Strange RAM problem

Question

Strange RAM problem

Today i recieved some RAM for my Mac Mini that I bought from Crucial.
I opened up the computer, removed the old RAM and put in the new 2GB of RAM (2x1GB) but when i tried to turn the computer back on i was getting flashing white lights.
I took out the new RAM and put in the old and it was fine again.
And then when i tried to put one 1GB stick in the top slot it booted up fine too, but when i put a 1GB stick in the bottom slot that is when i got a white light.

Basically:
The bottom slot causes the computer to flash white lights if there is a 1GB stick in there.
The 1GB sticks work in the top slot.
The 256MB sticks work in both slots completely fine
I know both 1GB sticks are completely fine and the bottom slot appears to be fine considering the 256MB sticks still work in it.

Is there any reason for this? I reset the PRAM and also pressed the small button on the motherboard and also pressed and holded the power button.

Does anyone know why this happens?

Thanks in advance 🙂
Jas

Mac Mini Core Duo 1.66GHz 512MB RAM 60GB HD, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Nov 25, 2008 10:20 AM

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Answer 1

AndyO

Level 6

17,064 points

Nov 25, 2008 10:33 AM in response to encryptedkernel

We've seen a small number of similar reports in the past - the problem has proven to be the RAM. It's not entirely clear why this happens, but given that macs in general, and minis in particular seem very fussy about RAM, it is perhaps not surprising that a conflict or incompatibility such as this could occur from time to time.

I would suggest you contact Crucial with a view to them swapping your memory for other modules. Explain the problem (they have likely come across this before) and given the warranty, there should be no problem with them sending you replacements.

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