Upgrading RAM for iMac G5 (Rev. A)
Posted on November 23, 2006 - Filed Under apple
I have delayed this post for more than a year because i was plain LAZY 
I only remembered about it when someone emailed me asking if i could explain to him on how to upgrade the RAM on his iMac G5 reversion C.
So here it goes.
Before i start off, i would want to make it clear that mine is a reversion A G5, 17 inch. There are 4 types of flat iMacs. First would be the one i am having which is reversion A where the processor speed ranges from 1.6Ghz to 1.8Ghz. Second would be the reversion B or ‘Ambient Light Sensor’ line. The difference is the light sensor that’s situated at the bottom of the iMac screen. Processor speed ranges from 1.8Ghz to 2.0Ghz. Rev C has practically what you see in the new iMac with Core Duo processor, just that it runs on G5. It has the remote for FrontRow and iSight, with processor ranging from 1.9Ghz to 2.1Ghz, just to name a few. The layout is slightly different compared to revision A and B. Finally, we have the all new iMac that comes with Intel processor. Now enough with the gibberish.
You would need:
Phillip screwdriver
Memory module
Flat & Clean surface
First up, unplug all connectors on the iMac including power supply. Then place the iMac, screen down, on a flat and clean surface. Make sure there’s absolutely nothing on the surface as it would damage the screen. Once you have placed the iMac on the surface, ground yourself to remove all static charge. This can be done why touching any metal surface, eg the back of your PC. Use the phillip screwdriver and loosen all the screws at the bottom of the sreen, it’s situated at the internal speakers. You don’t have to un-screw it all out.
After loosening the screws, the back lid could be lifted up with the help of the standing leg. WARNING: Don’t lift the lid 90 degrees up as it would crack the hinge. Lift it up 45 degree (not 30 degrees :P) and slowly pull the lid towards you. If you are unable to remove it, slowly move it up and down till it’s free from the main component.
You will able to see the layout as how mine is shown. Please be reminded to ground yourself before attempting anything. The memory slots are located on the right hand side of the G5 processors. Rev A comes with 256Mb, Rev B and C comes with 512Mb. Please take note that, Rev A and B uses DDR ram and Rev C uses DDR2 ram.
So since mine comes standard with 256Mb RAM, i decided to add in another 512Mb RAM which makes it 768Mb in total. Simply push in the memory module till both clips on the left and right clicks on to the RAM. If you are planning to add in 2 units of 1Gb RAM then remove the stock RAM first. WARNING: If you are not sure on how to add the memory modules yourself, please seek advise from Apple technician. It’s advised for you to get the RAMs from authorized apple distributor.
As you can see, Rev A iMacs don’t come with the wireless card. So if there’s any intention of you to have wireless internet connection, you can always add in the card or get a USB wireless adapter which is compatible with Macs.
Once you are done, close the lid by connecting the top hinge at an angle of 45 degrees and slowly close it. Tighten back all the screws below before connecting all wires back on to the iMac.
Turn your iMac on. Click on the blue Apple icon which is on your top left corner. Make sure the total RAM displayed is what you have added. To see more in detail about the technical specifications, click on ‘More Information’.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS DONE ENTIRELY ON YOUR OWN RISK. I WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY FAILURE IN TERMS OF SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE OR EVEN MENTAL ANGUISH.
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