New iMac Buyers - RAM Poll
Just curious what other people are doing with RAM in their new Infected Mushrooms. (OK, OK, LCD iMacs...) 
I have already bought a 256 MB chip, which I got for $62 (PC100 though - not that it matters I guess).
I am consideringj dumping it off and getting a 512 MB chip. They're around $180-$240 depending on where you look. I was looking at Crucial, because of their good track record and quality RAM - $215 there.
Just trying to decide if it's worth it. I wonder just how much more responsive OSX will be with 768 MB of RAM as opposed to 512. Hmmmm.....
What do you guys (and Belle and Kate
) have planned for your RAM upgrade?
I have already bought a 256 MB chip, which I got for $62 (PC100 though - not that it matters I guess).
I am consideringj dumping it off and getting a 512 MB chip. They're around $180-$240 depending on where you look. I was looking at Crucial, because of their good track record and quality RAM - $215 there.
Just trying to decide if it's worth it. I wonder just how much more responsive OSX will be with 768 MB of RAM as opposed to 512. Hmmmm.....
What do you guys (and Belle and Kate
) have planned for your RAM upgrade?
Comments
<strong>Just curious what other people are doing with RAM in their new Infected Mushrooms. (OK, OK, LCD iMacs...)
I have already bought a 256 MB chip, which I got for $62 (PC100 though - not that it matters I guess).
I am consideringj dumping it off and getting a 512 MB chip. They're around $180-$240 depending on where you look. I was looking at Crucial, because of their good track record and quality RAM - $215 there.
Just trying to decide if it's worth it. I wonder just how much more responsive OSX will be with 768 MB of RAM as opposed to 512. Hmmmm.....
What do you guys (and Belle and Kate
murbot:
It has been stated in the Apple iMac Flat Panel forum at <a href="http://discussions.info.apple.com/[email protected]^[email protected]/5"; target="_blank">http://discussions.info.apple.com/[email protected]^[email protected] b896/5</a> by the Moderator that ALL (both inner/outer RAM slots) RAM slots should be populated with PC133 modules.
However, Apple Store shows the following when clicking on the "More Infor" link when wanting to upgrade from the default RAM size.
[quote]
<strong>Note: SDRAM is closely correlated with your computer's processor. You should purchase PC100 or PC133-compliant SDRAM that has been tested and approved for your system. If you don't purchase memory directly from Apple, be sure to check with the third-party manufacturer to verify compatibility before purchase. Refer to your user's manual for a detailed description of the memory used in your computer.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
There was some confusion about the outer slot being PC100 but apparently that was incorrect.
My advice is to wait for confirmation on what the exact RAM specs are before doing anything too rash.
As far as how much RAM and how much more responsive X might be having more RAM, I would simply say -- add as much RAM as you can afford. Mac OS X uses RAM very efficiently and will be that much more responsive overall.
Only the other day I was using PhotoShop Elements under Classic for manipulating an image and Classic's memory demand shot up to around 550MB. I have 1024MB (two 512MB PC133 168-pin DIMMs) in my iMac that I bought for around $107 a few months back.
BTW the inner RAM slot on the new iMac Flat Panel shouldn't be too difficult to get at -- remove the stainless steel bottom plate and then use a torx-15 screwdriver to remove the bottom plate that will then expose the logic board that holds the PC133 168-pin DIMM. This type DIMM is exactly the same as used in the PowerMac G4 towers and any iMac DV slot loader that has PC133 installed. The outer RAM slot holds PC133 144-pin SO-DIMM that Apple says is identical to that used in the iBook Dual USB's RAM expansion slot. These SO-DIMMs are more expensive than the PC133 168-pin DIMMs and note that Apple doesn't offer a 512MB SO-DIMM at the online Apple Store -- only offers a 256MB one!
N.B. When re-assembling be sure to use the Thermal paste as Apple recommends after replacing the RAM in the inner slot.
Hope that helps.
[ 01-19-2002: Message edited by: Barry Sharp ]</p>
I hadn't heard of the need for PC100. I'll have to look into that. Thanks!
[ 01-20-2002: Message edited by: murbot ]</p>
When I realized I'd get my iMac much more quickly by buying it in a store, I cancelled the order, and intend to buy the $1799 model with the standard 256MB.
So I'll have 768MB, and feel brave enough to crack open the iMac if I think I need 1GB at a later date.
If you want bargain RAM with a lifetime warranty, go ahead and try <a href="http://www.macsales.com"; target="_blank">www.macsales.com</a> (Other World Computing.) I've never had a problem with them.
I don't know how teir shipping rates to the great white north are though...
[ 01-20-2002: Message edited by: Eugene ]</p>
I will buy a 512 piece as soon as I can scrape together some dough, the iMac itself set me back $1,951. :eek:
Worth it though.
I think 256 will sufice for me because I have 192 MB Ram in my 450 Mhz G4 Cube and it runs very well.
[ 01-22-2002: Message edited by: Macintosh ]</p>
Not the cheapest at $215, but only $13 for express shipping to Canada, and my last order there only took a few days.
Coast Memory (18004Memory) has the chip at $178, but their shipping here is over $30, so for only a small premium, I'm going with Crucial who I KNOW will give a great product and get it here fast.
Plus I just can't stand to pay some assholes $30 + to ship a freakin' envelope to me. (at least Crucial puts it in a box)
768 MB of RAM should make this puppy fly - if the damn thing ever gets here!!
I will have 768mb Ram when i finally have my iMac 800mhz delivered (still waiting).
They plan on having them available within 7 to 10 business days.
What the hell - I'll still be waiting for the iMac anyway by the looks of things...
I was miffed that they emailed me on the 23rd to tell me they were out of stock, but they emailed me again last night at 9pm to tell me that the chip was in and my package would be on they way.
It got here at 3pm today. $13 US for FedEx delivery, and it got here overnight.
18004Memory for example, charges $30+ for shipping here, and you never know when the hell you're going to get it.
It came in a nice sturdy little box, between 2 pieces of foam... very nicely packaged.
Any Canadians looking for a place to get RAM from, give Crucial a look. I'm truly impressed.
(and no, don't have any stock in the company...)