Hey, anybody know if you can put 1GB sticks in a PowerMac G4 Mirror Drive Doors model?
The documentation only talks about 512MB RAM.
And can I put in PC3200? Or does it have to be PC2700 or PC2100 (I have the Dual 867 MHz model)
Thanks for your help!
You can put in 1 Gb modules but only 2 of them and no others -- the max RAM is still 2 Gb... so unless you have the 1 Gb's kicking around for free there's not a lot of point to it. Probably PC3200 will work as long as the SPDs are written correctly.
You can put in 1 Gb modules but only 2 of them and no others -- the max RAM is still 2 Gb... so unless you have the 1 Gb's kicking around for free there's not a lot of point to it. Probably PC3200 will work as long as the SPDs are written correctly.
Serial Presence Detect values -- an EEPROM chip on the module that holds the "fingerprint" of the chip: the detailed settings of its timings and characteristics. For example, a PC133 module can be programmed to be locked at PC133, CAS Latency 3, or programmed to run at PC133, PC100 and PC66, and at either CAS Latency 2 or CL3. Could be the same exact module, physically, but the SPD values will make it work or not work in specific computers.
Macs look at the SPD values of the modules at boot time, and if the firmware doesn't like what it sees it will either disable the module, or give the "three beeps" and fail to boot.
Incorrectly written SPD values are the #1 cause of RAM incompatibility with Macs - with otherwise (outwardly) correct modules.
#2 is the logical arrangement of Rows and Columns and device densities not being compatible: such as generic 8-chip PC133 512 modules that don't work in Macs because the Mac requires a 16-chip module -- this is hardwired and can't be programmed around in the SPDs.
from what you're saying, it's probably safer to stick with 512 PC2700 then. It's just harder to find from the PC places, since it's so old... everything's DDR2 and crazy fast...
thanks for a really informative answer! cool!
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from what you're saying, it's probably safer to stick with 512 PC2700 then. It's just harder to find from the PC places, since it's so old... everything's DDR2 and crazy fast...
thanks for a really informative answer! cool!
PC3200 512's will work fine in the MDD's too, as long as they have Mac-compatible SPD's -- If you want to be certain, just go to a reputable seller who guarantees compatibility with the G4. Many PC-only and discount places won't know of course, but there are independednt apple dealers and online Mac RAM dealers here on ehMac and elsewhere.
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