[Ham-Mac] Imac G4 Memory Slots

Mon, 8 Jul 2002 12:38:46 -0400

At 17:00 -0400 07/07/2002, [email protected] wrote:
>     Just purchased Imac G4 800 Mhz superdrive, and seem to be getting
>conflicting infomation regarding the memory slots.
>
>     I have not opened as yet, but it appears that their are 2 slots, one user
>slot and one described as Apple service only.
>
>     Do I have it correct that the user slot is for PC133 144 pin SODRAM and
>the Apple slot is for PC133 168 pin SDRAM?

That is correct.

>
>     Does anyone know how difficult it is to reach the Apple slot?

It's not difficult. It does require removal of the bottom housing in 
addition to the User Access Plate that you remove to get to the 
user-installable memory. The DIMM slot is on the logic board and is 
visible after you remove the bottom housing. You must be careful 
because there are several cables still connected when you remove the 
bottom housing.

Be aware that IF you remove the bottom housing, there are a couple of 
mating surfaces having a thermal paste film for heat transfer. The 
thermal paste MUST be cleaned off these surfaces and new thermal 
paste applied. (There's an Apple part number for the proper thermal 
paste.) There have been cases reported already with excessive 
overheating when the proper procedures were not followed closely.

Removal of the bottom housing will also void your warranty.

My recommendation would be to have an Apple Service Provider install 
the memory in the 168-pin DIMM slot, if you want to have it done. The 
cost will probably be much cheaper in the long run.

Hope this helps.

73,
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