(My first post on Applefritter!) Is It Possible...

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Kirok's picture
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(My first post on Applefritter!) Is It Possible...

...to upgrade the video RAM in a 12" 1Ghz Powerbook G4 from 32MB to 64MB or more???

I already know that the VRAM is on the logic board and that it cannot be changed in the same way you can on tower such as installing a new PCI video card. However, what I'm really intrested in finding out is if it is at all possible to upgrade the video RAM by unsoldering the existing 32MB chip and replace it with a more powerfull 64MB chip.

Can this be done? Has anyone already done this and if so could someone point me to some kind of tutorial.
Any information will be greatly appreciated.

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Yes and No

If you have a source for a 1.33 ghz or 1.5 ghz 12" PowerBook logic board, then yes. If not, then no. Sadly, the video memory is soldered onto the logic board so video ram upgrades involve getting a better board. Keep an eye out on eBay for 12" PowerBooks with cracked lcd's or other damage. Make sure the logic board is fine. Fortunately, all the mini DVI capable 12" PowerBooks can accomodate later boards easily. The 15" can also be upgraded this way. My 15" started out life with a 1ghz board, she's a 1.5 now.

- iantm

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Thank you for the info :)

I will do just that - 1.5Ghz here i come baby!!!

Oh one question, you mentioned that your 15" PB started out as a 1Ghz comp - did u do the upgrade yourself?

Thank you!

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Upgrade

Yeah, I snagged a bashed up unit on eBay a while back. The board was good, and the installation was straightforward. The 12" PowerBooks are a little trickier to work on. Though, I should also note that I am an Apple certified Portable and desktop tech, so my view may be skewed.

-iantm

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recently

the OEM POS 40GB 4200 Toshiba HD in my 12" 1Ghz died (the SMART indicator warning me a week after the drive failed) so I replaced it with a Seagate 100GB 5400...
This is the first time I have come across a project where putting the thing back together was a heck of a lot easier than taking it apart...

good luck!

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Laptop Hard drives

Of the drives Apple uses OEM, Fujitsu and Toshiba have the highest mortality rates. The Hitachi (formerly IBM) drives seem to be the most robust and have a lower failure rate. Since I haven't seen any Seagate laptop drives in my line of work, I can't really comment on them.

-iantm

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