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Dysartnc

Q: Powerbook G4 unable to read both RAM slots

I have a PowerBook G4, with 1Gb memory in each slot. System Profiler used to read that I had 2GB of Memory, and now will only show that I have 1GB. When I only use one slot at a time with either slick, the slots work fine. However when I try to use both at same time, it only reads one. I have tried switching around the sticks and either one works fine independently.
On a side note, I have recently upgraded my HD from 80GB to 250GB, Due to a S.M.A.R.T. failure. I did not check the memory right before the upgrade and not sure if one has anything to do with the other.

Thanks for your help! Please don't tell me it's the logic board, I'm hoping not to hear that.

Power Book G4, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 250GB HD/2GB RAM

Posted on Oct 29, 2010 9:42 AM

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Q: Powerbook G4 unable to read both RAM slots

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  • by BGreg,Helpful

    BGreg BGreg Oct 29, 2010 6:19 PM in response to Dysartnc
    Level 6 (17,522 points)
    Oct 29, 2010 6:19 PM in response to Dysartnc
    Welcome to the Apple discussions.

    Powerbooks have had issues with the lower slot not working, however, it sounds like if you use 1GB in either slot it works, it's just if you use both at once it doesn't work. And both 1GB cards work in either slot, just not together. This isn't a typical problem, however, it's likely a logic board issue, based on what you've described.

    Have you run the Apple hardware test? Find the original OS X gray-faced disks that came with the system, put the one in that says 'AHT Version x.x' on the label in small print, and reboot holding the alt/option key down. Choose the Apple hardware test and choose the extended test when prompted. With both memory slots loaded, does it give you any hardware error messages?

    Another option is to use this program to test the memory circuit: http://www.kelleycomputing.net/rember/

    So, solution? Cheapest solution is to live with 1GB. Next cheapest would be to contact the local Apple store and see if your system is eligible for repair by the Apple Depot. If the case isn't banged up, they will put it into like new condition for around $350. If the case is banged up, the price goes into the mid-$600's. They'll replace anything required to make the system almost new. Or you can replace the logic board with a used board from any number of online sources.
  • by Tommy Hoyer,

    Tommy Hoyer Tommy Hoyer Nov 15, 2010 4:08 PM in response to Dysartnc
    Level 2 (380 points)
    Nov 15, 2010 4:08 PM in response to Dysartnc
    There are some interesting sites worth reading on the issue.
    Just Google ' powerbook lower ram slot '