Mac Happens

How to Add Memory, Replace the Hard Drive, and Use a Second Display with Your eMac

Evan Kleiman - 2005.02.01

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The eMac has been one of the most affordable Macs in history. While the Mac mini is considerably cheaper, those who don't have a spare USB mouse and keyboard and monitor sitting around can end up with quite a costly computer.

For those of us who still want an all-in-one Mac or already have an eMac they don't quite yet want to part with, this little white wonder is perfect.

While they are both equally hard to open, the eMac can be upgraded for less than the Mac mini, which uses 2.5" laptop hard drives as opposed to the more common 3.5" hard drives.

The question remains: How can one upgrade the eMac?

Memory

Always the easiest way to make any Mac faster and more capable is by adding memory. The current eMac only comes with a measly 256 MB of PC2700 333 MHz DDR SDRAM. This is enough to run a few applications at a time without a problem or slowdown.

I recommend at least 512 MB, and adding anything over another 512 MB will further improve the experience. 768 MB or even more will improve startup time, application launching, and overall speed.

The eMac Installing memory is very easy. All you need to do is unscrew the user access door at the bottom of the computer and insert the stick of RAM. (I'd provide pictures of my recent memory upgrade had I not recently dropped my Canon SD10.)

There are only two slots for memory in the eMac, and the stock 256 MB module occupies one. Two 512 MB sticks used place to achieve one gig. The stock stick can still get some pretty good money on eBay if you remove it.

Current memory prices, according to ramseeker, are US$34-55 for 256 MB, US$66-99 for 512 MB, and US$132-235 for 1 GB modules (the current eMac supports 1 GB modules; earlier eMacs only support 512 MB and smaller modules).

Hard Drive

Depending on the model you bought, your eMac has either a 40 GB or 80 GB 5400 rpm hard drive. Most people who do any sort of movie editing or have large music collections need more than this.

Most hard drives on the market today spin at 7200 rpm and have an 8 MB cache. A drive such as this inside your computer can significantly increase performance

Installing a hard drive in an eMac isn't easy. Dan Knight has talked about taking pictures of the hard drive install in his second eMac. If I ever get around to getting my camera fixed and finally installing my (currently external) 250 GB drive in the eMac, I'll take pictures.

In the meantime, the Apple Take Apart guide for first generation eMacs and for second and third generation eMacs are very helpful.

Current prices are about 50 cents per gigabyte, if you can find a decent deal. And, of course, the bigger the drive the better.

Dual Monitors

Dual monitors on an eMac? Is this possible? Yes! Using a common Apple VGA display adapter, which can be had for under US$10 on eBay or $19 from The Apple Store - be sure to pick the right one for your model - and the Screen Spanning Doctor you can stretch your screen to the VGA monitor of your choice (second- and third-generation eMacs only - not compatible with original eMac).

The adapter plugs into the port used for screen mirroring on the eMac, but with this invaluable - and free - little program, you can use a second monitors with screen spanning on the eMac.

In the end, it's important to remember that there's a certain aspect of danger when performing do-it-yourself upgrades. Always remember to take care, especially when working around the CRT inside the computer. It's important to keep yourself and your computer safe.

As far as more information goes, the Apple eMac Upgrade Guide is a great resource for information and pictures showing how to upgrade your eMac. Now get out there and make the most of your low-end Mac.

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Recent Mac Happens articles

The iPod shuffle is overpriced and underfeatured, 2005.02.18. Small, stylish, and popular, the iPod shuffle isn't worth the price of admission.
Four kinds of iPods, six storage capacities: Which is best for you?, 2005.02.11. Choosing between the iPod, iPod mini, iPod photo, and iPod shuffle made easier.
How to add memory, replace the hard drive, and use a second display with your eMac, 2005.02.01. Three low-cost ways to upgrade your eMac for better performance and greater flexibility.
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