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Power Macintosh G4 Q&A - Updated April 24, 2009
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How do you upgrade the RAM in the Power Mac G4 models? How much RAM of what type does the Power Mac G4 support? What are the differences in maximum capacity when running MacOS 9 and MacOS X?
Specifics regarding the memory for each Power Macintosh G4 model is provided on the specs page for every system, but general information regarding the type of memory, number of memory slots, and maximum supported RAM when running MacOS X also are provided below.
MacOS 9 supports a maximum of 1.5 GB of memory -- and a maximum of 1 GB allocated to a single application -- so systems that can support 2.0 GB booting MacOS X still are limited to 1.5 GB booting MacOS 9.
Please note that just because RAM meets the minimum listed criteria does not mean that it will necessarily function as intended in a particular Mac. When buying memory, be sure to buy from a quality vendor that has tested their RAM with your Mac to ensure compatibility.
Direct links to Apple instruction manuals (PDF) with official memory installation instructions and instructional videos and compatible memory for sale from site sponsor Other World Computing have been integrated into the below chart for your convenience.
Power Mac G4 |
SDRAM Type |
Slots |
Max |
PC100† |
4 |
1.0 GB |
|
PC100† |
4 |
1.0 GB |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC100† |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
PC100† |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
PC100† |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
PC100† |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC100† |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
PC100† |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
PC100† |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
PC133 |
3 |
1.5 GB |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC2100 |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC2700 |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
PC2700 |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC2100 |
4 |
2.0 GB |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC2700 |
4 |
2.0 GB |
|
PC2700 |
4 |
2.0 GB |
|
Instructions From |
|||
PC2700 |
4 |
2.0 GB* |
|
Instructions From |
* These models only support 1.5 GB when booting MacOS 9.
† These models officially support PC100 memory, but PC133 memory is backwards compatible and may be used as well. PC133 memory may be easier to find as well.
Installation Video - Power Mac G4 (AGP, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio)
Installation Video - Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors, Firewire 800)
OWC additionally offers memory installation videos for the PCI and Quicksilver/Quicksilver 2002 models.
Site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems also sells memory compatible with a variety of Power Mac G4 systems.
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