RAM Vendors

I'm thinking about buying some RAM and saw that ramseeker.com lists some 512 MBs for as low as $42 (Omni Technologies) and has others for as much as $122 (Crucial). I've read that Crucial seems to be the most reputable source for RAM, but is it worth it at triple the price? Is there some horrible thing about those other vendors that I don't know? Is it likely that their RAM wouldn't work? Most of them have warranties, though, so it seems like it would be fine to buy from them. Any thoughts?

I've been shopping for memory. I thought that Apple builds for compatibility with "industry standard" RAM, but apparently sometimes their products can be picky.
I'd like to buy from Crucial, since their pricing is generally competitive and their quality/compatibility/reliability is well known. I've purchased from them before (for my iBook G3 600), where the price was competetive and the memory has always worked.
Their current pricing seems to be weird, shifting from day to day or minute to minute. The CT464095 (1GB PC2700 SODIMM ) I'd like to get seems to have different pricing that varies up to $10. I tried looking up the price today, and I got $162. Then I tried other browsers and got $152. I reset Safari, tried again and got $152. Perhaps they use some sort of strange, variable pricing scheme like Amazon.com was criticized for.
For $40, I might take the chance on some off-brand. However - for $150, I'd like to get some sort of assurance that it'll work. I could take my chances on some generic memory not specifically recommended for my application, but most retailers make it difficult to return memory. I would recommend Crucial, but recheck their prices, since they seem to change often.

Similar Messages

Which ram vendor?

I need to upgrade the ram in my Core 2 Duo MacBook. I am
looking at the vendors OWC and Crucial. Wondering if
anyone has purchased ram from either of them and how it
worked out. OWC has the best price right now, but I want
the best ram. I'm looking at 2-1 Gig modules.
Thanks!

Compare prices. Here is a good deal on Apple-Certified memory. I've never had a problem with it.
-Bmer
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How Can I Tell if I Have a Bad RAM Terminal?

A few weeks ago, my MacBook Pro started freezing several times a day, and it was to the point where I couldn't use it for even 10 minutes. It would also beep three times most of the time that it froze. So I turned it off for like 3 weeks and then took it in to the Genius Bar.
He ran some tests and said it was a RAM issue and I could buy new RAM chips (or whatever) and so I did, and when I installed two of them, my computer wouldn't start. I thought maybe the MHz was too big. I took one out, and the computer worked fine. For thirty minutes. Then BEEEEP beeeeeep BEEEEEP
I removed the one RAM and reseated it in the other terminal, and my computer has been working fine for most of the morning. I am running Chrome and playing youtube, Facebook, uploading pictures, and using iPhoto.
My MacBookPro came with 2 2GB RAMs (1333 MHz). The new RAMs are 2 4GB DDR3 OC3-10666 and compatible with 1333MHz and 1066MHz, according to the package.
The closest Apple store to me is more than an hour drive, and I'm wondering if there are any tests I can do at home. To me, an inexperienced computer repairwoman, it looks like I have a bad RAM terminal. Tonight I will reseat the RAM in the first terminal I tried, and see if it freezes and beeps again. It's possible that it was just seated incorrectly, perhaps?
Please send any and all advice, thoughts, questions, etc. Thank you!

As John Galt says, not all RAM is created equal. Crucial.com or MacSales.com (OWC) are well respected Mac RAM vendors.
Rember
<https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/15837/rember/>
is a wrapper around memtest.
Note: If you Mac refuses to run the app, you can force it by doing Control-Click -> Open, and then agreeing to the dialog box. Rember is an unsigned app, which is why the Mac may complain. The Control-Click -> Open trick is a way to force the Mac to run the unsigned app.
If you are having problems betting into a full Mac OS X GUI, then you might want to get memtest which can be run from the command line in Single-User mode (boot holding Command-S). If you have installed 'Rember' you can find a copy of 'memtest' buried inside
./Rember.app/Contents/Resources/memtest all
the ./ means you have to figure out the front part of the directory path to Rember.app where ever you stored it.
Here are some additional web sites, but keep in mind that 'Rember' is a wrapper for 'memtest' so when those sites discuss 'memtest', 'Rember' is essentially the same thing.
<http://guides.macrumors.com/Testing_RAM>
<http://osxdaily.com/2011/05/03/memtest-mac-ram-test/>
<http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509>
<http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11342>

Ram change on it's own?

Howdy all
My daughter has once again dumped her sick ibook (G3-16vram, 10.4) with me.
The poor ibook was not getting past the grey apple screen, (with no spinning gear) at start up. After all the usual troubleshooting, thanks to my past history (with Ronda and Cornelius), I used FTD to get the files she needed into another computer and did an erase and install from her Tiger CDs. All seems hunkydori, but the memory-(used to be 384mb)-is now reading:
DIMM0/BUILT-IN 128mb
DIMM1/J12 128mb SDRAM PC133U-333
I am confused! When I bought the machine I checked it and it said 384 (128 Built in and 256 in slot).
I thought I checked it last night before I did the install too, but can't be sure.
It had been repaired (motherboard replacement by DT&T in Jan 07), but I can't really say if I checked out the specs when it returned, nor can I be absolutely positive that I checked it last night. I know DT&T is a reputable company, but should I call them about this change? Can these DIMMs give false info in the system profiler? Is this the sign of something weird?
I am about to replace it anyway with a 512mb modual, but does it make a difference between PC100 and PC133?
Thanks folks.
SJ

It means that the 256 MB module is unreliable. I've received two new modules which only registered as half their stated capacity. They had to be returned for replacement. If you're replacing this one, anyway, and have no use for the dodgy 256 MB module, then no great loss. If you have a use for it in another computer, then you may want to take it up with the vendor. Most RAM vendors offer lifetime warranties on RAM.
It doesn't matter whether you get PC100 or PC133 RAM. The iBook can't utilize the extra speed, but can use the PC133 just fine if you find it at a better price.
Check out the Apple Knowledge Base article on iBook memory:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302333
You can get an idea on prices at ramseeker.com. It doesn't happen often, but, as you've seen, RAM can go bad, so opt for a vendor who does offer a lifetime warranty.
Good luck.

Upgraded to Tiger and suddenly lost 512MB of RAM....

I have a very odd situation. I have a 1.5Ghz 15'' Titanium Powerbook that came with 1GB of RAM. I bought it about a year and a half ago. I just upgraded to Tiger a few days ago and I have noticed that my computer is running slower. It was weird to me that the new operating system made my computer run slower so I checked my RAM. I went to "About This Mac" under the Apple icon and it now tells me that I only have 512 ram on my computer. I am wondering how this could be possible that it isn't recognizing the rest of my RAM. I know for a FACT my computer had a Gig of ram.
Thanks for the help!

Hi, J. Stone. If your computer has a 1.5GHz processor, it's Aluminum, not Titanium, and you need to repost in the Aluminum forums.
Successive versions of OS X have gotten fussier and fussier about RAM meeting the letter of Apple's specifications. If it doesn't meet those specs to a "T", it disappears. I don't know what other Albook owners are likely to tell you about RAM compatibility problems on your model (your RAM is quite different from that used in the Tibooks), but if one of your two RAM modules was purchased from a third-party source rather than from Apple, now is the time to check the warranty that was provided with it. Is Mac OS X compatibility guaranteed "for life", as is often the case with RAM? Some third-party RAM vendors will replace modules that "go bad" after OS updates or upgrades.
If all your RAM was bought directly from Apple, you have a good case for replacement, as long as your warranty hasn't run its course already.

Corrupt files and RAM upgrade

I have been having trouble with some corrupted Files in Aperture and after reading some discussion groups I was led to beIieve it might be a hardware problem and not just a software bug-some people experiencing similar problems traced it back to bad RAM. I performed a Hardware test w/ the Mac OS start-up disc. The results indicated this error code:
**Error*code***Error*code**2MEM/104/4:DIMM2/J13
Can anyone help me here? Does this indicate there's a problem w/ the RAM in my DIMM2?
I'm running a Dual 2 GHz PowerPC G5, OS 10.4.9. Quite a while ago I added 2 1GB RAM modules tro complement the original 512.
Thanks-
Bob
G5 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Where and what did you buy exactly? and yes, you might want to remove the memory, zap the pram/nvram while doing so, rerun Apple Hardware Test. Contact Apple Care and the RAM vendor.
Sometimes two different sets of RAM won't get along, sometimes it will after moving or swapping RAM slots. It could be the chips have slightly off timing or voltage.
Obviously no one wants to run with just 512MB, and it was okay until recently. It would not be the first time that an OS X update also makes better and more use of available RAM to improve performance, and have trouble (soft memory errors or worse, k/p) with "marginal RAM" if I fully understand the MacInTouch: Bad RAM Report.
Try without the 2 x 1GB, try with JUST that (in the first pair of slots) also.
And run AHT and Memtest when you install RAM or make changes.

2GB RAM too much for 1Ghz Powerbook?

Hi
In order to speed up my G4 17" 1 Ghz Powerbook, especially for Photoshop Elements, I upgraded to 2GB RAM. The Crucial Memory Scanner said that was the max allowable (although I ended up buying Samsung memory from an eBay dealer). My computer seems to be actually working slower now, though it is basically working ok. On looking at the tech spec for my Powerbook from Apple Support I then found this: "two SO-DIMM slots support up to 1GB".
Have I put in too much RAM now (who is right about my memory capacity - Apple or Crucial?), or does it make a difference that I bought cheaper RAM than Crucial or Kingston for example? (Presumably if the RAM was suspect I'd have bigger problems?)
Excuse the scattergun questions - I'm just trying to work out if I'd be better off reinstalling my original pair of 512MB modules, or leave in the 2GB and look at other issues in my computer for improving speed.
Many thanks.

To add to eww's excellent advice, there is a note on my RAM vendor's website page for your PowerBook stating that the 17" G4 1G PowerBook is one of four PowerBooks that uses "bus slewing" and have special RAM requirements.
I recall a couple of years ago there was a little...well, call it a "public disagreement" for lack of a cruder term....among RAM vendors over bus slewing and the right RAM. Crucial was accused in these forums and by other companies of failing to recognize the requirements bus slewing placed on the RAM. However, this seems to have settled down as I see posts here stating more recent Crucual RAM worked. You could call Crucial and ask if the part number you bought supports bus slewing. I'm sure they will make certain you get the correct type from them.
Oops, nearly forgot! Bus slewing is explained in this Apple Technical paper on the 15" 1 G PowerBook. Scroll down about a half page to the section "Processor and Bus Slewing."

Compromise: More RAM or better Processor

Hi
I'm looking to buy a new iMac in a couple of weeks, I know that I want a 27" one and I have a budget which will allow me to get one of two configurations:
- 2.9GHz i5 Processor, 512MB GeForce GTX 660M with 16 GB of RAM and 1TB Fusion drive
or
- 3.2GHz i5 Processor, 1024MB GeForce GTX 675MX with 8 GB of RAM and 1TB Fusion drive
I will be using the computer for web and app dev so i'll frequently be using Photoshop, X-Code, Dreamweaver and Parallels with Windows (running windows browsers for testing) and of course Pages, Numbers etc.
I honestly don't know which to compromise on; processor and graphics or ram. I realise that I can upgrade the ram at a later date, but at almost £300 for 16GB I don't want to compromise on RAM now and have to buy more a few months down the line.
This will be my first mac after having a bad time with Windows and AMD of late, so I don't mind spending the money so long as it lasts me a good few years. Any advice would be great!
Many thanks in anticipation :-)

It depends what you want to use your iMac for - if you're into video editing, the best processor (i7) and a lot of RAM will help. You do not need to buy your RAM from Apple, Crucial (in Europe) or OWC (macsales.com) in US are the two most recommended RAM vendors - check out their prices. If you get one with the stock 8 GB RAM, you could simply add 2 x 4 or 2 x 8 GB later.

I have an 21.5 Mid 2011 iMac and i want to upgrade my RAM. Currently I have two 2GB and two free slots. Do I have to put in two 2GB in the free slots or can I use two 4GB or 8GB?

I have an 21.5 Mid 2011 iMac and I want to upgrade my RAM. Currently I have two 2GB and two free slots. Do I have to put in two 2GB in the free slots or can I use two 4GB or 8GB?

You can leave the existing RAM in their current slots and add compatible modules in the empty slots. For best performance, add two of teh same size. Our 2010 iMac 21" shipped with 4GB RAM---two 2GB modules in two of the four slots. I added two 2GB modules to the empty slots and now have 8 GB RAM.
Be sure to order RAM from a trusted Mac-savvy RAM vendor. Some vendors thing a Mac is a hamburger. For over a decade I've bought all our Mac RAM (and we have 18 Macs in teh family!) from one vendor:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/2011/DDR3_21.5_27
The link is to the proper RAM for your Mac.
Crucial.com is also a trusted vendor.

Where to get cheaper ram for my ibook g3?

Hello,
is apple the only place where I can get new ram for my ibook g3? Checked their store, 512 ram costs 150 usd. That is expensive enough.
Thanks in advance.
imac g5 (isight) 20", ibook G3 (white) Mac OS X (10.4.3) airport extreme base station

Check out RAMSeeker.com. They will compare different RAM vendors' prices to help you get the best price.
Be sure to buy from a firm that gives you a lifetime warranty on the RAM you buy. While RAM doesn't fail very often, it can happen. Enough vendors give a lifetime warranty that you should not settle for one that doesn't. I would recommend paying a few dollars more if necessary to get the lifetime warranty.

EMac RAM compatible with Power Mac G4?

I am interested in a craigslist auction that is selling RAM pulled from an eMac. All the information given is that he has two 168-pin DIMMs of 128MB and 512MB memory. Will this work with a Power Mac G4/400Mhz/AGP graphics version? It also uses 168-pin memory.
PowerMac G4 Mac OS X (10.4) 400MHz G4, 64MB RAM, 20GB HDD, AGP Graphics

Standard RAM for your G4 is 168-pin PC100. Early eMacs used 168-pin PC133 which should be backwards compatible but you need to get assurances. Later eMacs use 184-pin PC2700, same as the later G4 MDDs.
This RAM vendor's page has a good description of the RAM used in various Mac models. They also have decent prices so compare the price to what the private offering asks.

RAM type

I am about to upgrade two 1.42 Ghz G4 Mac Minis from 512MB-each to 1GB-each. RAM vendors such as Crucial and Omni Technologies recommend using DDR333 PC2700 RAM. However when I look at one of the Mac Minis, the System Profiler says that the currently installed RAM has as its speed: PC3200U-30330. This was the RAM that came installed in the computer from Apple. Should I be looking for something faster than PC2700? Thanks.

Ah, then you're in luck because this is an easier task than on the Intel models. On the G4 minis, once the case is off the single memory slot is accessible without further disassembly, while on the Intel models it's necessary to remove the drive tray also.
A brief but good description is at http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/tutorials/macmini-ram/ - bearing in mind that for the G4 mini you stop at point 5.
Or http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2005/01/macminiinside/ which is the first take-apart guide published, when the G4 model was first released.
There's also a link to a video at the bottom of the page at http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/mac-mini/ (click on the size of video best suited to your internet connection) and another at http://macminiupgrade.blogspot.com/
Hope that helps!

Can my imac 27" (2010) support 4GB 1333mhz DDR3 RAM? It currently has 2 2GB 1066mhz DDR3

Can my imac 27" (2010) support 4GB 1333mhz DDR3 RAM? It currently has 2 2GB 1066mhz DDR3

Here are the RAM specs for your model iMac
Maximum Memory
32 GB (Actual) 16 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots
4 - 204-pin PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
Purchase reliable Mac RAM from online RAM vendors Crucial memory or OWC (macsales).

RAM Max for Titanium G4 15"

My older Titanium G4 laptop is currently maxed out with two 512mg RAM chips, which was the maximum available at the time of purchase. They have now started making 1gb chips that will fit my model. If I replace the two 512mg with two 1gb chips, will the computer be able to recognize and utilize the extra RAM? Or will I just be wasting my money? Worse yet, can I cause any damage?
Thanks in advance to anyone with the knowledge to answer my question.

There are in fact some 1GB 3.3V PC133 144-pin modules on the market, but no RAM vendor who offers a "RAM finder" function on its web site recommends them for Tibooks. Never having seen one myself, I don't know whether they would physically fit in a Tibook or whether the notch in them is in a different location from the key in the Tibook's RAM slots.
Since January 2004, no one has ever posted in these Tibook forums to say they successfully installed more than 1GB (2 x 512MB).
Applehistory.com, MacTracker, and Everymac.com (three different Mac specification databases, all independent of Apple) list both Apple's nominal and the real maximum RAM capacities for lots of Mac models whose specs haven't been updated by Apple since larger RAM modules became available for them. All three databases say the real max for all the Tibooks is 1GB.

3GB RAM upgrade

Hello all,
I am on the verge of ordering a T400. One of the memory options is an upgrade to 3 GB in the form of 2 DIMMs. Does anyone know if the DIMMS are 1.5 GB each? If they are not (e.g., they are 1 GB and 2 GB) will this affect dual-channel capability?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

They would in fact be 2GB module +1GB module.
Dual-channel functionality has been a common misconception. Many RAM vendors [Crucial, Corsair, Kingston] sell dual-channel kits, but in fact you can run memory modules of different vendors and still maintain dual channel functionality. It is a common gimmick to increase sales of bundled products [i.e. two memory modules]. The good thing is that many times, a kit of two memory modules are cheaper than purchasing two single modules.
Message Edited by ortegaluis on 03-15-2009 05:41 PM
\\ I do not respond to PM regarding individual tech support. Keep discussions in the forum for the benefit of others //

RAM Vendors

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