first post here... I was wondering if anyone had tried upgrading the video RAM on a first gen G4 mini? the latest revs (the unofficial ones) had 64MB dedicated video RAM. From looking at the system datasheet, it seems that the VRAM is a separate component on the board. I have not cracked open my mini yet, but I would assume that one could -potentially- desolder the RAM chip(s) and replace them by larger ones?
Welcome to Macmod. Never heard of the video ram being separate before. Whether it is or not, more ram probably would not help. The mini was never designed for heavy lifting, hence the parts they chose and continue to choose. Although many people despise the graphics capabilities, they are better than many of the G4 powermacs and are the same chosen for most of the computers sold today (pcs). With that said, if it is in fact something that can be changed and you find a replacement, go for it!
Potentially, but that assumes that the GPU and/or its memory controller would be happy to handle bigger chips. It very well might. But it would be a pain if it didn't. And the connectors on these chips are tiny, you will have to be seriously good at soldering.
Registered: 11/15/07
Posts: 1797
Loc: Florida, USA
Thing is it is software controlled for the share memory. The BIOS/ROM is telling the GPU you can have this much memory. If you can find away to modify then you're good to go.
The only thing I can think of modify it is to make a dump of the BIOS/ROM then use a hex editor then reflash the system. Thing is if you mess up then you'll have a dead system.
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