iBook G3 memory

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jeepster485

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I think it's finally time to upgrade my laptops memory. It's been quite a bit on the sluggish side and upgrading the memory should stop the hard drive rattling and beachball I keep seeing whenever more than 1 program is open. I want to get a 512mb module - any recommendations on brand? I'm looking at memory from Other World Computing - "512mb PC133 CL3 Low Profile 1.25 inch SO-DIMM." They also have PC100 in the same size for my computer. What would be the best to get?
 
I bought a chip at the local Circuit City for mine since I had to have it 'right away'. It's never given me any problems as of yet...well over a year or so. Brand is Centron. Cost around $110, but I got $30 back from a mail-in rebate. I've always used aftermarket ram in my Macs, never an issue. Just make sure the specs for what you buy match Apple's specs.

You don't need more than PC100 in an iBook G3, so just pick whichever is the cheaper...probably the PC133. Just make sure it's backwards compatible (most memory made todays is).

Just a fair warning though, depending on how you'll be using this, you may not get rid of the beachball problem totally. The G3 models are great computers, but once you start mid to heavy weight work on them they're just not capable enough. The extra RAM will help for light use (internet, mail, word, etc.) but don't expect it to be a great performer with Photoshop or InDesign. I pageout so much it isn't funny right now...could really use another GB of RAM (640mb currently, 651778 pageouts in 6days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes).
 
I ended up ordering some from Macmall.com. My school is in the middle of nowhere so the only electronics places are Staples, WalMart, and Radio Shack. I ended up getting a 512mb PC133 module form MacMall - it was $113 after shipping. The description said it was made for my computer and the PC133 is backwards compatible with PC100. So now I just have to wait until next week when I go home to install it and my computer will breathe easier :eek: And I'll stop yelling at it for going so slow....I hope :)
 
I would like to upgrade the memory in my iBook G3 Firewire. I need to find out what the maximum amount of memory my iBook can have, and what the Memory Speed (Type) can be (PC66, PC100, PC133). The reason I am re-asking the question which already seems to be answered is because documentation I've read indicates that all G3 iBooks are not created equal.

As best as I can tell my exact iBook would be vintage September 13, 2000 as determined by the chart at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBook . With regard to memory the chart says "Expandable to 576 MB (320 MB specified by Apple)", http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2206 says "3.3 V, PC66 compliant, 1.25 inch SDRAM SO-DIMM" and "This model can also use PC100 memory, such as M9089G/A - 512 MB", and http://shop.crucial.com/1/4/39942-apple-ibook-g3-366mhz-laptop-notebook-memory-module.html says "Maximum Memory: 320MB" and "PC133".

I'd like to buy a stick of 512 MB PC133, but I'm concerned about the conflicting descriptions of compatibility. I'm hoping that someone can tell me what memory my iBook would be able to take. Thanks.
 
Your iBook G3 (FireWire), which most refer to as a Clamshell model, has only one memory slot. It should have 64 MB permanently installed, then the open slot can take additional memory.
The discrepancy is Apple's original, official specs, which allows up to 256 MB to be added in that slot. Users, and the memory suppliers have since found that slot can actually take up to 512 MB. The original specs, again, show PC66 memory, but you should be OK with PC100, or likely PC133 SODIMM.
PC133 should be backward compatible, but some report that not every PC133 chip works in a slot designed for PC66. That may be why Crucial is not recommending 512MB chips for your installation.
OTOH, check with OWC - http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upg...2&type=Memory&TI=4359&shoupgrds=Show+Upgrades
OWC has good tech support, and good return policies. You should be good with 512 MB from them....
 
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