MacSingh

Q: Three beeps, graphic corruption and freeze

My MacBook Pro (9,2) is now over 3 years old. Still going strong. Yosemite. Past the AppleCare protection expiry date.

 

However, a hardware problem has cropped up, accelerated after a fresh reinstall of Yosemite (was slow as molasses before that).

 

Whenever I put even the slightest pressure (it is actually worse now) on the bottom of the MacBook, it shows graphic corruption (purple discoloured horizontal lines in 3 to 4 vertical stacks) and then the whole system needs to be rebooted.

 

Of late, I have even started seeing behaviour where the system refuses to boot, but beeps thrice.

 

Googling for a solution leads one to think that a badly seated RAM is the issue. So, I opened up the MacBook Pro. Found a lot of accumulated dust inside. Cleaned it.

 

Then removed the RAM chips one by one, and reseated them carefully. They did not look loose in any way.

 

The system problems continued.

 

What else could be wrong? A local computer repair shop says it could be a cracked / damaged motherboard. If that is the case, I am junking this. Another possibility is bad RAM (or rather, RAM that has gone bad). Could mimic the symptoms above, couldn't it?

 

Should I try replacing the RAM?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Sep 30, 2016 9:16 AM

Close

Q: Three beeps, graphic corruption and freeze

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by JimmyCMPIT,

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT Sep 30, 2016 9:19 AM in response to MacSingh
    Level 6 (8,390 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 30, 2016 9:19 AM in response to MacSingh

    three beeps at boot indicates a RAM issue, it could also be indicating this after boot so if you can replace the RAM start there.

  • by leroydouglas,

    leroydouglas leroydouglas Sep 30, 2016 9:26 AM in response to MacSingh
    Level 7 (24,036 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 30, 2016 9:26 AM in response to MacSingh

    Hmmm.

     

    Typically you would think bad RAM, try installing just  one stick only, and test.Then test the other stick of RAM. Swap banks and Test.

    What you are trying to discern is it a bad stick of RAM, or a bad bank.

     

    Whenever I put even the slightest pressure (it is actually worse now) on the bottom of the MacBook, it shows graphic corruption (purple discoloured horizontal lines in 3 to 4 vertical stacks) and then the whole system needs to be rebooted.

    You can throw money at new RAM, however In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test

    Genius reservation http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

     

    on-line https://getsupport.apple.com/GetproductgroupList.action

     

    check warranty https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

  • by tynegal,

    tynegal tynegal Sep 30, 2016 10:05 AM in response to MacSingh
    Level 1 (43 points)
    Sep 30, 2016 10:05 AM in response to MacSingh

    While three beeps is indicative of RAM problems, you should look at this regarding the graphics (video) issues.  There is a repair extension programme which may cover you.

    https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

  • by leroydouglas,

    leroydouglas leroydouglas Sep 30, 2016 10:12 AM in response to MacSingh
    Level 7 (24,036 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 30, 2016 10:12 AM in response to MacSingh

    MacSingh wrote:

     

    My MacBook Pro (9,2)

     

    MacBook Pro (9,2) —This is a 13" mid 2012.

     

     

    The extension program only covers:

    Products affected

    • 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models manufactured in 2011
    • 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina models manufactured from Mid 2012 to Early 2013

     

     

    I would encourage you take in, to make an informed decision.

     

    When you take in for your free assessment you can ask specifically for VST (Video Systems Test)

  • by MacSingh,

    MacSingh MacSingh Oct 11, 2016 9:55 AM in response to leroydouglas
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 11, 2016 9:55 AM in response to leroydouglas

    Well, I am currently in a country without Genius Bars. I handed over the system to a guy who took it into the Apple service center.

     

    They got back to me a few days ago and told me that the motherboard needs replacing. I got the machine back since without the repairs done because I have doubts about that assessment. I have a hunch that they are just saying this as a cover up for their own unwillingness or incapability to actually research the issue.

     

    I am currently planning on getting two sticks of RAM, and replacing those myself to see if the problem persists after replacement before I sink the $300 odd into a motherboard replacement.

     

    What do you guys think?