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New RAM in MacBook - Need help!

  • 26-06-2008 8:37am
    #1
    Mizu_Ger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,561 ✭✭✭


    I bought 2x 1Gb of Ram for my MacBook (1st generation model, came with 2x 512mb installed). I got this RAM: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/471498-REG/Crucial_Technology_CT2KIT12864AC667_2GB_2x1GB_PC2_5300_Non_ECC.html

    I put the RAM in and it started up okay, but the system only recognised 1Gb of memory, so I checked that the RAM was seated correctly and started the Mac up again, but nothing happened. The white light on the front just pulsed slowly. I then put the old Ram back in and everything was okay. I tried the new Ram again and same thing happened (ie. wouldn't start up). This time when I put the old ram back in it still wouldn't start. I checked that the HDD and (old) Ram were both secure and it started fine.

    I suspect that the HDD might not have been secured properly with the new ram in, but I don't want to go opening the mac up again in case I mess up the whole system. Do you think the new ram is just dead? Is this ram compatible with the MacBook?


Comments

  • #2
    Mizu_Ger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,561 ✭✭✭Mizu_Ger


    Forgot to mention, but I searched around the net and it seems that you have to practically hammer the ram into the macbook. Pushing the sticks in until your fingers hurt! Is this right?

    The L-bracket bulges between the screws. Is this a problem?

    Thanks


  • #3
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,693 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    Mizu_Ger wrote: »
    Forgot to mention, but I searched around the net and it seems that you have to practically hammer the ram into the macbook. Pushing the sticks in until your fingers hurt! Is this right?
    Yeah, you should hear a click sound. A lot of people don't push it in hard enough first time which can result in the RAM not being detected or the mac not starting up as you described. Loose RAM can also cause kernel panics and freezes in my experience.

    The RAM should be compatible, although it's possible you've got a bad module. It did detect 1GB at one point, right? So at least one of them seems to be working. Try one at a time to find out if one has a problem. But you should probably try re-seating them both one more time.


  • #4
    ZENER
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,163 ✭✭✭ZENER


    If you go to Crucial.com and search for the RAM for your system it comes back with different components to the ones you bought. I know PPC macs were VERY fussy about RAM and that Intel ones are slightly less so. But it's always a good idea to use the RAM configuration tools that most memory resellers provide to ensure you get the most compatible components.

    When installing the RAM modules they should be pushed firmly home but not too firmly where you're straining something. When they are seated correctly then you should be able to cleanly push them down to secure them. You should hear a clean click and the modules should be straight.

    This video does a good job of explaining the process.

    ZEN


  • #5
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,693 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    ZENER wrote: »
    If you go to Crucial.com and search for the RAM for your system it comes back with different components to the ones you bought.
    Are you sure, ZEN? I assume the OP has a 1.83GHz CD and using Crucial's memory finding tool the recommended RAM is DDR2 PC2-5300 which is the same as what he linked to.


  • #6
    Mizu_Ger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,561 ✭✭✭Mizu_Ger


    I tried again last night and it worked. It requires a fair bit of pressure to push them in the whole way (more than you'd think is necessary), but I did feel them click into place. The MacBook started up fine and both modules are recognised now.
    Are you sure, ZEN? I assume the OP has a 1.83GHz CD and using Crucial's memory finding tool the recommended RAM is DDR2 PC2-5300 which is the same as what he linked to.

    I have the 2Ghz CoreDuo version. The RAM it came with was PC5300 and the new ones I got (as far as I can tell) meet all the criteria that Apple has in it's method for replacing ram.


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  • #7
    ZENER
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,163 ✭✭✭ZENER


    Based on my own experiences just because a module SAYS it meets the criteria doesn't mean it will in practice. For example my PowerMac Dual G5 is a fussy b*stard when it comes to RAM (as was a G4 733 PowerMac before it). It requires PC3200 DDR modules but not just any modules meeting these specs will work. I've tried several different types before finding ones that work 100% without KPs. It always paid to use a configurator when sourcing RAM.

    As I said above the Intel macs seem less fussy but I'd still exercise caution and buy certified modules to ensure good compatibility. The prices don't vary much from "standard" PC memory, it's just the peace of mind knowing that what you've bought is certified compatible.

    ZEN


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