On Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 11:26 PM, williamd <willi...@wyoming.com> wrote:
> > I'm running Tiger on my G4 imac 1ghz 512 ram. Overall I'm very > pleased with this setup, but i think i could get a bit better > performance with a ram upgrade. Problem is, i read somewhere about > the 4 bottom screws and needing a special torque wrench to replace > them, else the machine supposedly overheats if these are not > tightened perfectly. Can anyone confirm or debunk this? If i need > such a tool, where on earth to find it? > There are two ways you can add RAM to your G4 iMac. The first, user replaceable method involves using a small Phillips screwdriver to loosen the 4 captive screws that affix the bottom plate. Once the plate is removed, you can add or replace the SO-DIMM stick. The second, factory installed method involves removing the bottom plate and then using a Torx-15 screwdriver or bit to remove the 4 screws that hold the iMac's base to the top. Then it's easy to remove and replace the SDRAM stick. I also replace the PRAM battery while I'm in there. The Apple service manual shows all this very clearly, and recommends that the thermal pads or thermal paste be replaced, and that the 4 Torx screws be torqued using an inch-pound torque wrench to 17 inch pounds. Failing that, the manual says to tighten the 4 screws firmly but not forcibly by hand. I can confirm that failure to tighten the 4 screws properly will lead to cpu and/or video chipset damage. I've worked on G4 iMacs with no-go and/or video problems, and every time I found the 4 screws could be unscrewed with my fingertips. Seems someone had replaced a PRAM battery or internal RAM stick or one of the drives and didn't torque the screws properly. This meant a slight enough break in the heat pipe that prevented heat from being piped up to the cooling fan. Failing access to an Apple service manual for your iMac, simply Google "iMac G4 RAM replacement" and you'll find instructions online about how to properly disassemble your iMac to do the RAM upgrade (and battery replacement too, hint, hint). Torx-15 (or T-15) screwdrivers can be bought at almost any hardware store. I got mine at Sears. Or you can borrow a T-15 bit and an inch-pound torque wrench from a friend who's an auto hobbyist. I use my inch-pound torque wrench with a T-15 bit. Good luck! -- Jim Scott --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to Low End Mac's iMac List, a group for those using G3, G4, G5, and Intel Core iMacs as well as Apple eMacs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to imaclist@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to imaclist-unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/imaclist?hl=en Low End Mac RSS feed at feed://lowendmac.com/feed.xml -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
