Where to buy iMac memory

[North_of_Calgary]

Not a Mac or memory expert here so this may seem like a somewhat newbie question but I want to upgrade a new iMac from 2x1GB to 2x2GB. But where can I buy Mac compatible memory (apart from the Apple store of course)?

I phoned Memory Express and surprisingly they said that they don't sell any and to goto the Apple store. There must be more affordable yet high quality options out there?

Advice or links please? Thanks a lot in advance.

[oc3lot]

It all depends on when you got your Mac. Check out Apple's support site to find out what kind of memory you need.

Keep in mind, that you don't need to buy Mac branded ram.. You can buy any ram as long as it's the kind your Mac needs.. I've upgraded both my iMac and MacBook to 4GB each, and I think I spent a total of $75.

[North_of_Calgary]

The iMac is new. I have the specs from the Apple site:
* PC2-6400
* Unbuffered
* Nonparity
* 200-pin
* 800 MHz
* DDR2 SDRAM

I thought though that it would be easy to find that but it doesn't seem to be. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places. Apple wants $300!!

Suggestions on where to find whether retail or online? I'm hoping to pay < $150 for the pair.

Thanks.

[oc3lot]

I buy all my memory from NCIX... Everybody has their place of choice, but NCIX is cheap, and they usually have stock.

You could also check Newegg as they've recently opened a Canadian site.

[EmmEff]

Crucial.com. Not the cheapest, but guaranteed compatible. It's the only RAM I use. Have 2x1GB installed into my MacBook Pro I'm using to type this message.

[North_of_Calgary]

Thanks Man. I wasn't familiar with them. Any experience with the much cheaper Buffalo Memory? Or would you recommend paying more for the Kingston?

[oc3lot]

I've used Corsair for my iMac and Macbook, and have never had problems.

Make sure you get the SODIMMS. As far as I know, this is the only module newer macs take. NCIX has a 2x2gb kit for $73.75.

[EmmEff]

You take your chances with the cheaper RAM. At one time, Macs were very particular about the memory they took even if the specs matched up. Some G4s had issues sleeping if the "wrong" type of RAM was used. I am not sure if these effects still exist, but for the few $$$ difference in the price, I get some assurance it's the right RAM.

[oc3lot]

Yep.. absolutely. Fortunately (knock wood), I've had no problems.

[North_of_Calgary]

I went for Kingston on newegg.ca in the end. Thanks for that information as the only site I knew to check before was Tigerdirect and they didn't have any.

The Kingston was $110 in the end with shipping. That's better than the $300 Apple wants or the $155 they would want on an upgrade on new system when ordering. I was really regretting not doing that when I ordered the iMac for a while there. Now I'm happy with the Kingston alternative as I know they're a reliable brand.

Thanks again

[bobmac]

Sorry I read this too late, but you could check canadaram.com. Bought some memory from them and was satisfied. Price wise might get better at a US. At least gives you another site for comparaison.

BC

[ibentmywooky]

Has anyone upgraded to 4GB of RAM in the new aluminum macbooks?

I found this corsair RAM:

http://www.corsair.com/products/mac/default.aspx

Until December 15th can get a $40USD rebate making it appear to be a great deal (assuming that it will work in the new aluminum macbooks).

[Cap]

checkout canadaram . com great prices...

[Sugith]

Bought RAM on for two PPC Macs. Fair price for Canada and reasonable shipping charge. Cheaper than buying local. Mac-friendly.

[lgplasma]

Also had good experiences with CanadaRam. Macs are no longer as picky with memory now that they use standard PC chips. Just make sure the specs are right.