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echosphere · Sep 9, 2004, 04:02 PM

With the PowerMacs you need to install RAM in pairs, is this also true for the iMac G5? Or can I just buy an addtional 1Gig stick and have a total of 1256MB of RAM?

Thanks!

Silas · Sep 9, 2004, 04:38 PM

For the iMac G5, you do not need to install in pairs. A developers page states that if you do install in pairs of identical DIMMS, it will adjust the memory bus speed from 64 to 128. The jury is still out on whether or not this will make a noticeable performance difference. Check out this link for more info:

iMac Memory Config

echosphere · Sep 9, 2004, 08:57 PM

Silas, thanks for the info. I'm more informed now, but still as confused, actually now more. But I seriously appreciate the help, esp with the link to that forum. As at least I can monitor it. I guess the best answer is to buy two matching 1gig sticks, sigh, if only I would be able to afford it...... Echo

Silas · Sep 9, 2004, 10:05 PM

Not a problem. I am very curious myself but I am sure we will get more information as these machines get closer to actually shipping.

Krusty · Sep 9, 2004, 10:29 PM

Sorry to say, I tend to doubt that "pairing" will work in the iMac. The maximum bus speed of the iMac G5 is 600. Doubling the data access rate of 400mhz PC3200 will result in 800 mhz transfer.

In other words, i don't think the FSB of the iMac is fast enough to take advantage of memory pairing even if it works in theory.