Installing iMac G3 Model M4984 RAM

User-Contributed Guide

User-Contributed Guide

This guide is not managed by iFixit staff.

  • Author: Chris Green
  • Time required: 10 - 15 Minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Add Note x
  • x 6

The iMac G3 was Apple's brand new all-in-one Macintosh. It had five different colors of translucent plastic that it was available in: Blueberry, Lime, Strawberry, Grape, and Tangerine, these were known as the "5 Flavors." The iMac "i" standing for internet, was very capable, it had built in LAN, IR(this was removed in later models), and a 233Mhz, 266Mhz, or 333Mhz PowerPC 750 (G3) CPU, and a built in 15" CRT screen. This computer paved the way for modern Macs.

The iMac G3 M4984 uses PC100 laptop-style memory. Some models support a maximum of 256MB while others support a maximum of 512MB, this is entirelly dependent on the firmware of the machine.

Sections
Tools
Relevant parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Logic Board  ¶ 

  • The iMac G3. This was a great computer for the time, and had plenty of features.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Start by flipping the iMac upside-down. It may help to lay it on a towel, so you don't damage the screen, or scratch the face.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Remove this Phillips screw.

  • Using a flathead screwdriver, work your way around the bottom cover, until it comes off.

  • Then, lift the bottom cover up and out, and set it aside.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Now, remove the DB-15 Video connector from the logic board.

  • It may be helpful to use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the thumbscrews.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Remove the power cable from the logic board assembly.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Remove the front panel connector.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Now, remove these Phillips screws.

  • Now, grab the logic board assembly by the piece of plastic, and lift it out.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • The logic board assembly. This is the heart of the computer, it contains the motherboard, CPU, RAM, V-RAM, PRAM battery, the hard drive, and the optical drive.

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Add Note Edit Step 9 — RAM  ¶ 

  • Now, it's time to remove the RAM.

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Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • Remove the CPU shield, this will reveal the "top slot". This is the user-serviceable RAM slot, though there is a a second slot of RAM under the CPU card.

  • The iMac uses PC100 Laptop Ram, and according to Apple, it supports up to 256MB RAM (2X128MB) but unofficially. Some later models can support 512MB (2X256MB).

  • Push the tabs out, and the RAM should pop up, then pull the ram out.

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Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • RAM (bottom slot).

  • Remove the CPU Heatsink.

  • Use a flathead screwdriver. Remove the heatsink clip, it will pop off, and may get lost if you don't keep track of it.

  • Remove the heatsink revealing the CPU, then lift the CPU card up, and it should come free with a little tug.

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Add Note Edit Step 12  ¶ 

  • Removing the CPU Card:

  • Lift the card out by this end!

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Add Note Edit Step 13  ¶ 

  • Now, flip the card over.

  • This will reveal another stick of laptop PC66.

  • This is most likely a 32MB Stick, because the iMac shipped standard with only 32MB of RAM.

  • Now, remove it by pushing the tabs, it should pop up, and you can set it aside.

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Add Note Edit Step 14  ¶ 

  • The RAM.

  • The iMac supports two pieces of PC66 laptop RAM, though it can use PC100 and PC133 (laptop size of course).

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the iMac G3 Model M4984 device page.

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