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MrMiyagi · Oct 8, 2004, 12:46 PM

Hi there,

I found this RAM that I think matches the specs of the iMac G5:

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/conf...;submit=Search

But, if you go to the kingston site, they have special "iMac" memory that costs about $50USD more:

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/conf...TA-IMAC400/512

Is this just a cash grab on Kingston's part?

Zoom · Oct 8, 2004, 01:26 PM

I can't wait to hear the answers to this. I bought some Kingston RAM for my new G5 (Rev B) and it caused kernel panics, so I sent it back and exchanged for Crucial.

Turns out that even after removing the RAM, I had a couple panics. Called Apple. They suggested zapping the PRAM after installed any new hardware, including RAM. Got the Crucial, installed it, zapped the PRAM (restart holding Apple/Option/p/r) and have had no trouble. I can't help but wonder if the (cheaper) Kingston RAM would have worked fine.

Zoom · Oct 8, 2004, 01:28 PM

Oh, and I wouldn't buy direct from Kingston - too expensive. Check the dealram page for the G5 iMac. And I'm fairly sure you need to buy in pairs, so do you want a total of 512MB RAM or 1GB? If you want 512GB more, you'll need two sticks of 256MB.

For reference, I got 2x256 of Kingston for maybe $80 from newegg and 2x256 of Crucial from newegg for $100.

MrMiyagi · Oct 8, 2004, 02:05 PM

No, I'm looking for 768MB total (stock 256 + 512) 1 gig is just a bit too expensive right now. I'll wait 'till these DIMMs become cheaper, and then max it out.

Originally posted by Zoom:
Oh, and I wouldn't buy direct from Kingston - too expensive. Check the dealram page for the G5 iMac. And I'm fairly sure you need to buy in pairs, so do you want a total of 512MB RAM or 1GB? If you want 512GB more, you'll need two sticks of 256MB.

For reference, I got 2x256 of Kingston for maybe $80 from newegg and 2x256 of Crucial from newegg for $100.

Zoom · Oct 8, 2004, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by MrMiyagi:
No, I'm looking for 768MB total (stock 256 + 512) 1 gig is just a bit too expensive right now. I'll wait 'till these DIMMs become cheaper, and then max it out.

Sorry, I think I was wrong. Looks like iMac G5's don't take memory in pairs. So you do want a single 512MB stick of RAM.

echosphere · Oct 8, 2004, 02:52 PM

Still seems expensive. You don't need to install in pairs, but you lose some speed if you don't. Plus the RAM timing and latency (CL etc.) have to match up to get that dual-channel speed.

In the end it's just best to max out the RAM and get two 1GB sticks. You'll spend alot now, but if you get, say, two 512MB sticks, and wanna upgrade later, you'll end up A. getting a 1GB stick (for a total of 1.5GB) and lose dual-channel speed (thus negating getting the extra .5GB..) or B. dumping them both and getting two 1GB that you should have gotten in the beginning, cause now you've just spent and extra ~$200 and get to sell those on eBay.

Get these and be done with it:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...030&depa=1

MrMiyagi · Oct 8, 2004, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by echosphere:
Still seems expensive. You don't need to install in pairs, but you lose some speed if you don't. Plus the RAM timing and latency (CL etc.) have to match up to get that dual-channel speed.

In the end it's just best to max out the RAM and get two 1GB sticks. You'll spend alot now, but if you get, say, two 512MB sticks, and wanna upgrade later, you'll end up A. getting a 1GB stick (for a total of 1.5GB) and lose dual-channel speed (thus negating getting the extra .5GB..) or B. dumping them both and getting two 1GB that you should have gotten in the beginning, cause now you've just spent and extra ~$200 and get to sell those on eBay.

Get these and be done with it:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...030&depa=1

That's a good price, but I don't think they deliver to Canada. I've never heard of "PDP Systems" though. You've had no problems so far?

echosphere · Oct 9, 2004, 08:16 AM

It's decent RAM, NewEgg is great, an Amazon for electronic accessories, I love them. Hmmm..... Don't know if they sell to Canada or not, ask them.

The RAM is decent nothing special that I can think of, it does carry a lifetime warranty, which is key.

I never quite understood what the difference between "name brand" RAM and generic RAM, if it works, it works. OK, run a hardware test to see if all is good, it is. If it goes bad, send it in for a replacement.

MrMiyagi · Oct 11, 2004, 04:40 PM

Yeah, I checked their rules & regulations. NewEgg onlys ship to the USA.

What about two DIMMS this RAM: will it work?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=Samsung

Originally posted by echosphere:
It's decent RAM, NewEgg is great, an Amazon for electronic accessories, I love them. Hmmm..... Don't know if they sell to Canada or not, ask them.

The RAM is decent nothing special that I can think of, it does carry a lifetime warranty, which is key.

I never quite understood what the difference between "name brand" RAM and generic RAM, if it works, it works. OK, run a hardware test to see if all is good, it is. If it goes bad, send it in for a replacement.

echosphere · Oct 12, 2004, 11:24 AM

yes, definately! Considering that Samsung is what Apple normally stuffs into it's machines. Nice find. No idea about the company though, never heard of them before. Let me know how it goes.

Though, again, you're spending $210, why not just spend $120 more and max out the RAM to 2GB? I know that $120 ain't pocket change. But later, when Tiger comes out and OS is more tuned to G5, I'm sure OSX will love even more memory (think Searchlight operations etc...).

Not trying to tell you what's right, I just know that while the 2 512MB sticks are a decent price, you'll end up kicking yourself later when you try and sell the old 512MB sticks on eBay and people only offer $30 or so..