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orimac · Jul 22, 2002, 11:17 AM

I've searched for memory in the forum, but couldn't find anything that answered all my q's so help a newbie out pleeze. I'm a iMac newbie but not a PC newbie.

I only have 128mb of memory in my FP iMac. I'd like to bump it up to at least 512mb. I read that the internal mem slot uses PC133. This is the same ram that goes into a PC right? Secondly, the docs state that warranty is voided (blah blah blah), but also "special tools for opening and resealing" is used by technicians. Do I need anything other than a screwdriver? and are there any gotchas?

Finally for the SODIMM in the smaller slot, is that compatible with Toshiba laptop ram? I have some PC133 pieces and Toshiba laptop ram more easily accessible so I'd rather not have to buy more ram if not needed.

TIA!

BrunoBruin · Jul 22, 2002, 11:28 AM

If you just want to bump it to 512 or so, don't bother trying to crack into the internal slot. You can add a 512 to the user-accessible slot on the bottom, which is easy to do and won't void your warranty. PC133 SODIMMs should work, but if you don't have one that size, they're about $100.

orimac · Jul 22, 2002, 01:37 PM

I'd rather crack it open because I have extra PC133 168pin chips, but not any PC133 SODIMMs. So it would be cheaper.

Has anyone done it before that can give me advice? Is it as simple as doing it on a PC?

BrunoBruin · Jul 22, 2002, 03:38 PM

<a href="http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/iMac_g4/imacg4_takeapart.html" target="_blank">iMac G4 take-apart instructions.</a>

I've rooted around inside lots of computers but when they start talking about re-applying thermal paste, I draw the line. If nothing else, I'd wait for your warranty to run out before attempting this. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

serranot · Jul 22, 2002, 04:33 PM

The memory slot way up in the guts takes 144 pin modules, I believe. So, your 168 pin memory won't fit anyway.

orimac · Jul 22, 2002, 04:33 PM

Nice link. Thermal paste, yummm... That's the type of info i was looking for. And now I'll probably not take it apart because PCs never used thermal paste... at least not the ones I've cracked. But even so, has anyone on this forum done this upgrade anyway? Or is everyone just using the SODIMMS?

Coxy · Jul 22, 2002, 08:45 PM

Damn the misinformation posted in this thread!
The DEEP, WARRANTY VOIDING APPLE-ONLY slot is a normal PC100 DIMM slot. PC133 will work fine in there.
The slot beneath the base is a regular PC100 SODIMM slot. PC133 will also work fine in there. If the Toshiba memory module is the same as a regular PC100/133 (not PC66!!!) then it should work.

You'll need themal paste, grounding straps and torx screwdrivers to get into the 'deep' internal slot.

anly · Jul 23, 2002, 03:28 AM

I would like to ask "where" does it specify that upgrading the internal ram slot would void your warranty. I just purchased a FP iMac and thinking how to uprgrade the ram ( if possible without voiding the warranty )

Thanks...

orimac · Jul 23, 2002, 04:38 AM

I ended up installing 1 SODIMM in the easy slot. I put in a PC100 256mb chip for a total of 384 and it seems to be working fine. The system actually responds now with several apps open

BrunoBruin · Jul 23, 2002, 08:25 AM

The Apple Knowledge Base will usually answer your questions:

There are two RAM slots in the iMac (Flat Panel) computers. They are:

* A user-accessible 144-pin SO-DIMM slot.
* An internal (factory-installed) 168-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 PC133 speed RAM. PC100 RAM is not to be used with iMac (Flat Panel) computers and may create performance and reliability issues.

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.

The services of an Apple uthorized Service Provider or Apple itself is required to install additional memory into the factory-only accessible memory slot. The service and support information that came with your computer provides instructions on locating an Apple Authorized Service Provider or contacting Apple for this service.

anly · Jul 24, 2002, 02:43 AM

so actually it only voids the warranty if something goes bad. Like a bad seal job...etc... So anyone upgrade the inner slot??

BrunoBruin · Jul 24, 2002, 11:19 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />so actually it only voids the warranty if something goes bad.<hr /></blockquote>You only CARE about your warranty if something goes bad. <img border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" title="" src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" />

There are two terrible possibilities in a hack like this. One, you could screw something up in the process and Apple would refuse to fix it under warranty. Two, you might successfully get the machine back together, and six months from now your GPU gets fried, or your hard drive dies, or your optical drive won't open, and Apple gets the machine back for repair and says "This machine has been opened, and we aren't going to fix it under warranty because you probably screwed it up when you opened it."

anly · Jul 24, 2002, 04:05 PM

Good point. I've decided not to open my Brand New iMac... I'm just gonna buy the 144pin SODIMM ...

Cheers.