How to Buy RAM for Your iMac

Random Access Memory (RAM) is an important component of your iMac. For those who frequently use applications like Adobe Photoshop or other multimedia-intensive applications, the iMac's efficiency can be enhanced by buying and installing more RAM. Selecting RAM for your iMac is relatively easy if you follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Choosing the Right RAM

1. Check the configuration of RAM currently in your iMac. You can find it in the iMac's manual.
2. Consider the programs that you run regularly on your iMac. For working on graphics, more RAM is required. Check the maximum RAM configuration that your computer can support. For example, with an iMac 667 MHz a 512 MB RAM is generally used. It can support a maximum of 2 GB RAM.
3. Evaluate the upgrading possibilities. For instance, you may be able to use your old RAM along with the new one, resulting in a speedier machine at a low cost.

Purchasing RAM

4. Plan your budget for the new RAM.
5. Search the Internet using Google or Yahoo for the current prices and product specifications.
6. Browse online auction Web sites such as eBay, uBid.com and Overstock.com (see links, below). You may get great deals at auction sites.
7. Compare the prices of different brands offering similar RAM type and size. Check out online buyers’ guides such as Epinions, Nextag and MySimon (see links, below). These sites offer a comparison of various RAM chips and list vendors and prices.
8. Buy RAM from retailers such as Circuit City or Best Buy (see links, below). You can also visit any of these stores and learn more about your options.
9. Talk to the store’s technical expert or customer service and buy the best RAM chip that suits your computer.
10. Choose a payment method. When buying online, you often have to pay by credit card or through PayPal (see link, below). Verify the authenticity of the Web site before purchasing online. Look for the "lock" symbol in the status bar and if you roll your mouse pointer over it, it should state, "128 bit encryption."

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a RAM with ab longer warranty period. Check the date of manufacture on your RAM. The warranty period usually starts from the date of manufacture.
• Buy only from a well known source though it may be a little more expensive.

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