After the
G5's memory upgrade and the
iBook 1.2GHz memory upgrade, this time, the all new 1.67 GHz 15" PowerBook received an additional 1GB DDR-2 memory upgrade.
Like shown in Apple's
Memory Card Replacement Instructions, adding an additional memory module to the PowerBook is neither difficult nor scary. Even the latest incarnation of the now faster PowerBook comes with only 512 MB Ram. However, this is the first time Apple uses the faster and also cheaper DDR-2 Ram, to be precise, 512MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM (running at 333MHz).
All new PowerBook G4 models come standard with 512MB of memory running at 333MHz. The 12-inch PowerBook G4 uses PC2700 DDR SDRAM, while the 15-inch and 17-inch models use PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM. For a considerable performance improvement
when working with large files, the memory in the 12-inch model can be expanded to 1.25GB, and the 15-inch and 17-inch models can accommodate up to 2GB.
Both the 15-inch and 17-inch models come with 512MB of memory in a single SO-DIMM, leaving
a slot open for future memory upgrades.
Leaving a slot open for future memory upgrades ...
After removing power and the battery, I removed the four screws and opend the memory door in the center of the flipped PowerBook.
The opened door revealed the SAMSUNG 512MB @Rx 16 PC2-4200S-444-12-A3 memory module:
Inserting the new 1GB DDR2-533 module I bought at
Ramjet for US$99 required some force ...
After re-inserting the metal door, closing the case, and putting the battery back, the PowerBook booted and the "About This Mac" dialog showed
1.5 GB DDR2 SDRAM.
