[PeteL999]

I was wondering if it is possible to get more video ram in an original iMac I read in another forum something about apple taking the video ram slot out, does that mean it can be done and if so is it worth it? will preformance increase in games?

[TimmyDee51]

If I'm not mistaken (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong), the rev A came with 2 MB VRAM with the possibility of 6. Adding the extra four would not, as far as I know, require the removal of any chips, just the addition. For one, 6 MB VRAM allows you to have the max resolution for your iMac (1024 x 768 @75 Hz) and should increase game performance. I don't know by how much, however, since your chipset is what really limits game speed and detail (an 8 MB Rage 128 Pro performs better than an 8 MB Rage 128 VR, for example).

[Ca$h68]

You're right. iMac rev As (bondi blue original ones) only came with 2 megs RAM. Mine is upgraded to 6. Not that it matters. That video card is pathetic. Get a gamewizard.

Ca$h

[PeteL999]

I have a rev c and it has 8 i think maybe 6 i cant remember. does anyone kno where i can get a gamewizard

[Bockie]

Unfortunately, you are in all likelihood, unable to use a GameWizard. The GameWizard, a Voodoo2 card, is a Mezzanine card; Rev Cs do not have the Mezzanine slot. A Mezzanine slot _can_ be soldered onto the motherboard, but you may encounter the difficulty of finding someone to do it. The GameWizard was made specifically for the Rev A and B iMacs; Apple removed the Mezzanine slot in the Rev C and higher iMacs.

As far as how much VRAM you have, I believe that it is 6 megs. I may be incorrect, though.

rev B-D, 6 megs vram, rage pro.

[SpeedRacer]

Originally posted by PeteL999:
I have a rev c and it has 8 i think maybe 6 i cant remember. does anyone kno where i can get a gamewizard

Pete,

Run a search in this forum for mezzanine connectors. I think you'll find, as i did after dropping $25 on rumors, that just the parts necessary to solder a mezzanine connector onto a Rev C/D board are difficult, if not impossible, to find.

Microconversions (the folks that brought us the GameWizard) used to do the whole shabang, but they are out of business now and there's really no other company with a legitimate reason to want to solder mez connector onto a 2 year old machine.

The only confirmed way i know of to get a Gamewizard in your machine is to swap mobo's with a Rev A or B iMac.

Speed

[RWoelk]

The extra vram won't run you much more then $20 to $30 and it's a snap to install.

------------------
Rocke "Why yes, I have brought our
network down." Woelk

Only the educated are free!-Epictetus

Whoops, it's late, I see you have the later Rev.

[This message has been edited by RWoelk (edited 08-26-2000).]

[PeteL999]

Yea I just have a few questions

Will I get noticeably more preformance?

Where does it install?

How much should I get?

How much can my iMac take?

[TimmyDee51]

Your iMac can take a maximum of 6 MB. You could get more, but it wouldn't know what to do with it. The installation is as easy as a regular RAM install, with the slot on the mobo rather than the daughtercard. It's easy to recognize once you pull out the guts. As for performance increase, I can't really speak to any gains per se. All I know for sure is that the extra RAM allows your computer to display the max resolution (something which I would find handy, since I am at 1024 x 768). Does anyone else know the gains of the extra VRAM for performance? I have a rev. D with the max to begin with.

[Ca$h68]

It will make games more playable...but they wont be pretty. That graphics card really sucks.

Ca$h

[keyser_soze]

If you have 6 MB of vram, in 1024X768 you get 32 bit as opposed to only 16 bit with the original 2 MB.

imac2day has a good step by step guide to upgrading the vram with pics http://www.imac2day.com/tech/visualRAM.shtml

[blizaine]

I installed an extra 4MB in my parents Bondi iMac so they can play Halo when it comes out.


just kidding