External Cache Failure

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Steven Fisher - 21 Jul 2005 18:32 GMT

A few months ago, I had to reboot my first-generation Powerbook G4 to
Mac OS 9. It complained of a faulty cache, but I assumed this was
because of the way I got Mac OS 9 on there.

However, the other day I noticed in Apple System Profiler that the
power on test is failing due to "external cache." Does anyone know what
the effect of this is, and how much it costs to fix? I'm thinking it
probably isn't worth worrying about at this point (the screen is also
cracked, and the pram battery is dead), but I thought I'd ask.

Reply to this Message

matt neuburg - 21 Jul 2005 20:35 GMT

> A few months ago, I had to reboot my first-generation Powerbook G4 to
> Mac OS 9. It complained of a faulty cache, but I assumed this was
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> probably isn't worth worrying about at this point (the screen is also
> cracked, and the pram battery is dead), but I thought I'd ask.

I'm no expert but I think this is pretty important and liable to lead to
kernel panics (have you had any?). Basically what you need is a logic
board replacement. m.

Signature

matt neuburg, phd = matt@tidbits.com, http://www.tidbits.com/matt/
Tiger - http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/tiger-customizing.html
AppleScript - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0596005571
Read TidBITS! It's free and smart. http://www.tidbits.com

Reply to this Message

Steven Fisher - 21 Jul 2005 21:45 GMT

> I'm no expert but I think this is pretty important and liable to lead to
> kernel panics (have you had any?). Basically what you need is a logic
> board replacement. m.

No kernel panics at all, actually. I suppose this means that the
hardware or software is disabling the cache and I'm getting only a
speed hit.

Not a big deal for this system -- not big enough to justify trying to
find a logic board for it, especially considering the screen is already
cracked. The system probably has another couple years of life left in
it, which is all I need.

Thanks. :)

Reply to this Message

Mac Forum / General / Portable Macs / July 2005

External Cache Failure