[Mallrat]

I just bought the iMac G4 20inch... I just love the old iMac design so much that I couldn't be tempted by the new iMac G5, even though it's faster. So I went a little bit cheaper and picked one up for 1400 bucks. I'm happy.

So it comes with 256MB, but can upgrade to 1GB. Does this mean that the 256 ISN'T built in and can be removed? I was under the impression that the iMac G4 flat panel had memory built in and then ONE additonal slot. Maybe they have TWO and that would make sense.

Just curious. I figure I would order memory from crucial, but I just didn't know whether to order two 512 stick or one 512 and one 256.

Thank you.

[toti]

If I'm not completely out to sea, I recall it having one SO-DIMM slot, and one 133MHz 168-pin SDRAM slot..

[Eriamjh]

It has a 200 pin SO-DIMM on the bottom that can take up to a 1GB stick (yes, 1GB!).

Deeper inside, there is a 184 pin DIMM that can also take 1GB (total of 2GB max!).

The 20" uses DDR PC2700 DIMMs. I think you can use PC3200 also.

So, yes, the 256 DIMM inside can be removed. Remember that the two DIMM slots are of different sizes (on is standard, the other is SO).

[MrForgetable]

Sorry to hear that you didn't like the G5 that much. I remember a thread a while back that you were waiting for the G5 as you were just diagnosed with Hogkins. Get better (if you aren't already!) and have fun with your new 20inch iMac

[toti]

Originally posted by Eriamjh:
It has a 200 pin SO-DIMM on the bottom that can take up to a 1GB stick (yes, 1GB!).

Deeper inside, there is a 188 pin DIMM that can also take 1GB (total of 2GB max!).

The 20" uses DDR PC2700 DIMMs. I think you can use PC3200 also.

So, yes, the 256 DIMM inside can be removed. Remember that the two DIMM slots are of different sizes (on is standard, the other is SO).

Ah sorry, I was a bit out to sea there I was thinking the pre-usb2 model ( 15" and 17" )

These are the official specs:

Apple documentation states:

iMac (USB 2.0) computers only work with PC2700, 2.5V, 333Mhz DDR SDRAM. The maximum installed RAM that can be used is 1 GB. RAM modules of 128 MB, 256 MB, and 512 MB sizes can be used in both slots.

There are two RAM slots in the iMac (USB 2.0) computers. They are:
* A user-accessible 200-pin SO-DIMM slot.
* An internal (factory-installed) 184-pin DIMM slot

The Apple System Profiler will show the two different types of slots and what amount of RAM is installed there. The user-accessible slot requires PC2700 333Mhz speed DDR SDRAM SO-DIMMs. When installing larger 265MB or 512MB DIMMs in this slot, use low-profile SO-DIMMs.
Always follow the upgrade instructions for Memory and AirPort Extreme card installation as written. Never attempt to remove screws that are not listed in the upgrade instructions.

Warning: While you may add or change memory in the SO-DIMM slot, do not attempt to access the factory-only memory slot. Special seals and tooling are required to access and reseal the computer successfully. If the computer is incorrectly resealed, damage to the computer will result and this damage would not be covered under warranty.

Although you are most likely right about the 1GB per slot roof.

[Mallrat]

Originally posted by MrForgetable:
Sorry to hear that you didn't like the G5 that much. I remember a thread a while back that you were waiting for the G5 as you were just diagnosed with Hogkins. Get better (if you aren't already!) and have fun with your new 20inch iMac

Yup that's me. I'm mr. crazy shopper. Don't worry, the G5 iMac did distract me for the past month or so.

Now I'm hoping actually buying a computer (rarther than talking about it like I have for the past 3 years) will distract me as I get to learn the ins and out of FCP 4 and the like.

I'm 1/3 done with treatment and feel pretty decent. I seem to have more energy than I did before and much more than anyone I know. I'm full of life just like my new imac.

Thanks for the well wishes.

[Mallrat]

Originally posted by Eriamjh:
It has a 200 pin SO-DIMM on the bottom that can take up to a 1GB stick (yes, 1GB!).

Deeper inside, there is a 188 pin DIMM that can also take 1GB (total of 2GB max!).

The 20" uses DDR PC2700 DIMMs. I think you can use PC3200 also.

So, yes, the 256 DIMM inside can be removed. Remember that the two DIMM slots are of different sizes (on is standard, the other is SO).

I found this after what you said.

http://www.transintl.com/store/categ...?Category=2448

Is that what you were referring too? Anyone else try this yet?

How hard is it to remove the factory installed memory and replace it with a 1GB of ram?

[Eriamjh]

Originally posted by Mallrat:
I found this after what you said.

http://www.transintl.com/store/categ...?Category=2448

Is that what you were referring too? Anyone else try this yet?

How hard is it to remove the factory installed memory and replace it with a 1GB of ram?

The factory installed ram is on the top-side of the mobo. You can access it, but you have to remove the mobo from the housing. When you do so, you break the seal between the CPU's heat pipe and the extension that rises above the mobo. You have to clean and put new heat sink compound on this area (it is small) to restore proper heat transfer characteristics to the heat sink or your g4 iMac will overheat. It's not hard, but the average consumer may not notice or forget this step. That's why Apple's does not consider it "user sericeable".

Update: Here's a link to one disaasembly: iMac G4 Disassembled

There used to be a bunch of imac G4 disassembly pages on the web demonstrating how to take it apart (check old issues of Mac Addict), but you be hard pressed to find them now that the iMac G5 is out.

The 2GB ceiling is real. There are many on this board who have done it. Transintl is correct and will sell you the correct DIMMs if you need them.

[Mallrat]

Originally posted by Eriamjh:
The factory installed ram is on the top-side of the mobo. You can access it, but you have to remove the mobo from the housing. When you do so, you break the seal between the CPU's heat pipe and the extension that rises above the mobo. You have to clean and put new heat sink compound on this area (it is small) to restore proper heat transfer characteristics to the heat sink or your g4 iMac will overheat. It's not hard, but the average consumer may not notice or forget this step. That's why Apple's does not consider it "user sericeable".

Update: Here's a link to one disaasembly: iMac G4 Disassembled

There used to be a bunch of imac G4 disassembly pages on the web demonstrating how to take it apart (check old issues of Mac Addict), but you be hard pressed to find them now that the iMac G5 is out.

The 2GB ceiling is real. There are many on this board who have done it. Transintl is correct and will sell you the correct DIMMs if you need them.

thanks for the link. I'm for sure not going to try that my self.

I think for now I'll be fine with just upgrading the user slot.

Question, a 512 stick of ram goes for like 113 bucks on crucial... for a 1gb stick, I found so far the best price of 350.

I'm going to be using FCP 4.0 to edit short films/features. I'm mostly a cuts guy. I also will be burning DVD's and such.

Do you think I can have a decent system with 768 of RAM or is it worth it to get my total ram to 1256?

[Eriamjh]

I just noticed a thread in the powerbook forum for 1GB RAM for $159.

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4158153

If it works in a powerbook, it should work in a 20" iMac. It looks backordered for now, but the price can't be beat.

Here is the link to the powerbook thread: Cheap RAM

I also just bought a 20" iMac G4 for $1400 and it looks like I will be upping it to 1.25GB with one of these sticks if I can raise some money to cover it.

[kcmac]

oops.