick together or do they both have to be the same?

Well if the new iMacs support dual channel memory it would be best to pair them for maximum gain, however if they aren't you don't need to. I don't think they are though seeing that they come with only one stick..

If they are dual-channeled then I'm guessing I could just buy 1GB of RAM so it would be Apple 1GB + OWC 1Gb, or do I have to have the exact same RAM hardware and such?

 

[SaleenS351]

Thanks again everyone.

 

[CanadaRAM]

There is a Guide on this

When in doubt, check the Apple.com/Store to see how Macs are configured, that will tell you that the iMac comes stock with 1 x 1 Gb but the MacBook comes with 2 x 512

The iMac does support dual channel.

You can run a 1 Gb plus a 2 Gb

There is a reasonable chance that different brands of 1 Gb will make a matched pair, but it is not guaranteed. The RAM has to match for size, speed and composition (how the chips are logically arranged on the module)

Give a bit of a Search on the forums before opening a new topic. This is the 16th intel Mac RAM thread this week.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM

 

[RainCityMacFan]

Sorry but I was wondering if OWC Ram (1GB) matched the 1GB of Apple's stock RAM?

If not would it just be better to buy 2 *1GB and send the 1GB that came w/ my iMac back to OWC for a rebate?

How much do they pay for 1GB of stock RAM?

Nvm they only pay 25$ lol...

 

[CanadaRAM]

Sorry but I was wondering if OWC Ram (1GB) matched the 1GB of Apple's stock RAM?

Well there's no way to tell for sure, is there?

Apple uses three main suppliers of RAM (Micron Samsung and Hynix) and they do not publish which of the three are going to be in your specific machine, nor the detailed (chip and composition level) specifications. OWC may or may not be willing to tell you what the chipset and composition of their RAM is, but there is no way they or any other vendor can 100% guarantee a perfect match with an unknown target.

 

[RainCityMacFan]

Well there's no way to tell for sure, is there?

Apple uses three main suppliers of RAM (Micron Samsung and Hynix) and they do not publish which of the three are going to be in your specific machine, nor the detailed (chip and composition level) specifications. OWC may or may not be willing to tell you what the chipset and composition of their RAM is, but there is no way they or any other vendor can 100% guarantee a perfect match with an unknown target.

So how big is the performance (dual channel) that I'm going to miss if I get a mismatched pair?

Well is 6-8% really that big? Like when working with photos/videos/maybe photoshop and games?

 

[Island Roots]

I'm guessing that if you get the iMac with 1Gb of RAM then it will actually contain 2 512Mb sticks of RAM, so to get 2Gb of RAM you'll have to replace them both, each with 1Gb sticks.

I like otherworldcomputing.com for my RAM needs, you can get 2*1Gb sicks there for $97

All new iMacs with 1GB of memory ship with a 1GB stick. Apple has forgone the 512x2 in favor of the 1GBx1 option when users choose to have 1GB of memory come preinstalled.

 

[jczubach]

Give a bit of a Search on the forums before opening a new topic. This is the 16th intel Mac RAM thread this week.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM

Have you ever considered that this may be a subconscious response by folks to seeing your avatar and screen name everyday???