Mac compatible Memory

Is it really necessary to use "Mac Memory" in iMacs? The cost of "Mac Memory" is so much more than "PC Memory". As long as the settings are correct (speed, latency, etc.) what is really the difference, besides the cost?

Jon

irishjd said:

Is it really necessary to use "Mac Memory" in iMacs? The cost of "Mac Memory" is so much more than "PC Memory". As long as the settings are correct (speed, latency, etc.) what is really the difference, besides the cost?

Jon

Click to expand...

If when you say "Mac Memory" is so expensive...you're referring to Apple Store prices...most of us here at Mac-Forums agree!

Give these guys a try:

OWC
cruical.com

...and hopefully you will find the ram prices more favorable!

HTH,

- Nick

Actually, I am referring to what is labeled as "Mac Memory". For example, if I go to newegg.com, I can find Mushkin Enhanced 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Memory for Apple Model 976647A for $230.99. Now, if I look under "Desktop Memory", I can find the same memory ranging in price from $164.99 - $199.99. Although this isn't a "huge" difference in price, it is significant. I am wondering what the technical difference is between memory labeled as "Mac Memory" and memory labeled as "Desktop Memory"? Or, is it just a marketing gimmic?

Jon

irishjd said:

Actually, I am referring to what is labeled as "Mac Memory". For example, if I go to newegg.com, I can find Mushkin Enhanced 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Memory for Apple Model 976647A for $230.99. Now, if I look under "Desktop Memory", I can find the same memory ranging in price from $164.99 - $199.99.

Click to expand...

Do they have EXACTLY the same part#...and do they both have EXACTLY the same specs (I mean everything). In any case, who knows why Newegg prices their ram that way...maybe give them a call & ask!

If you had gone to one of the websites I suggested above (OWC)...you would see that they sell the ram you want for $162.99:

8.0GB (2x4.0GB) at OWC

- Nick

Thanks Nick, that is a good price! My question though is more of a technical question than a complaint on pricing. I am curious if there is an actual technical difference between "Mac" memory and "PC" memory?

Jon

irishjd said:

Thanks Nick, that is a good price! My question though is more of a technical question than a complaint on pricing. I am curious if there is an actual technical difference between "Mac" memory and "PC" memory?

Jon

Click to expand...

The easiest & quickest answer I can say is there used to be years ago (big time)..I think that the differences have become less & less. We still get lots & lots of questions from folks with computer problems (newer Mac computers)...and MANY times it's because the wrong ram (non-Mac approved ram) was used.

That's why I was asking if all of the tech spec's of the two ram products you mentioned from Newegg were EXACTLY the same. If they were only slightly different in one area...then that would explain it. Volume. If 90% of the world uses the one type (Windows Computers)...and 10% or less use the "Apple" ram (Macintosh computers)...then volume produced for the "90%" allows for much lower prices for the "Windows/desktop ram".

On the other hand...if Newegg is selling 8 gig (4 gig x2) of "Apple ram" for $230.99...and OWC (a very well respected long time Macintosh online store) is selling the same ram for $162.99...there is certainly something "funny" going on at Newegg!

Finally...it's always smart to shop around for the lowest price!

- Nick

Thanks again Nick.

Jon

Yes it does as Nick points out. Macs use low density modules and most memory from PC shops, eBay dealers etc is cheaper high density memory which will fail at some point, usually soon er rather than later.

OWC are Mac specialists who back their memory up with a lifetime warranty. They are great operators and use them all the way from Down Under.

Thanks Harry.