PowerBook G3 Series: Memory FAQ

This article contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding PowerBook G3 Series memory, with answers to those questions. Note that they pertain to the PowerBook G3 Series models that were released in September, 1998.

See also the following Frequently Asked Questions articles pertaining to the September 1998 models of the PowerBook G3 Series computer:

Article 24608: "PowerBook G3 Series: General FAQ"
Article 24610: "PowerBook G3 Series: Battery FAQ"
Article 24611: "PowerBook G3 Series: Features, Configurations, Performance FAQ"
Article 24613: "PowerBook G3 Series: Design Elements FAQ"
Article 24614: "PowerBook G3 Series: Video, Graphics, And Sound FAQ"
Article 24615: "PowerBook G3 Series: DVD, CD-ROM, and Hard Drive FAQ"
Article 24616: "PowerBook G3 Series: Communications FAQ"

Questions answered in this article:
  1. Is it possible to add more memory to the PowerBook G3 Series computer?
  2. What is the maximum amount of memory that can be installed on a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
  3. Are special memory modules or standard SO-DIMMs required for a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
  4. Can memory from the original PowerBook G3 systems that were introduced in November 1997, be used in the PowerBook G3 Series computer?

Question 1: Is it possible to add more memory to the PowerBook G3 Series computer?

Answer: Yes. There are two slots for memory on the daughter card that also houses the processor, cache, and ROM. The bottom slot is usually filled by the factory, which installs the base memory of either 32MB or 64MB. The top slot, which is accessible to the user, is open if the system comes with 64MB of memory or less; the user can install more memory in this slot.

Question 2: What is the maximum amount of memory that can be installed on a PowerBook G3 Series computer?

Answer: The system supports up to192MB of RAM using standard 64 megabit-based SO-DIMMs.

Question 3: Are special memory modules or standard SO-DIMMs required for a PowerBook G3 Series computer?

Answer: Standard SO-DIMMs can be used. We recommend choosing memory that has been tested and approved for use with the new PowerBook G3 Series. Check with the memory manufacture to verify this.

Question 4: Can memory from the original PowerBook G3 systems that were introduced in November 1997, be used in the PowerBook G3 Series computer?

Answer: No, the memory types and sizes are incompatible. But memory from the PowerBook G3 Series that was introduced in May 1998 continues to be compatible in the new configurations.

Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. For more information differentiating between the computers, read article 24604: "PowerBook G3, G3 Series: Identifying Different Versions"

Published Date: Feb 20, 2012