Upgrading an iMac G3?

[stillpwning]

Hello. I just received an iMac G3 from a friend today with OS 9 on it. I was wondering if someone could tell me what type of RAM I need to upgrade it, how much RAM can be installed, and what type of hard drive can I put in it. I am new to the Mac world of computing, so I'll do what I can to get you all specs about the computer.

The only thing I know about it is that is has 64 MB RAM in it, and like stated before, OS 9. Thanks for any help!

 

[louishen]

go to everymac.com and look up the model of iMac you have

it will tell you a complete spec and point you to sites where upgrades that are compatible can be bought

 

[stillpwning]

How can I find out how many MHz my iMac has?

Thanks.

 

[louishen]

on OS 9, under the apple menu should be a menu

one of the items should be called system profiler

if it isn't under that menu it can usually be found in Applications > Utilities

 

[stillpwning]

Thank you very much. I've found out all the info on the RAM and hard drive. It says that it is Airport compatible. Where would I put the airport card? Is there a slot inside the iMac or is it on the outside? Is OS 9 compatible with AirPort? Thank you.

 

[harryb2448]

If you shared the model details perhaps could help. There are only about 24 different iMacs.

 

[dtravis7]

If you shared the model details perhaps could help. There are only about 24 different iMacs.

Agreed. Is the CDROM Slot Load, Tray Load? What are the specs you found? It will make it easier to help.

 

[stillpwning]

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/stats/imac_dv_400.html

That appears to match my Mac's specs.

EDIT: Also, would there be a way to return OS 9 to its factory settings as if it was new? I don't have those original discs.

 

[harryb2448]

Ok you have seen you can use Airport but a word of warning. Struth iMacs take some cracking apart and working inside them nothing is easy, apart from installing new RAM. Look at places like eBay for OS 9.2.2. Should you want to later install OS X you will have to upgrade the firmware. Jost do a Google for iMac firm ware update and that will turn it up.

 

[Chilbear]

Just to top up what Harry has said, I had one of these and when cracking the case it is very brittle because of years of heat. The pieces may come off but they may break and never be the tight package it is now.

 

[harryb2448]

Here is a link to Airport Cards for your iMac. It is vcery much a case of making the card fit rather than a nice slide in fitting. If you get 9.2.2, do an erase and install an d everything will be back to default.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Apple-Airport-Card-Guide_W0QQugidZ10000000000748015QQ_trksidZp3286.c0.m17

 

[Mac SK]

You open the little door on the bottom to had more Ram. You take the whole bottom off to add an Airpot card. Theres a metal sheild under the plastic bottom you have to remove also. Might be a good idea to change the battery when in in there. Make shure to update the firmwear BEFORE you load Ten,to boot rom 4.1.9fi.