Angel_V

Q: Working fine iMac 27 Mid 2011 with 4MEM error code

Hi, I have an iMac 27-inch, Mid 2011 with 4 GB original installed (Elpida so-dimms) so I had upgrade it with 4 new 4GB Kingston (value ram) KVR1333 PC3-10600 1333 Mhz DDR3  so-dimms for a total of 16 GB, after that my iMac works fine for three years with daily use with any issue and everything looks normal in "About this Mac" and in the "Memory tab" no software issues no kernel panic, anything with strange behavior, up to now three years after memory upgrading, I run AHT because other reason (I can't get airdrop work with a newer MBP Mid 2012 both with El Capitan OS X) and it shows me an 4MEM/64/40000000: 0x8893cb98 error code, I had reset NVRAM and SMC and same AHT result, So I run MemTest86 from a bootable CD V6.3.0 (full test up to end, 23 hours elapsed time) and V4.3.7 showing no errors in both tests, too I had run mdsched.exe windows RAM Sticks Memory Checker (I have Windows 7 64bits Home Premium installed in bootcamp) and no error ram detected.

 

Then should I care of that error? should I change my Ram modules?

 

Thanks in advance

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5), (27-inch Mid 2011)

Posted on Jul 14, 2016 9:48 PM

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Q: Working fine iMac 27 Mid 2011 with 4MEM error code

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  • by theratter,

    theratter theratter Jul 14, 2016 10:10 PM in response to Angel_V
    Level 4 (3,907 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 14, 2016 10:10 PM in response to Angel_V

    You have a defective memory module or slot. That is what the error usually means. Make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service. If needed find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple.

  • by rkaufmann87,Solvedanswer

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 22, 2016 8:14 PM in response to Angel_V
    Level 9 (58,436 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 22, 2016 8:14 PM in response to Angel_V

    iMacs are sensitive to using quality RAM. The Kingston value RAM has a long history of causing problems and I would recommend returning it for a refund. Then purchase quality RAM from either Crucial (buy direct) or OWC at www.macsales.com. Both vendors provide high quality products at reasonable prices. You will find that most experienced users on this forum tend to agree with this idea.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 15, 2016 2:25 PM in response to Angel_V
    Level 7 (32,009 points)
    iPad
    Jul 15, 2016 2:25 PM in response to Angel_V

    The RAM part number you mentioned indicates Kingston Value RAM which is usually the culprit. Macs are finicky about the quality of RAM and value RAM is usually not up to par. That would be my guess unless your memory slot has developed a problem.

     

    Return it for a refund and buy from either OWC (macsales.com) or Crucial.

  • by Angel_V,

    Angel_V Angel_V Jul 18, 2016 1:27 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 18, 2016 1:27 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    Hi, I had ordered new RAM modules from Crucial, I will receive it soon and install them on my system, I will update with the results.

    Unfortunately there is no Apple Genius Bar in my country and memory lifetime warranty is not applicable here in Mexico.

     

    Thanks a lot for your replies.

     

    Greetings from Mexico

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 18, 2016 1:32 PM in response to Angel_V
    Level 9 (58,436 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 18, 2016 1:32 PM in response to Angel_V

    Angel_V wrote:

     

    Hi, I had ordered new RAM modules from Crucial, I will receive it soon and install them on my system, I will update with the results.

    Unfortunately there is no Apple Genius Bar in my country and memory lifetime warranty is not applicable here in Mexico.

     

    Thanks a lot for your replies.

     

    Greetings from Mexico

    Once you have installed the new RAM please let us know if this solved your problem.

     

    Best of luck!

  • by mattwithcats,Helpful

    mattwithcats mattwithcats Jul 22, 2016 8:14 PM in response to Angel_V
    Level 1 (45 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 22, 2016 8:14 PM in response to Angel_V

    The Mid 2011iMacs were originally thought to have a max of 16 gigs memory,

    but 32 has been tested and works. (4 X 8 gig memory sticks)

     

    I have used Data Memory Systems for over a decade, good prices, good service.

     

    http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-imac-intel-core-i5-quad-core-2-7ghz-27-mc 813ll/a-mid-2011-memory-upgrades/

  • by Angel_V,

    Angel_V Angel_V Jul 20, 2016 9:46 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 20, 2016 9:46 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    Well my new memory from Crucial is here and I had installed it, run AHT extended testing and surprise! no 4MEM error code and get No trouble found message.

     

    IMG_9390.jpg

    IMG_9405.jpg

    Wondering if AHT is 100% reliable, in my MBP mid 2012 it says I have a i7 processor when actually it has an i5 2.5 Ghz dual core.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 20, 2016 10:38 PM in response to Angel_V
    Level 7 (32,009 points)
    iPad
    Jul 20, 2016 10:38 PM in response to Angel_V

    I have no opinion of why it wouldn't show the correct processor, but you can be sure that no consumer test will be as good or reliable as the testing equipment Apple or AASPs have.

  • by Angel_V,

    Angel_V Angel_V Jul 20, 2016 10:59 PM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 20, 2016 10:59 PM in response to babowa

    may be my MBP really has an i7 processor but Apple sold it like an stock i5

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 20, 2016 11:03 PM in response to Angel_V
    Level 7 (32,009 points)
    iPad
    Jul 20, 2016 11:03 PM in response to Angel_V

    That makes sense; by the way, great to hear that the Crucial RAM is working.

  • by Angel_V,

    Angel_V Angel_V Jul 22, 2016 8:23 PM in response to mattwithcats
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 22, 2016 8:23 PM in response to mattwithcats

    I know that, but for now only ordered a pair of 8 GBs sticks from Crucial, may be in the future will get another pair for the 32 GBs ram I think is excessive form me at this moment.

     

    One thing I have notice with my new ram is that startup time with El Capitan is faster than in the past.