Dumb MAC RAM question - please help.

Im a big PC guy. As far as I know, RAM is RAM, but I have never put RAM in a MAC so just want to be 100% sure.

Im trying to upgrade RAM in a Powerbook G4 15" Aluminum.
It looks like what it takes is
DDR2 SDRAM PC2 4200S - 444 (dont know what the 444 is)
I think this is 533 RAM???

Anyway, my question is, is all the same RAM compatible with Macs as with PCs?? I have heard whispers of "MAC approved RAM". Is this just stupid or is there some detailed spec Im missing that RAM must have to work best in MACs.

Can I just go to the RAM deals thread and buy the same RAM I would for a PC.....

Thanks

 

Generally speaking as long as it's the right type, it doesn't matter if it is "Mac-specific".

There are companies that sell RAM that is specifically tested/etc. for Macs (i.e. Crucial, Kingston, etc.) but you shouldn't have a problem as long as it's the correct type.

-Zadillo

 

Yes, there are Mac RAM sections on many online stores, but as long as RAM is the right type it will work fine on the Mac.

 

The only requirements are what you've stated: 200-Pin PC2-4200 DDR2 533 MHz RAM.

Other than that, consult your PowerBook Manual for Installation Instructions.

 

Other requirements are that you type "Mac" correctly. It's "Mac" not MAC. Believe me it makes a difference.

 

HAHA! Read this thread then: MAC Ram Question. It's funny, I promise .

 

MAC is a cosmetic company. Macintosh is Apple's brand of personal computers. Mac =/= MAC .

 

Huh? What? Is that a Canadian thing?

Whenever I see MAC, I think networking.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_Cosmetics

It started in Toronto...but its pretty big now. Just look at its endorsement deals.

Never heard of it?

 

Nope. LOL, cool. Look at the External links on that Wiki: MAC Pro !!!

 

Too bad Apple didn't claim that URL first .

 

You guys are hilarious. Can you tell Im a PC guy? ha ha
I work on Macs all day at work but my laptop is a PC.

But while were on the subject of being picky -

I cant believe how silly (trying to be kind here) it is that all the Powerbooks
over time are hard to tell the difference for figuring out this RAM thing. Cause this isnt my computer, (the Mac) and most Mac people dont tend to be as into the inside of their computer. So because theres no easy "model number" to the different Powerbooks, there are questions you have to ask to find out what type of RAM is needed - Just saying "G4" or "G5" is meaningless, one needs to know other things like like what speed processor ( - uh I dont know), Is it Titanium or Aluninium? (which was also not known) and if someone doesnt know, and doesnt have the initial packaging - and she swears it didnt COME with a manual,how do you FIND that info? (I mean the aluminum or Titanium thing).

It was like pulling teeth to figure out what RAM this computer needs. Rather than just the brand, model number - thats all you pretty much need if you DONT know what your laptop needs.

ok, getting down from soap box now..............

dont hate me......(believe me, I work in a job of Mac lovers and I get it all day long.)

cheers,

dave

 

Hi Dave,

One thing that is helpful for those kinds of issues is a site like this:

http://www.everymac.com/index.html

You'll see they give you pretty much every detail you could want about the specs and requirements of pretty much every individual Mac model:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook_g4/stats/powerbook_g4_500.html

LowEndMac also has good details on individual Mac models:

http://www.lowendmac.com/profiles.htm

http://www.lowendmac.com/pb2/12-100.html

-Zadillo

 

very cool of you. .
You Mac people arent as bad as they say you are....


just kidding

 

Oh yeah, about the Titanium/Aluminum thing.

In a sense, it's sort of the effect of Apple sticking to very basic names, and abandoning individual model numbers, etc.

Apple used to actually have the opposite problem, with dozens of different models with different model numbers.

But in more recent years, they just took to using the same product name (i.e. "PowerBook G3", "PowerBook G4" to refer to products that went through significant revisions.

The solution most people came up with (and which Apple seems to acknowledge in their own docs) is to distinguish individual models by whatever characteristic feature they have. I.e. one of the models of the PowerBook G3 was referred to as the "PowerBook G3 Bronze Keyboard" because of its distinctive translucent bronze keyboard.

With the PowerBook G4, Apple did a fairly significant chassis redesign. If you look at an original PowerBook G4 (dubbed Titanium), it had a significantly different appearance, most noticeably from the white bumpers around the edges).

When the PowerBook G4 design was updated and refined, the Aluminum designation was used to differentiate it from the original PBG4.

But at least in that case, visually speaking, they are distinguishable. But if someone didn't know one way or the other, there isn't an obvious reason to know the material each was made out of.

-Zadillo

 

Haha, well, NBR is generally a really peaceful forum. Heated arguments are more rare and usually opinions are respected.

And not all Mac users are fanboys, y'know . We love Macs, but it doesn't mean we are blind to what is also good on the Windows side.