Non-certified RAM issues have always affected Apple computers. We will show that those problems could arise due to both the specific design of the RAM controller used by Apple and also by the poor quality of the memory chips often used for "no name" RAM modules .
The chronic RAM module compatibility issue is coupled to the usual habit of Apple to deliver desktop and laptop computers with a ridiculously low amount of memory installed by default . Originally, this was a way for Apple to allow Apple resellers to generate a larger profit margin by selling Cupertino-designed computers (hardware margins have also been really tiny). However, the launch of the physical Apple Store and the open war between Apple and its resellers have amplified the problem that there is not enough RAM installed by default, which is the main cause of slow OS responsiveness, GUI fluidity, and in general, the overall performance of Apple-branded computers. This is especially true since OSX and its Unix-based kernel are , by definition, RAM hungry , leading users to look for alternatives to the Apple-certified modules .


Full story in http://hardmac.com/articles/56/

if I am using iBook G4 1.33 with 512mb ram, is it necessary to add another 512mb?
will it make the machine faster in term of iLife app like iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD??

definitely. u will feel the difference. I've been holding myself to upgrade the RAM. Probably very soon i have to do so.

btw the intel mac using the same ram as pc right?

they still call it "Apple RAM" or "Apple certified RAM".

yeah, but there`s no need to buy the ram from an apple store , the prices there are scaryily high ..

I really dont have guts to install myself, i guess I need to buy from apple store. The last time I asked them is around RM380 for 512mb .. the early is around RM450 for 512mb..
also been holding me for upgrading the ram.. been struggle whether is necessary ..

the downside is no matter how many things u buy from Apple .. seem they also dont give u discount one ..sad nia ..

Plan to get the apple care for my ibook before end of sep, maybe ask for the discount for ram upgrade, guess the new intel mac book out ..they will need to clear old stock .. hope so ..hehe

I had the impression that Apple resellers can help customers to install a third party ram (presumably you're getting one yourself), it doesn't have to be their proprietary ram, but I'm not sure if they would charge any fee...

mana abang xaw....? he maybe able to confirm this....

Apple suggest u to install RAM urself
it's a very easy installation.

eh, dun call me 'abang' la...

well, I'll do it personally, but don't expect my colleagues to do it... and I'll probably do it when I'm off work.

its quite simple... I don't know why LowYat.net members are afraid to install RAM in a laptop

not everyone in IT forum are IT expert u see
some are just casual user like me

xaw

How about for mac mini , is it possible , could you install the RAM

off-work....?

what if installing ram on warranted macs....? I mean like my iMac, installing ram myself requires an amount of force to slot it in, but an overexerting force could damage the logic board, which is not covered by the Apple warranty. Should I go back to the Apple reseller then...?

Let's just say on your "off-work" capacity I let you install ram on my mac, and you screwed it up, would Apple cover that as well....?

No offence dude, just a scenario here....

I would suggest that for Mac Mini, you better send to Apple Centre in case you wanna install additional RAM. I tried to open mine, but it d**n hard, I guess you got to have special device to open it, Do check it here : http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/82.13.1.html.

But for Imac, its pretty easy to install same goes for PowerBook. (Note : for Powerbook user, please take out your battery first before you install any RAM, or else you PowerBook will act strangely after that- coz I have experienced myself)

mac mini = HELL NO!

iMac G5 = no problem.

worried about jeyadev aka xaw5126 breaking your mainboard = I don't install the RAM for you, no worries

I jst got my mac mini core duo recently frm macasia...want to knw wht is the ideal ram size for the mini to perform well...I use the mini for all stuff...even encoding music into itunes...I did asked ard but, I m still in doubt abt the ideal ram size needed...thanks...

heheh... ideal is a subjective word la. the best is to go to the maximum you can afford. I suggest you go to 2 GB la

ok..oredi got 2gb...

err...my fren using normal ram for his mac mini....seems no prob till now....

no prob is one thing...but, how is the performance?...

how much market price for DDR333 1 GB KTA ram????

all MAC don't have any waranty sticker... so, user can open casing every day
easy installation RAM.... PowerMAC, iMac G5, iMac Intel and Apple notebook
hard to install RAM... MAC mini & iMac G4(second RAM)

Yeah...I did the installation for my mac mini recently...the hard part is to open the casing...the rest is no problem...

i bought a 2GB piece from US, and its working like a charm for my imac G5.... (now fully loaded with 2.5GB)

Got it for less than 1k

from ramseeker for USD260 right.....?

wanna ask, which shipping courier did you choose to ship your ram...

coz I wanted to get one, the price went down to USD210....

This post has been edited by Eithanius: Apr 27 2006, 02:59 PM

Can someone make a bulk for mac rams....maybe its interesting...

http://www.mymug.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=823

not compatible with any of the PPC-based macs.....

I also would like to know the price for KTA pc2700 kingston ram.
especially the 1 gig modules.
heard too many bad review on KVR.
sigh...

that ram tag prices is over RM600 for 1gb.

I personally using two 128MB Apacer PC133 SDRAM on my rev. B Beige G3 that I saved while upgrading my PC mobos to DDR RAM type(old mobos dying). No problems arr. The G3 has 160MB RAM when I bought it - 2x64MB and 1x32MB. I took out the 32MB and a 64MB and put in the two 128MB Apacer. Machine boot, report 320MB RAM, and no problem.

Long story shot, sometimes can use non-Apple-certified modules, sometimes cannot. You're on your own lorr... but you know cannot when the machine black screen for 5 minutes straight. If can the machine should come out Happy Mac on monitor after one or two minutes.

This post has been edited by RAMChYLD: May 3 2006, 09:13 AM

1k with shipping..

shipped using UPS

Ok... i've just installed 2 gigs of KVR rams in my 17" powerbook. it's the DDR2700 versions. got it for 850RM for 2 sticks of 1 gig rams.
it works like a charm.
I've even Memtest is for a whole night. put heavy renderings in maya with it. all seems to be no problems at all.
I almost bought the ram from crucial or OWC.
It's true that it's worth trying out at Lowyat shops b4 making the purchase.
atleast it works for me.

So far. no hang, no lag and nothing i can see un-usual.
Now who wanna buy my original apple ram (512MB DDR 2700).

UPS....?

ain't that a little expensive compared to other courier service providers....?

heard a lot of horror stories regarding UPS as well....