Mac Repair London carries out a RAM upgrade on the PowerBook G4 from our Central London workshop, for home users and businesses.
The 15 and 17-inch PowerBook G4 have two SO-DIMM slots (PC2700 or PC2-4200 depending on revision) and top out at 2GB. The 12-inch has 256MB or 512MB soldered to the board plus one slot, for a maximum of 1.25GB or 1.5GB. The RAM door is under the battery on the 15 and 17-inch, so it’s a quick job. We supply matched, tested modules, and a known quirk is that some later 15-inch models reject one slot after a board fault, which we check for during fitting.
Signs it needs a RAM upgrade
- Bottom RAM slot not recognised (a known board fault on some models)
- Slowness with Leopard and modern web pages
- Random freezes from a failing original module
How we do it
We read your exact model identifier first, because Mac memory is fussy about speed and type, and the wrong module can cause beeps at start-up or random crashes. We fit matched pairs where the model benefits from dual-channel memory.
After fitting we run an extended memory test and check that the full amount shows in System Information, so there are no surprises later.
At a glance
| Years | 2003–2005 |
|---|---|
| Processor | PowerPC G4, 867MHz–1.67GHz |
| Storage | 2.5-inch IDE (parallel ATA) hard drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Removable |
| Power / charging | Round barrel DC-in |
Before you bring it in
If the Mac has ever beeped at start-up or reported memory errors, tell us, as a faulty existing module changes what we fit.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the PowerBook G4 Aluminium (12, 15 & 17-inch, 2003–2005) (PowerBook5,x and PowerBook6,x; A1010, A1046, A1052, A1095, A1104, A1106, A1107, A1138, A1139). On a PowerPC Mac, open the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then More Info to open Apple System Profiler. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
We give you a fixed quote for your exact model after a free initial assessment, before any work starts. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Will I lose my files?
No. We clone or back up your data before any upgrade and check everything is in place afterwards.
Is it worth upgrading this model?
If the machine is otherwise healthy, yes. Storage and memory upgrades are the cheapest way to make an older Mac noticeably quicker, and we’ll tell you honestly if we think a replacement would be better value.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, our repairs come with a warranty on the work and parts. Ask us for the terms that apply to your repair.
Book a repair
Call us on 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london to arrange a time to drop it off.