Q: Macbook Pro Three Beeps on Startup even after RAM replaced
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Feb 27, 2012 7:22 PMby jgelements,HelpfulThree beeps indicates a failure with the memory bank, not the memory module. However, you said:
". . . So I attempted to boot from my own Snow Leopard DVD, then I started getting three beep errors."
Discs are not interchangable as they are computer (and driver) specific. You should use the discs that came specifically for that computer. Retail DVDs don't always work depending on what OS build came on the computer originally.
In any case, reset SMC and PRAM, but if the issue persists with or without the 10.6 or system DVDs, the computer will need a repair.
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Feb 27, 2012 8:56 PMby alexadrastea,Thanks. PRAM and SMC have been reset, no change. (as far as I know with the SMC - how does one tell that the reset was successful?)
I'm leaning towards thinking it is something to do with trying to use a retail DVD, as the machine made it through to the password screen *before* I attempted erase-and-install.
Wondering if attempting to run memtest might be of value. I think I can install it via the other machine, using target mode. And then start up holding the shift key..... should I try?
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Feb 27, 2012 10:12 PMby alexadrastea,OK I get 3 beeps when attempting to start up in single user mode also, so Memtest is out! :/
Am attempting to track down the original CD but might not be possible..... I can't believe the discs are now machine specific, there must be a lot of cases of people losing the original disc, what happens then?
Thanks,
A.
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Feb 27, 2012 10:28 PMby X423424X,Bought new ram, put it in, reseated it a bunch of times, still three beeps every time.
Three beeps means "no good banks".
Power On Self-Test Beep Definition - Part 2So that begs the question, where did you get that ram?
I suggest you look at OWC's page for your model macbook pro and compare the specs of what you have and what they say. I suspect you don't have the proper dimms for your model. That certainly appears what POST is saying about it.
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Feb 27, 2012 10:35 PMby alexadrastea,I got it from an ebay seller with 100% positive feedback and everyone else was happy with their RAM!
Other threads / responses lead me to believe that three beeps may sometimes be attributable to other issues - such as the previous reponse above.
I guess the next step would be to seek out some "known good" ram......
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Feb 27, 2012 11:03 PMby X423424X,POST is complaining about the memory banks, I believe all of them. I don't think it distinguishes between the dimm slots or the dimms in them. So there is the possibility the dimms could still be good, which would be bad news because then it's a more serious hardware problem.
Did this machine have ram before your replaced it? Could you put the old ram back in?
And buying ram like you did IMO is not a good idea no matter how many positive comments. Ram from reputable dealers usually have lifetime warrantees. Does yours when you buy on eBay?
I don't believe disks with the wrong OS on them are going to cause beeps. If the disk is not bootable, and no other bootable drive can be found, you would only end up with a blinking question mark.
