4k Memory

I am trying to upgrade my 4k. It came with the standard 272mb. I need to know if it will take one 512mb of pc100 or pc133? Can I put two 512mb in it? What is the max it will take? Any suggestions on compatible memory stick brands? Thanks.

Yes PC100 or PC133, CL2 will work. And no, you can't use no more than 512 megs. That's all it will see anyway.

"dabmeister" is correct that it has to be either PC100/133 ram.

It MUST be installed in pairs of 256MB if the maximum ram capacity of 512MB is desired. The OS does not support one stick of 512MB to achieve max.

You CAN put two 512MB sticks but it will only read the max of 512MB and it's a waste of money.

Many MPC4K units, including mine, came shipped from the factory with Kingston's Valueram series Memory stick of 256MB(part# KVR100X64C2/256).
Which means it's valueram, 100mhz, Cas Latency2, 256 MB memory stick.

You can buy this EXACT memory stick DIRECTLY from shop.kingston.com for $54 each. OR you can buy it from AKAI's repair company "VSTservice" for $110 each. I'm sure you'll choose the manufacturer's price

If your unit shipped with A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER I would try to get the exact one or try the Kingston which is pretty good-it's not the best, but it does the job.

I ordered directly from Kingston and it was there the next day(I chose Fed Ex Priority Overnight-$12).

Make sure to fully load the MPC with samples up to and maxing out the 512 memory so that you can test and check for faults like single channel
audio from a stereo sample(hearing the sound from only one side) unnormal clipping, out of the ordinary pops, and overall strange behavior
like the unit not being able to boot up or if it oddly shuts down, OR if at boot up you only get a blank screen...

I hope it works out flawlessly!
Just trying to help,
MPC USER GUY

Thanks alot I have been to fry's twice and both times I was given the wrong memory. By the way I check my memory and it tells me that I have 272mb? Thats kind of odd any suggestions? I would hate have to go buy 2 sticks of 256mb. Thanks.

C-Rider! wrote:Thanks alot I have been to fry's twice and both times I was given the wrong memory. By the way I check my memory and it tells me that I have 272mb? Thats kind of odd any suggestions? I would hate have to go buy 2 sticks of 256mb. Thanks.

Then I would suggest to try the Kingston Ram, 1 stick not 2 since you will be getting the exact same memory stick! Unless, you are already experiencing problems; then in that case get two sticks. I would get 2 anyway since over time some memory sticks go bad. Better to have 2 new sparkling ram sticks.

As far as the mysterious "272MB" amount: it includes both the 256MB memory stick(removable) and the onboard 16MB ram(hardwired-non-removable).
If you take out all of the memory sicks and power up the MPC4K, go to Global, memory, top of the page and you will see the mysterious 16MB!

My Ram Removal/Install procedure:
Once you shut the power down and open the case(painfully simple), prop it open with a small rod or sturdy stick. The ram is in the upper right hand corner. First, touch the case to discharge yourself of any static electricity which CAN short out the ram(try to keep one arm touching the unit throughout the removal/installation process;or buy a grounding band). Press down on the two "+" posts simultaneously and out comes the memory stick!
Carefully slide the new ram stick down and push down evenly with both hands until a "click" is heard(sometimes you won't hear it). Just make sure it is seated properly and not "See-Saw-ing" where you press one end and the other end pops out!

Many memory errors come from poorly seated memory, believe it or not!

Shut the unit, don't screw it closed yet, turn the power on, go to global, memory, and see if the 512MB appears. It SHOULD.

Unless you are planning on any more upgrades, screw the unit closed.

I hope my own experience has helped you out in your endeavor to max out the memory on THE greatest hardware sampling/sequencer in the world today!
-My opinion.

I just want to help,
MPC USER GUY

C-Rider! wrote:Thanks alot I have been to fry's twice and both times I was given the wrong memory. By the way I check my memory and it tells me that I have 272mb? Thats kind of odd any suggestions? I would hate have to go buy 2 sticks of 256mb. Thanks.

why upgrade isnt 272 enough im jus wounderin cuz i got 128 on my mpc 1k and its too much haha , but its up to u dawg......

seatown350 wrote:

C-Rider! wrote:Thanks alot I have been to fry's twice and both times I was given the wrong memory. By the way I check my memory and it tells me that I have 272mb? Thats kind of odd any suggestions? I would hate have to go buy 2 sticks of 256mb. Thanks.

why upgrade isnt 272 enough im jus wounderin cuz i got 128 on my mpc 1k and its too much haha , but its up to u dawg......

Because you can play a Rhodes piano, multintruments like a grand pianos, horns, fender basss and strings besides just a drum kit it is a full sampler.

No comparsion of the 2 coming from an ex 1k user.

seatown350 wrote:

C-Rider! wrote:Thanks alot I have been to fry's twice and both times I was given the wrong memory. By the way I check my memory and it tells me that I have 272mb? Thats kind of odd any suggestions? I would hate have to go buy 2 sticks of 256mb. Thanks.

why upgrade isnt 272 enough im jus wounderin cuz i got 128 on my mpc 1k and its too much haha , but its up to u dawg......

Just because your needs are small doesn't mean others are...


Try loading up the 256M Grand Piano Program that comes with the 4k CD on your 1K and see how far that takes you...

It's all a matter of perspective. My Mac Plus with 512k RAM and a 10M harddrive used to be enough for me. Now it's not...

Cheers,

Dave

will the mpc 4k take one ram stick of 512mb

I don't see anything about not using one ram chip, I'll roll with the suggestions
of two chips just need to trya and match up the ram, money is a little tight lol..... right now to buy two new chips unless I can find a really good deal

Hello popa1; how are you today?

Well, as I mentioned in the first post on this page, the MPC4000 will not accept one 512MB stick to achieve maximum memory capacity. You must use two 256MB ram sticks. I recommend the still available Kingston Value Ram part# KVR100X64C2/256.

Each stick costs $54 each from shop kingston.com right here om this link:
http://shop.kingston.com/partsinfo.asp?ktcpartno=KVR100X64C2/256

I know you mention that money is tight, but it's the cheapest I've seen
for this model of kingston ram stick from Kingston themselves. Maybe you can find it cheaper somewhere else online.

I hope this information was helpful.
MPC USER GUY

MPC USER GUY wrote:Hello popa1; how are you today?

Well, as I mentioned in the first post on this page, the MPC4000 will not accept one 512MB stick to achieve maximum memory capacity. You must use two 256MB ram sticks. I recommend the still available Kingston Value Ram part# KVR100X64C2/256.

Each stick costs $54 each from shop kingston.com right here om this link:
http://shop.kingston.com/partsinfo.asp?ktcpartno=KVR100X64C2/256

I know you mention that money is tight, but it's the cheapest I've seen
for this model of kingston ram stick from Kingston themselves. Maybe you can find it cheaper somewhere else online.

I hope this information was helpful.
MPC USER GUY

Heed these words of wisdom.

Thank You.

MPC USER GUY

thank you for your response, sometime we read things don't really take it all in,

Just to chime it - I bought my RAM here and they guarantee it:

http://www.memoryx.net/akmpme.html