PowerBook G4 Memory not showing up?????

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Level 1

39 points

PowerBook G4 Memory not showing up?????

Okay so the past few days since christmas we have tried 2 RAM(s) of specification for PowerBook G4

One was a Samsung PC2700, 1GB, 266MHz DDR The other a TRUMP PC2100 333MHz DDR BOTH CL 2.5 and SO-DIMM.

Both RAMS just don't show up in the PowerBook, it still says 256 Built-In. This is becoming an issue I have called the seller(s) and they have tested both to see that they work, it's just the Powerbook not seeing them.

Any solutions? I tried resetting the P-RAM a few times, I really need to upgrade this machine so I may install the 10.5.6 Leopard retail disk I have. also so I can update my iPod touch to iOS 4.2.1.

PLEASE PLEASE HELP. (feel free to email me as well)

PowerBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.11), iPod Touch 2G (iOS 4.1)

Posted on Dec 30, 2010 10:45 AM

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Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Dec 30, 2010 10:57 AM in response to Ikuto

Put the Samsung memory in, download rember from http://www.kelleycomputing.net/rember/ and run the memory test to see what it tells you. You should also run the Apple hardware test, which is on your original OS X Disks that came with your system.

Powerbooks are sensitive to the quality of RAM used, some more than others. Samsung is one of the brands that typically works OK, in addition to Crucial and Kingston (not the Kingston value ram line, though). However, assuming both meet your system specs, which are at http://support.apple.com/specs/#powerbook , that would imply a hardware problem with the memory slot itself. Run Rember and the Apple hardware test (or either of the TechTool programs can do similar testing) and post back with the results.

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Answer 2

Ikuto Author

Level 1

39 points

Dec 30, 2010 11:01 AM in response to BGreg

I don't have Apple Hardware Test...unfortunately...I searched apple for the .dmg but they didn't have one for me....But rember should help me? Umm can you email me? I'm going to reinstall the samsung ram and email you from my iPod touch, brb Thank you~!

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Answer 3

Ikuto Author

Level 1

39 points

Dec 30, 2010 11:24 AM in response to BGreg

Am I supposed to remove any labels off of the RAM? the slot still read as empty, I ran Rember on the 256MB available and it passed at 296 seconds. all tests clear, I ran on the empty slot, its still going

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Answer 4

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Dec 30, 2010 11:43 AM in response to Ikuto

For your 1Ghz system, see if the AHT image here works: http://www.info.apple.com/support/aht.html

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Answer 5

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Dec 30, 2010 11:48 AM in response to Ikuto

No, you don't need to remove any label off the RAM. Just ensure it's inserted correctly and snaps and locks into the socket. There should be no movement of the RAM when installed.

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Answer 6

Ikuto Author

Level 1

39 points

Dec 30, 2010 11:51 AM in response to BGreg

Yep everything is up fine, and when I ran that hardware test it told me it isn't compatible with my system then it reboot into OS X again... 😟

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Answer 7

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Dec 30, 2010 12:00 PM in response to Ikuto

when I ran that hardware test it told me it isn't compatible with my system then it reboot into OS X again... 😟

It was worth a try. Right around the 1GHz systems is when Apple went to a new AHT that they shipped on the original OS X disk that shipped with each system. Do you still have those?

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Answer 8

Ikuto Author

Level 1

39 points

Dec 30, 2010 12:06 PM in response to BGreg

Nope....my Dad bought this comp with iLife 05 installed and no disks, Since then I've updated it personally since my iPod touch 2G ^_^ Aw well...I guess this means a new Mac then? Or a new PowerBook with all ram maxed? I have leopard here just can't use it with the current memory...

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Answer 9

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Dec 30, 2010 1:09 PM in response to Ikuto

Unless rember provides any guidance, the indicators are that the slot is dead. You can either replace the logic board with a used board, or get another system. If you use your system to go online at all, I'd recommend another system. Frankly, 1Ghz, and all Powerbooks for that matter, really aren't up to handling streaming video's that are available today ... video and sound get out of sync or stutter.

Depending on your needs, a new Macbook with educational discount is ~$950, maybe less if you consider a refurbished one. And of course there are models that go above that. If you don't need something portable, the mac mini at ~$650 might work too.

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Answer 10

Ikuto Author

Level 1

39 points

Dec 30, 2010 1:13 PM in response to BGreg

Thanks so much! 🙂 I was considering MacBook Pro as I'm going to college soon my dad wants an iMac lulz, Umm a educational discount is it on all macs? And you are right I use the PowerBook for everything...xD I notice it doesn't play .m4v properly as my iPod touch can lol I guess I'll get iOS 4.2.1 on the windows xP and be a PC at least until a new Mac, I'm awaiting OS X Lion till then lol

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Answer 11

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Dec 30, 2010 1:26 PM in response to Ikuto

You can go to the Apple online store, click on the education store on the left upper side of the screen, and you'll see the education prices ... applies to most mac products. Don't think there's an iPad education price yet. But certainly for MacBook Pro and iMacs there are educational prices. You can get those prices at an Apple store or order directly from Apple. A few more options if you want to customize or preload software if it's a build-to-order system.

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