IMac display black when memory added

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Level 1

4 points

IMac display black when memory added

My iMac had two 1gig sticks of memory. When Lion installed, I needed 4 gigs.

When I put one 2 gig stick in (meaning I have 3 gigs total now), display works fine. When I add the second 2 gig stick and turn iMac on, computer is on, but display is black. I have interchanged the new memory sticks by themselves in the imac to make sure they are both fine, which they are.

Soooooo......when I have either one of the new 2 gig sticks in (either memory stick--they both work properly), the display works, but when both 2 gig sticks are in, the display is black.

My model (late 2007) indicates computer will take 4 gigs total.

Please help!!!

Posted on Jun 20, 2012 11:37 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 20, 2012 11:40 AM in response to jberry

This often indicates that the RAM is incorrect spec. Your iMac requires PC2-5300, 667mHz RAM.

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Answer 2

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 20, 2012 11:43 AM in response to jberry

Try resetting the SMC and pram/nvram

To reset the SMC

Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.

To reset the pram/nvram

Shut down the computer.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.

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Answer 3

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 20, 2012 11:44 AM in response to stedman1

Could that be the case considering that both sticks work by themselves?

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Answer 4

jberry Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 20, 2012 11:45 AM in response to jberry

One more item to note for the above, when both memory sticks are in and I turn computer on, I can hear/feel it come on, HOWEVER, it does not give the opening chime sound.

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Answer 5

jberry Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 20, 2012 11:47 AM in response to SeaPapp

Mike, I agree, the sticks must be correct specs because they both work independently and when I go into About this Mac, it show the new 2 gig stick....but when I out them both in together, no display.

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Answer 6

Jun 20, 2012 12:23 PM in response to jberry

Based on the numerous posts on the forum, if the RAM is the incorrect clock speed IE: 800mHz instead of 667mHz, the computer will exhibit exactly the situation you describe.

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Answer 7

jberry Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 20, 2012 1:33 PM in response to stedman1

The RAM specs on the product box says the correct specs for (DDR2-667).

Additionally, I have already tried each stick separately along with 1 gig in the other memory slot, and both sticks work independent of each other with the display working fine.

Anybody with new thoughts?

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Answer 8

jberry Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 20, 2012 1:39 PM in response to stedman1

You indicated what tge RAM requirements are for my computer. What I bought says SODIMM, 200 pin DDR2-667

However it doesn't say anything about "PC2-5300.". Could it be something different and therefore the problem?

It definitely is ddr2-667, just no where does it say the pc2-5300.

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Answer 9

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 20, 2012 1:58 PM in response to jberry

You should contact the vendor that you got the ram from nd inquire exactly what it is. Where DID you buy the ram and what brand is it?

Here are your specs

RAM Type: PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM

Minimum RAM Speed: 667 MHz

RAM slots: 2

Maximum RAM: 4.0 GB

By the way, I don't believe there was a llate 2007 iMac, there was only one model in 2007, the mid year model.

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Answer 10

jberry Author

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4 points

Jun 20, 2012 2:08 PM in response to SeaPapp

Thanks Mike. I'll follow up with the store I bought it from. (and you're right on the date of the product).

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Answer 11

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 20, 2012 2:18 PM in response to jberry

Tell me that it isn't Kingston Value Ram.

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Answer 12

jberry Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 20, 2012 2:30 PM in response to SeaPapp

Probably worse...the box says Centon"....never heard of them....maybe I need to return it and order on-line...who would you suggest if I do?

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Answer 13

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 20, 2012 3:41 PM in response to jberry

Personally I only use ram from Crucial, but OWC has a great reputation for quality ram and customer service.

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Answer 14

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 20, 2012 3:43 PM in response to jberry

And I would strongly suggest you return it. Mac's can be very picky about ram, it's always best to by ram that is guaranteed to work with a Mac.

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Answer 15

jberry Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 21, 2012 7:39 AM in response to SeaPapp

Mike;

while i have you, i want to upgrade memory to my daughter's computer since i'm going to order on-line from Crucial. I have 2 questions:

1) Can you verify that this 2006 model will accept 4 GB of memory (i think it will only recognize 3 GB)....the serial number is YD64169QVUV. It is a 2.16 intel core duo with 1.5 GB 667 mhz ddr2 sdram.

2) I can't seem to eject the memory that is currently in the upper and lower memory compartment slots. There are 2 levers on each side of the memory compartment that you are supposed to open up and i guess at this point the memory sticks are supposed to pop out, but mine don't move and seem pretty solid in there....there's not enough room to squeeze your fingers in there to grab them and pull them out.....any suggestions?

Thanks

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