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lisantica · 07:51 PM

I just returned from a computer store where I was given a PC2700 chip for my 12" PowerBook. I keep reading that I should have the 2100 instead. I checked twice with the guy at the store and he said that is the right one. I already installed it and every thing is working fine. Should I take it out and go back and exchange it? It is a SimpleTech PBG4333/512 chip.

PeterKG · May 3, 2003, 08:21 PM

Apple Knowledge Base Article says:

PowerBook G4 (12-inch)
Up to 640
266 MHz (PC2100)

PowerBook G4 (17-inch)
Up to 1 GB
333 MHz (PC2700)

The PowerBook G4 (12-inch) uses 1.25-inch PC2100 (also called DDR266) DDR SDRAM SO-DIMMs.

Apple Knowledge Base Article

icruise · 09:24 PM

Since it seems to be working, does that just mean that he isn't going to get the full benefit of the faster RAM? Could it cause any stability problems?

ujeni · May 3, 2003, 09:05 PM

I beleive that DDR ram can be clocked down like that...which is why it seems to be working for you. Just like an sd133 ram chip will work in a an sd100 machine.

Might be a good idea to take it back though if you ever have problems with it. I can see apple saying "this isn't the correct RAM."

lisantica · May 3, 2003, 09:29 PM

Yes, I think I will take it back.
Thank you all who replied

Lisa

seanyepez · May 3, 2003, 11:23 PM

Don't take it back! It's faster than what the 12-inch PowerBook requires. You can use PC-133 SDRAM in a machine that only needs PC-100 SDRAM. Why would DDR memory be any different?

I use PC-2700 memory in one of my PC desktops that only needs PC-2100 memory.

psisquared · May 3, 2003, 11:27 PM

Indeed. PC 2700 RAM will work fine, as it clocks it's speed down to match the speed of the Powerbook 12". If money is no object(2100 RAM is usually a little cheaper), keep the 2700 RAM and if you ever get a new laptop that needs 2700 RAM(like the 17") you can transfer it over.

lisantica · May 3, 2003, 11:33 PM

It's still in my PB and I've been web browsing for about 2 hours. All seems well with this RAM chip, so I just might keep it, besides the store I bought it from is 75 miles away! I paid $95 for it. Would the 2100 be much cheaper? I'm thinking the price I paid was fairly good.

seanyepez · May 3, 2003, 11:47 PM

Returning the PC-2700 memory you bought isn't worth the time you'd spend going back to the store. Also, gas is expensive these days.

chipchen · May 4, 2003, 02:53 AM

did you get a 512 or 256? at 512... you got a great deal... at 256... well...

anyway... PC2700 will automatically clock down to 2100, so you're ok. don't worry about it. it's like when people install PC133 in the ibooks, which are really PC100.

just keep it, that's my two cents.

lisantica · May 4, 2003, 07:48 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by chipchen:
[B]did you get a 512 or 256? at 512... you got a great deal... at 256... well...

It is indeed the 512 which brought my PB up to the 640 RAM mark.
I bought the chip at Micro Center in Tustin, CA I noticed that MicroCenter online has these for 119.00 at http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0155718
I bought mine for $95 because it was an open box return.
After doing some more research on the 2100 vs 2700 I'm feeling even more relieved since they are both 2.5 volts. I would have been very worried it the volts of current were different.