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Level 1

50 points

Mac mini (2010) won't accept documented memory amount (8GB)

My Mac mini (mid 2010) came with 2GB of RAM installed, each being 1GB. I upgraded awhile back to 8GB, (two 4GB DDR3 SODIMs) and my Mac worked, but heated up quickly, so I went back to the original 2GB of RAM and exchanged my purchased 8GB. I just got my new 8GB before posting this, and while my Mac works with one of them, (either one, but not at the same time) and even one of the 4GB sticks and one of the 1GB sticks my Mac came with, it will not boot when the total RAM is 8GB. Instead, I get the beeping tone corresponding with the power light that says, "something's wrong, I can't boot" in Mac language.

My first pair of 4GB sticks of RAM was determined to be a manufacturing error, so what is the deal with this new RAM? I am currently using 5GB total, one of the 4GB sticks and the other a 1GB stick. I would like full use of my memory, especially since Apple claims the model of Mac I have can run with 8GB and I have done it before with the same exact RAM I am using now. Any suggestions?

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.3), Mac mini 2010 with OS X Lion

Posted on May 18, 2012 8:20 PM

Best reply

BDAqua

Level 10

239,393 points

Posted on May 18, 2012 8:49 PM

Hi, is it good Mac compatible RAM? Who from? What numbers are on them?

Can you count the beeps or flashes?

1 beep = no RAM installed

2 beeps = incompatible RAM types

3 beeps = no good banks

4 beeps = no good boot images in the boot ROM (and/or bad sys config block)

5 beeps = processor is not usable

In addition to the beeps, on some computers the power LED will flash a corresponding number of times plus one. The LED will repeat the sequence after approximately a 5-second pause. The tones are only played once.

Note: In this case, a flash is considered to be 1/4 second or 250 ms or greater in length.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1547

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17 replies

jchadel

Level 1

8 points

Dec 12, 2012 10:38 AM in response to woodmeister50

WoodMeister,

I could really use your help.

I read your post prior to purchasing new modules for my mini mid2010

bought a nice pair of Corsair 204-pin ddr3 1066-CL7, memory description says CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7, and they came on a MacMemory blister.

thing is, whenever I put the 8 gigs I get on an endless loop of "you need to restart your computer..."

I went back to the two samsung 1gb modules and the computer works fine, boots nicely and such, but its kinda slow considering the 8gb option. I could try 5gb as mentioned on prior posts, but I'd rather have it working with the correct pair.

I was able to boot it right after installing the first time, but cant do it anymore.

and the mini gets freakishly hot with the 8 gigs.

I'm kinda new to mac computers, so, any help would be appreciated

Nov 8, 2014 10:08 AM in response to woodmeister50

Thanks Woodmeister50! I haven't been able to get the PC3-8500 memory yet, but you solved the problem...I hope.

Mac mini (2010) won't accept documented memory amount (8GB)