Old iMac memory upgrade

Hey everyone,

Over the course of the next month, I am going to bring my 6 year old Tiger iMac into the modern world. (Ram upgrade, add external HD, Snow leopard).

I have the 24inch iMac version 6.1
2.16 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo with
1 Gb 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM

Step one:

Upgrade the RAM. I read that this model of iMac can only utilize 3 Gb of Ram but an independent has tested that installing 4 Gb of Ram will not harm the iMac and in fact, seems to help performance even a bit more. I figure for an extra $10 I'll put in 4 Gb.

I am looking at these:

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=FC8D08A0A5CA7304

I also found these but they are 800 mhz instead of 667. Would these work?

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/6400DDR2S4MP/

Any problems with this plan?

I don't see a problem with using 4 GB of memory as that will work, however, I do not recommend the faster memory. Macs are very fussy about using the exact memory modules or same equivalent. You should be able to purchase the exact spec memory from either Crucial or Other World Computing.

OK I will stick to the 667 Mhz. I will double check the OWC site for the appropriate memory.

If you really want to speed up your computer put an SSD in. Even on an older iMac it'll do wonders.

Just an update. I purchased the correct memory from OWC, 2 X 2Gb 667's. I viewed a youtube video on how to exchange the memory and proceeded to do it myself.

It only took a few minutes and Voila!!! Now have 4Gb of Memory (even though my iMac only utilizes 3 Gb).

Have seen an improvement in the performance of some software but starting and switching applications seems to take a bit longer. And it seems a little less stable. Not sure why.

Should I make any changes to any settings with the increased memory?



Snow Leopard and external hard drive have been ordered and will be my next project.

drtbk4ever said:

Just an update. I purchased the correct memory from OWC, 2 X 2Gb 667's. I viewed a youtube video on how to exchange the memory and proceeded to do it myself.

It only took a few minutes and Voila!!! Now have 4Gb of Memory (even though my iMac only utilizes 3 Gb).

Have seen an improvement in the performance of some software but starting and switching applications seems to take a bit longer. And it seems a little less stable. Not sure why.

Should I make any changes to any settings with the increased memory?



Snow Leopard and external hard drive have been ordered and will be my next project.

Click to expand...

That's unusual after a ram upgrade. How full is your Hard Drive?

Hey Evan,

I am not 100% sure (and will check when I get home), but I'd esimate there is only about 15 to 20 Gb free (out of 160?).