[jb22]

I am in the rpocess of getting a DP G4 867. To save money I was going to get it with just 256mb of PC2100 DDR ram. I was then planing on adding more ram myself later on.

I would like to know if there's anything special I need to look for when buying more ram afterwards. Can I buy PC2100 ram used in Intel based PCs or do I need Mac specific ram?

Since I live in Mississauga, I was thinking of buying from Infonec: http://www.infonec.com/mboard.htm

They have 256MB PC-266 DDR for $95.00 and 512 for $185. Is this the right ram or should I look somewhere else.

If anyone knows of where I can buy Mac friendly ram in the Mississauga area, please let me know.

Also, is 256mb enough to have OSX run fine. I'll also be running apps like Photoshop and Premiere.

Thanks.

 

[robert]

No that is not enough ram. OSX uses whatever ram is installed to run the application that is open. Photoshop is a ram tramp. The more you give it the happier it will be. I have a Gig on an older G4 and it is happy.
As for where to buy mac stuff in Miss., I strongly recommend you call Macdoc. They/he are honest, straightforward and very knowledgable.
Also, in the GTA, there are these stores:
http://www.hummingbirdservices.ca/dealers.html

Hope this helps,
Robert

 

[ehMax]

My strong opinion is to spend more money on Kingston Memory specifically tested for your machine. Most PC shops sell generic memory. Some sell Kingston memory, which is good quality, but sell their Value Ram. Here's the difference:

"Kingston Technology offers two memory product lines: Kingston Branded and ValueRAM. While both product lines are made with premium components and are carefully designed and manufactured, they differ in support and testing services. The information below clarifies these differences and will assist you in selecting the correct product.

Kingston Branded Memory

Kingston's branded memory line has been designed, manufactured and tested to the specifications of each particular brand name computer system. Kingston's branded memory is tested more extensively, being subjected to system-specific tests, system/chip compatibility tests, system/chip performance tests, as well as having a controlled bill of materials and adherence to system-specific constraints and production requirements. Use our Memory Configurator to determine the right memory for you.

ValueRAM Memory

ValueRAM memory by Kingston is our value-priced line of industry-standard, generic memory. ValueRAM is available for those customers who have a white box or generic computer system, or who plan to purchase memory by specification. Our ValueRAM line is designed to industry specifications, is 100% tested, carries a lifetime warranty and is available at competitively low prices."

Buy the good stuff. Forums like XLR8 your Mac are littered with people having problems that go back to "bad" ram. Especially OS X seems to be picky about having quality ram.

There are lots of cases where people will say "I've bought X brand ram and haven't had a problem". Not every generic chip you buy will give you problems... Quite a few do though, often with very annoying, hard to diagnose intermittent problems. It all depends on how important your work is and how much hassle you potentially want to go through.

My clients have virtually never had a problem with bad ram. Yes it costs a bit more, but quality almost always does.