Powerbook 15" Third Party RAM Crash

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smith.not.western@gmail.com - 24 Jan 2006 22:27 GMT

Hi, I've got a 1.67GHz 15" G4 powebook (PowerBook5,8), and have
replaced the 512MB samsung RAM with 2x1GB Simpletech RAM,
STA-PWBK533/1GB, and the system consistently freezes / crashes anywhere
from 20mins to 2 hours into operation.

The RAM is specced correctly for my powerbook type:
http://www.simpletech.com/upgNav/index.php?ProfileID=330&Manufacturer=Apple&Mach
ine=PowerBook&Model=60535

I've tested both chips individually (i.e. only 1 chip installed at a
time), and each ends up crashing the system. I've run memtest over both
chips without detecting any issues, same with Apples Diagnostic Tool on
the install DVD. I then got both chips replaced with the same type,
once again crashing ensured.

I've tried inserting the old RAM since testing the Simpletech memory,
and have had no problems.

Any ideas? Is crucial RAM any good for this model type? Anyone else had
any experience with Simpletech? Could this be related to Tiger? (Which
came preinstalled).

Cheers,

Mike

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John Johnson - 25 Jan 2006 02:09 GMT

> Hi, I've got a 1.67GHz 15" G4 powebook (PowerBook5,8), and have
> replaced the 512MB samsung RAM with 2x1GB Simpletech RAM,
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> I've tried inserting the old RAM since testing the Simpletech memory,
> and have had no problems.

If swapping out the RAM solves the problem, then I'd be inclined to take
the manufacturer up on their warrantee policy, provided they've got one.
RAM testing applications, AFAIK aren't entirely reliable at detecting
bad RAM, so I'd be a bit hesitant to take those results as gospel,
particularly if you're working with a machine fresh out of the box (i.e.
haven't messed with the system or done other things that might also
cause crashing).

Signature

Later,
John

johajohn@indianahoosiers.edu

'indiana' is a 'nolnn' and 'hoosier' is a 'solkk'. Indiana doesn't solkk.

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smith.not.western@gmail.com - 26 Jan 2006 00:41 GMT

> If swapping out the RAM solves the problem, then I'd be inclined to take
> the manufacturer up on their warrantee policy, provided they've got one.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> haven't messed with the system or done other things that might also
> cause crashing).

Yes I think I'll have to do that, as well as get a different brand of
RAM (the replacements also failed). If anyone else is having similar
problems, this might help identify if it is the same as mine: I can
start the machine up, start the RSS Feeds screensaver manually and
leave it running, plugged into the AC, and after almost exactly
40-45mins it will freeze. I can reproduce this every time with the new
RAM. I also turned the screen sleep time up from 20mins to 1.5 hours.

Cheers,

Mike

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Mac Forum / General / Portable Macs / January 2006

Powerbook 15" Third Party RAM Crash