Kernel Panic and Random Crashes 8GB Memory w/1333 mhz and 9400M

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Level 1

15 points

Kernel Panic and Random Crashes 8GB Memory w/1333 mhz and 9400M

okay. I need some help. This is driving me crazy. I have a 2009 unibody 17 Macbook pro. Installed 8GB DDR3/1333 MHZ memory from Centon.

Here is what i did:
1) 8 GB installed. Mac will show 1333 MHZ running 9400M. Results: Constant crashes in apps. But the worst problem is the kernel panics. THIS CONFIG DOESN'T WORK.
2) 2 GB 1067 mhz Apple memory module and 4 GB 1333 mHZ for a total 6GB installed running 9400M. Mac runs memory at 1067. No lockups and no Kernel Panics. This CONFIG WORKS.
3) 8 GB installed. Mac will show 1333 MHZ running *_9600M GT*_. Results: No Kernal panics or apps crashing. THIS CONFIG WORK.

So it seems that when you using the 9400M the maximum memory configuration is 6GB. When using the 9600M GT, the maximum memory configuration is 8GB. My test have ruled out that 1333 mhz is the issue or that the RAM chips are bad so there is something not right about how the 9400M allocates memory.

BTW, when i installed the RAM chips i did a PRAM reset just to clear things.

Any clues or similar experiences.

17 inch 2.8 4 GB MacBookPro5,2 32 bit mode, Mac OS X (10.6.2), 160GB Intel SSD and 8GB 1333 mhz w/8600m GT

Posted on Nov 17, 2009 4:40 PM

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Answer 1

eww

Level 9

53,028 points

Nov 17, 2009 5:00 PM in response to DLBDC

You don't say how you "ruled out" the possibility that your out-of-spec RAM has anything to do with the 9400M (which needs to use some of that RAM) not working for you with 8GB installed. Absent any convincing explanation of that claim, I assume the wrong-speed RAM is problematic for the 9400M. Centon is not a RAM brand that we ever hear anything good about in these forums, and if the vendor you bought it from doesn't explicitly guarantee it will function properly in your MBP (as opposed to Windoze notebooks), I wouldn't expect it to do so.

If I were you, I'd return the Centon RAM for a refund and buy two 4GB 1066MHz modules from a Mac-savvy vendor who guarantees they'll work properly in Macs.

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Answer 2

DLBDC Author

Level 1

15 points

Nov 17, 2009 5:21 PM in response to eww

The question is why does the 8GB run at 1333mhz without kernel panics and crashes when using the PCI video card (9600m GT). In this configuration, the 9400M took it's chunk of memory but it is not using any of it because the video card is not being used. I bought the memory from Microcenter. The memory must be 1067 and 1333 mhz compatible. On the package it says DDR3 8 GB 1066 memory RA1066SO4096K2, compatible with Macbook Pro and iMac. On the package is says nothing about 1333 mhz. On a good note it cost $450.
Interesting.

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Answer 3

eww

Level 9

53,028 points

Nov 17, 2009 6:01 PM in response to DLBDC

Interesting indeed, but I'll stand by the advice I offered in the second paragraph of my post above.

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Answer 4

Rod Hagen

Level 7

32,000 points

Nov 17, 2009 8:27 PM in response to DLBDC

I must say that I've seen quite a few reports of 1333 mhz RAM not working on the current MBP's and precious few of people using it without problems.

Given that the bus itself is meant to be only 1067 it seems bizarre that you are seeing it at 1333 without issues . It would make much more probable sense if it was shown as throttled back to 1067 in case 3)!

Is it possible that the two cards are actually "different". Does case 2) work with either of the new ones as part of the equation?

Assuming you haven't been using NVidia tools to tweak things a bit along the way I wonder whether the RAM is really running at 1333 or simply reporting that it is RAM capable of that speed?

Sounds like the sort of issue that you might find people most interested in (and able to help with) over at OC forums or http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/

Cheers

Rod

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Answer 5

DLBDC Author

Level 1

15 points

Nov 18, 2009 1:53 PM in response to Rod Hagen

The video are cards are definitely different. Case #2 works whether i use the on-board video or the the 9600m GT. The package doesn't mention anything about running at 1333 mhz. No NVIDIA tools tweaks. Everything is default except memory and the SSD i replaced the 5400 with. I don't like using the better video card, the 9600m GT, because that baby gets too hot for the mac and the cooling is not sufficient. I will probably buy the Apple memory which cost double, but at least i'm assured of compatibility.

I wonder if there is an option to force the memory to run at 1067 mhz?

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Answer 6

Rod Hagen

Level 7

32,000 points

Nov 18, 2009 2:50 PM in response to DLBDC

If you are thinking of replacing the RAM I'd have a look at Corsair MacRAM, DLBDC. Doing a fine job in my own MBP 13 and cheaper than the Apple offering.

As I understand it the "throttling" process for RAM speed depends on the chip itself.

Cheers

Rod

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