Upgrading iMac G4 RAM...

[MaCaDDiCT21]

My G4 800MHZ iMac still has stock 256MB RAM in it...

I opened it up and fond a regular PC-133 modules nestled inside it...can I take out that RAM, and install a bigger capacity? I know I can with the external DIMM socket, but I was wondering what kind of RAM would work in the internal slot...

 

[Aliquis]

You should be able to take out the ram and put in a larger capacity piece of the same type. You need to make sure that it's apple-compatible though. I'd use a site that guarantees apple compatibility.

 

[Makosuke]

Easiest thing to do is always to check one of the big online RAM stores--they'll tell you exactly what's compatible with your particular computer (and sell it to you, if you want).

I usually check out Crucial and DMS (datamem.com). The former is a bit higher quality, the latter cheaper and still decent.

Those computers're a bit confusing on account of having a user-accessable SODIMM slot, and an internal not-usually-user-accessable full-sized slot, but a quick check shows that the earliest models (the PC-133 700-800MHz ones) top out at 512MB in each slot (standard modules, so yes, you can use anything), and the later ones (PC2100 or PC2700) can use up to 1GB, apparently.

 

[yenko]

My G4 800MHZ iMac still has stock 256MB RAM in it...

I opened it up and fond a regular PC-133 modules nestled inside it...can I take out that RAM, and install a bigger capacity? I know I can with the external DIMM socket, but I was wondering what kind of RAM would work in the internal slot...

I wouldn't mess with the internal slot.

 

[aquajet]

I wouldn't mess with the internal slot.

Oops, too late.

The internal slot in the 700 and 800 mhz iMac G4 requires 168-pin PC-133 DIMM, unlike the user-accessible slot which requires a 144-pin SO-DIMM. Memory modules up to 512 mb in size for both slots are supported.

Before you reassemble your iMac, you should notice two mating surfaces (apple calls them "thermal pipes") between the two halves of the iMac base that use a thermal compound to facilitate heat transfer. You'll need to remove the old thermal compound and reapply new thermal compound to these mating surfaces to ensure proper cooling within the base. When reattaching the base, make sure you torque those screws down firmly, but not forcibly.

 

[belvdr]

Oops, too late.

The internal slot in the 700 and 800 mhz iMac G4 requires 168-pin PC-133 DIMM, unlike the user-accessible slot which requires a 144-pin SO-DIMM. Memory modules up to 512 mb in size for both slots are supported.

Before you reassemble your iMac, you should notice two mating surfaces (apple calls them "thermal pipes") between the two halves of the iMac base that use a thermal compound to facilitate heat transfer. You'll need to remove the old thermal compound and reapply new thermal compound to these mating surfaces to ensure proper cooling within the base. When reattaching the base, make sure you torque those screws down firmly, but not forcibly.

Just to note, there are 4 total mating surfaces (2 per location).