[sined13]

Hi,

I'm completely new to Mac computers (yes, I'm a PC guy), and was wondering if it
is possible to have more than 2 gig (i.e. 2x 2gig) eventhough Apple's Web site seems
to say that you are definitely limited to 2gig max.

I'm very close to crossing over to Macs, but would like to know what my options are
for memory.

thanks

[BikerJonTN]

One would think 2x2GB (4GB) would be possible, since the limit for 32-bit processing is 4GB. The only logical barrier to 4GB should be availability of 2GB, 200-pin DDR2-667 memory modules.

[badnewsblair]

I have thought about this as well for my old Powerbook. I now have an Intel iMac and it still intrigues me. Physical availability of the 2GB single chips is one issue to overcome. However, do you think Apple may have some sort of regulation on this set into the firmware?

I can't imagine 4GB in my iMac!

[BikerJonTN]

The 17" PowerBook G4 was advertised as a machine with a maximum memory capacity of 1GB. It shipped with two slots: one containing a 512MB SODIMM, the other free. The only limitation for expansion to 2GB on the original issue 17" PowerBook G4s was nonavailability of 1GB SODIMMs.

With the PowerMac touting upwards of 16GB (I realize the G5 is 64-bit and can therefore address the full 16GB, whereas the 32-bit Intel can only address 4GB, but the possibility of 64-bit Intel chips by the time PowerMac Intel boxes ship is another discussion altogether), I see no reason why Apple would need to artificially limit the memory capacity of their home desktop line to anything smaller than 4GB. However, a pro desktop with the same memory capacity as a home desktop may be a consideration that Apple assessed prior to the release of the iMac Core Duo.

[mduell]

The chipset supports 4GB... we just need to wait for 2GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMMs to hit the market

[mavherzog]

Originally Posted by mduell

The chipset supports 4GB... we just need to wait for 2GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMMs to hit the market

And then wait some more for them to be reasonably priced.

[hickey]

4Gbs of RAM would be killer. start out with 2Gbs, then double it. sweet

[macintologist]

I BTO's 2gigs of Ram for my 17" Imac CD. I think 2 gigs will be enough

[AmzicAtmat]

Originally Posted by badnewsblair

I have thought about this as well for my old Powerbook. I now have an Intel iMac and it still intrigues me. Physical availability of the 2GB single chips is one issue to overcome. However, do you think Apple may have some sort of regulation on this set into the firmware?

I can't imagine 4GB in my iMac!

Apple haven't restricted ram in firmware before that I can tell but they have definitely had macs that take lots more memory than they are advertised. Some of them still have specs on apple's site that they will only take 32mb but since bigger chips were made they take 128mb. You won't know in advance which models will take it or not as it's a limitation of the memory controller on the chipset. If you found someone who knows all about intel chipsets and how future proof they are you would have a better idea if they will take 2GB chips

[BikerJonTN]

The maximum addressable memory is directly related to the processor. A true 32-bit processor has the ability to address 2^32 bytes of memory

2^32 = 4,294,967,296 bytes
4,294,967,296 / 1024 = 4,194,304 Kbytes
4,194,304 / 1024 = 4,096 Mbytes
4,096 /1024 = 4 Gbytes

[d0ubled0wn]

I just bought a 20" core duo 512MB last night and it's in serious need of ram upgrade. My page ins/outs is 122574/84982 and I've only had my core duo up for a few hours. Immediately ordered 1GB from Crucial... I hope they send it out soon!

[harrisjamieh]

OK, so if, as people are saying, the Core Duo is infact 64 bit but has been limited to 32 bit, does that still limit the theoretical RAM amount to 4GB, or does the 64 bit RAM limits (aka 16 gig +) still apply? You never no, you could see 4 gig SODIMMS...

[mduell]

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

OK, so if, as people are saying, the Core Duo is infact 64 bit but has been limited to 32 bit, does that still limit the theoretical RAM amount to 4GB, or does the 64 bit RAM limits (aka 16 gig +) still apply? You never no, you could see 4 gig SODIMMS...

The CPU could be 4096-bit and the chipset will still only support 4GB.
Even if Core Duo has the 64-bit circuitry inside it, you can't enable it; Core Duo is a 32-bit chip.

[BikerJonTN]

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

OK, so if, as people are saying, the Core Duo is infact 64 bit but has been limited to 32 bit, does that still limit the theoretical RAM amount to 4GB, or does the 64 bit RAM limits (aka 16 gig +) still apply? You never no, you could see 4 gig SODIMMS...

What Mark said.