[wmb]

Hi,

I am a complete newbie to mac. Just bought this amazing machine 2 days ago. I cannot work out why i did not switch sooner. Love It!!!

Anyway my 1GB RAM module is due to arrive by UPS any minute and I was wondering a few things. Help would be appreciated.

Do I leave the 512MB module in place or just have the 1GB Crucial module in the machine, read somewhere that it is better to have identical modules in place?

Which slot do I put the biggest RAM in? Top or Bottom?

Thanks.

[Tuoder]

Originally Posted by osteocruncher

Hi,

I am a complete newbie to mac. Just bought this amazing machine 2 days ago. I cannot work out why i did not switch sooner. Love It!!!

Anyway my 1GB RAM module is due to arrive by UPS any minute and I was wondering a few things. Help would be appreciated.

Do I leave the 512MB module in place or just have the 1GB Crucial module in the machine, read somewhere that it is better to have identical modules in place?

Which slot do I put the biggest RAM in? Top or Bottom?

Thanks.

It has two slots, and it does not matter which slot you put the memory in. It doesn't matter on your particular machine whether or not the RAM sticks are the same size. On the Mac Mini (and many, but not nearly all PCs), it would provide you with a speed advantage (ever notice that, at the Apple store, if you option out a Mini, they always install 2xXXXMB of RAM?). What is important to consider when installing RAM, or pretty much anything inside of a computer is that you get rid of static by touching the computers metal case before handling any components. It is also good idea to keep any cats (especially ones capable of producing baloon animals) from rubbing on your leg while performing the install.

[wmb]

Tuoder,

Thanks for the advice, followed your tips and installing the RAM took 4 minutes. Works a lot faster now.

Thanks Again

[harrisjamieh]

Tuoder, the iMac does do dual channel memory, just like the mini.

[Tuoder]

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

Tuoder, the iMac does do dual channel memory, just like the mini.

I fact-checked, you are right. That is weird then. The Mac Mini is only available BTO in matching-stick configuration, while the iMac can be gotten in either. It probably has to do with memory bandwidth concerns with integrated graphics, iono.

In that case, getting another identical stick of Crucial RAM may be considered if you care to improve your performance even more.

[harrisjamieh]

Its to do with cost - 2 x 256s are cheaper than 1 x 512. Look at the higher end MBP for example, you can save $100 by opting to have 2 x 512s instead of 1 x 1 gig

Edit:

Originally Posted by Tuoder

In that case, getting another identical stick of Crucial RAM may be considered if you care to improve your performance even more.

1.5 GB of RAM will still be better than 1 GB, even if the speed the system access the RAM using 1 GB is twice as fast.

[mduell]

All of the Intel Macs support asymmetric dual-channel, so you do not need to match the DIMMs in both slots to get dual-channel performance.
This is different from the PowerMac G5s (which require matched DIMMs), which has caused a lot of confusion and misinformation about the Intel Macs.

[Tuoder]

Originally Posted by mduell

All of the Intel Macs support asymmetric dual-channel, so you do not need to match the DIMMs in both slots to get dual-channel performance.
This is different from the PowerMac G5s (which require matched DIMMs), which has caused a lot of confusion and misinformation about the Intel Macs.

I see. It seems like you would still be on one channel if you went above 1GB of RAM usage in a 1x512, 1x1GB configuration. Of course you would still have dual channel for the rest.

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

Its to do with cost - 2 x 256s are cheaper than 1 x 512. Look at the higher end MBP for example, you can save $100 by opting to have 2 x 512s instead of 1 x 1 gig

I see what you mean, but it doesn't seem like Apple would deny people the option of spending extra money (and make it more cost-effective to upgrade later) for them to buy RAM in a single stick configuration. Also, the MBP doesn't have integrated graphics, so memory bandwidth is not as much of an issue.

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

1.5 GB of RAM will still be better than 1 GB, even if the speed the system access the RAM using 1 GB is twice as fast.

I was talking about adding another 1GB stick in place of the 512MB that is in there. This would allow him/her to run completely dual-channel.

[kristians]

You'll need SODIMM DDR2 but CL5 NOT CL4!

[mduell]

Originally Posted by kristians

You'll need SODIMM DDR2 but CL5 NOT CL4!

Memory that can run at CL4 can also run at CL5. Higher (slower) timings are always available.

[eddiecatflap]

i'd like to upgrade from 2 gigs , what is the total maximum i can install ?

will it take 4 gigs ??

[100plus1]

2 gigs is the max for intel imacs

[mduell]

Originally Posted by eddiecatflap

i'd like to upgrade from 2 gigs , what is the total maximum i can install ?

will it take 4 gigs ??

The chipset in the Core Duo iMac supports 4GB, however Intel has only validated it at 533Mhz (and not 667Mhz) so you'll have to take a little speed hit to get there.

[Eriamjh]

Do 2GB SODIMMs exist for the iMac yet? Or are they terribly expensive?

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Eriamjh

Do 2GB SODIMMs exist for the iMac yet? Or are they terribly expensive?

Crucial has 2GB DDR2-667 SODIMMs for $1500/ea.
I've seen 2GB DDR2-533 SODIMMs a few places for $250-300.