[Matthew Attoe]

Could anyone tell me the best sequence to add memory chips in my mac. For example, I currently have 512mb installed in my G4/350 in the following manner

Slot 1: 64mb (3-2-2) that came preinstalled
Slot 2: 64mb (2-2-2)
Slot 3: 128mb (2-2-2)
Slot 4: 256mb (2-2-2)

Would I notice any speed/performance benefits from arranging them in a different order, for example:

Slot 1: 256mb (2-2-2)
Slot 2: 128mb (2-2-2)
Slot 3: 64mb (2-2-2)
Slot 4: 64mb (3-2-2) that came preinstalled


Any comments :-)


Cheers,


Matthew

[AirSluf]

In a G4 AGP it makes no difference. Below is quoted from Apple Dev site.

The main logic board has four RAM expansion slots for SDRAM DIMMs. At least one of the RAM expansion slots contains a factory installed SDRAM�DIMM.

The SDRAM DIMMs can be installed one or more at a time. The system supports linear memory organization; no performance gains are seen when two DIMMs of the same size are installed. Any supported size DIMM can be installed in any DIMM slot, and the combined memory of all of the DIMMs installed is configured as a contiguous array of memory.

The maximum memory size supported by Mac OS 9 is 1.5�GB.

[ariella]

for the best performance, use your second configuration. you always want the largest one first.

[spicyjeff]

Not only do you want the largest first, you should remove the 3-2-2 module so you are not slowing down your 2-2-2 modules. Memory will run at the highest latency on the bus, this case 3-2-2 so it would benefit you to remove it, afterall 64MB isn't that much anymore plus you could get a larger 2-2-2 real cheap now.

[zigzag]

I respectfully disagree with the last post. Not only does the order not matter (per the Apple Dev. site), but the effect of the 3-2-2 RAM is so negligible that I seriously doubt you would notice any difference (it's a matter of nanoseconds - see the FAQ at crucial.com). I'd rather have the extra RAM. I don't think you should worry about replacing it unless you need more.

[oscar]

I'd have to agree with zigzag. Just because it sounds faster doesn't mean it is. Until I read any proof of this otherwise, I will remain stubborn

[muttfree]

it's NANOSECONDS folks, thats all the difference there is between 3-2-2 and 2-2-2 timing speeds. Not much unless you are doing VERY, VERY, VERY CPU-intensive calculations. The normal everday user is not going to notice any difference.

However, the statement about having the largest chip in the first slot is correct.

HTH

[TheDoctor]

I've actually heard it suggested that mixing 3-2-2 and 2-2-2 RAM can, in some cases, result in system instability.