Ram, Whats The Difference? Options

[fela]

Hi im not too clued up on the internals of computers so forgive me if my question is really obvious.

I own a G5 duel 2 ghz and i want to expand the memory from the original 512 DDR2 by an extra 2 gigs.
When buying the new memory will it have to be DDR2 in order to work with the existing 512? and also does it matter what make i get like Kingston or GeIL for instance.

Thanks

[deaconblue]

fela,

Any additional RAM you install needs to be of the same specifications (i.e., type, DDR, DDR2, RAMBUS, etc and speed, PC-133, 2700, etc) to work with your system. The brand is not as important. Look for a quality vendor. Samsung, Kingston, Techworks and others are fairly good to start. Look for a good warranty (at least a year or up) and then price last.

I have used Memory-X with very good results for the last 5 years. They even provide you with RAM specific to your computer by selecting the CPU from a list.

Also, check the Apple Knowledge Base article for specifications on RAM for your computer to help make the decision as well.

peace,
deacon

[mazza_lives]

I thought PowerMacs had to have matched RAM like same manuafactuer and specs, so if you got 2gb sticks you couldnt use it with your 512mb. I dont know correct me of Im wrong.

[deaconblue]

mazza,

you are correct. However, if there is already 512MB installed it should be in 2x256 (matched pair) with additional slots open for other matched pairs. From the KBase article:

"1. DIMMs are already installed in these two slots.
2. Install additional DIMMs in these two slots first.
3. If slots are available and you want to install more memory, install additional DIMMs in a similar fashion: in pairs, one per bank, from the center outward."

peace,
deacon

[rickenbacker]

Exactly - you have to install RAM in pairs and each pair has to be the same. Probably a good idea to get all your extra RAM from the same vendor. So if you want to add 2Gb, that'll be two 1Gb sticks in two slots.