iMac G5 PPC performs better results w/ the default on-board 512mb (non-removable) memory vs. 2560mb upgraded memory (xbench results provided)

[deleted_account]

Good Evening,

 

I recently purchased a 2gb Single Dimm to upgrade the memory on my iMac G5 PPC. I found 2 site that seems to have details that match the likes of my iMac's specifications (for example, "Apple iMac G5 1.9GHz 17"): (1) WeLoveMacs: http://welovemacs.com/apimg5117scm34.html and, (2) Crucial Identify: http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp...=Apple&cat=

 

The memory listed on that site is as follows:

Apple iMac G5 1.9GHz 17" (MA063L/A) Memory

Maximum Memory: 2.5 gb (2560 mb)

Memory Slots: 1 (1 bank of 1)

non-removable base memory: 512 mb

 

After Identifying the memory dimms listed on the above sites, I stopped by my local Fry's Electronics and picked up this: http://shop2.outpost.com/product/5249737;j...CH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

Detailed Information:

• 
  
• 240-Pin Dual in-line memory module
  
• 2gb PC2-6400 CL4
  
• Non-ECC Unbuffered
  
• 1 Rank Single-sided module
  
• Compatible with Intel 955 chipset
  

*I have also confirmed with others (via IRC) that PC memory is, in fact, compatible with Mac Memory, as long as it's the right compatible speed. The voltages seemed to match as well.

 

After putting the Single Dimm in, I booted up my computer, went straight to 'about this mac', and it read 2.5 GB DDR SDRAM, which is correct and accurate. I also checked the memory section under 'Hardware' and it identified that 1 bank memory slot is in use, with the correct amount, 2048 mb, for that individual slot. Which was great.

 

 

Questions:

1) Where can I identify my iMac G5's model number?

2) What is the correct memory speed for my iMac G5 PPC?

3) Does DDR and DDR2 differences matter? If so, what DDR is my iMac G5's?

4) DDR2-533 Mhz Speed or DDR2-667 Mhz, or either/or?

5) Should I try another alternative in benchmarking results?

6) Did I purchase the appropriate memory (above)? If so, which one of these would suffice? DDR2-533 // DDR2-667

7) Am I supposed to notice a significant difference from 512mb to 2.5gb memory?

8) What other factors should I consider that can cause such results?

 

 

- Thanks so much for your time. I sincerely appreciate it.

[Synaesthesia]

Questions:

1) Where can I identify my iMac G5's model number?

2) What is the correct memory speed for my iMac G5 PPC?

3) Does DDR and DDR2 differences matter? If so, what DDR is my iMac G5's?

4) Should I try another alternative in benchmarking results?

5) Did I purchase the appropriate memory (above)?

6) Am I supposed to notice a significant difference from 512mb to 2.5gb memory?

7) What other factors should I consider that can cause such results?

1. There were a few revisions. Yours is here at lewndmac.com It features iSight...

2. DDR2

3. A little, not very much. Yours is ddr2, it's a bit faster.

4. Try geekbench. And also, just try running several apps simultaneously, should be much faster!! Don't put all your stock in XBench.

5. Yes, otherwise it wouldn't work/be detected.. DDR2 and DDR are incompatible.

6. The multitasking should be much better, less hdd seeks...

7. XBench is teh sux.

 

Well, you should look at activity monitor before and after you install the extra ram. Look at at the amount of page-outs, particularly when multitasking. The diffference should be obvious.

 

More RAM is always a good thing in OS X, you should be happy about your upgrade, particularly just before Leopard comes out.

 

Hope this has helped, ask if you need anything

[deleted_account]

Thanks so much for your answer and kind words. You really helped me a lot, and I appreciate your clear and concise answer.

 

1) I will try: http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/

^ hopefully there will be better results.

2) Is it strange that crucial offers both speeds for my iMac model? (533 and 667) If you can, please explain, if crucial goof'd you can disregard this.

3) Can you approve this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820146513

 

Again, thanks so much!

[Synaesthesia]

1. Actually, I don't think you will bench much better, as geekbench measures cpu speed primarily, (which is still the same obviously). But anyone will agree, OS X runs better on more ram.

2. Yes, there are many different speeds of ram. But RAM always runs at the speed that the memory controller makes it run. The different speeds are what it is rated for. Higher speed is important for overclocking.

3. Looks good. But I thought you already got your ram?

 

So, are you noticing any speed differences yet?

[deleted_account]

you're way awesome, thanks so much. as for question #2, shouldn't I go for the higher speed? how will i know my imac G5 PPC can take 667? (currently my ram is 533)

[candykane]

lol old old old problems if you event tried to google you would have found out that well IMAC G5 runs better with 2 dimms of the same type. and same size than any other combination inc a single dimm

[deleted_account]

lol old old old problems if you event tried to google you would have found out that well IMAC G5 runs better with 2 dimms of the same type. and same size than any other combination inc a single dimm

 

 

my imac G5 only has 1 available memory bank/slot along with the built-in/on-board/non-removable (various names for this) 512mb memory. I obviously googled before even posting since I had that information already. I think, it's a given, and by default, for any computer, memory of 2 dimms would run better of the same type, so I most definitely agree with you on that note. As for the single dimm, the problem I didn't know, is that after 'googling', I've found two different speeds are compatible for my imac G5 PPC.