Experiences installing RAM - 1Gb

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Level 3

503 points

Experiences installing RAM - 1Gb

So I tried installing a Kingston 1Gb RAM into my PB 15" 1.25Ghz and it didn't work. I made sure I had the right RAM. PC 2700 333Mhz 200pin 1Gb. Yup, that's what I bouth.

My original set up was: lower slot 256mb, upper slot 512mb. The idea was to move the 512mb to the lower slot and then use the upper slot for the 1Gb.

I installed 1Gb RAM in the upper slot moving the 512 to the lower slot. I pressed the power button and it took several seconds before the "bong" sound came. I became a bit nervous because the "bong" is supposed to happen instantaneously. Computer boots up with the blue progress bar halfway and then hangs.

I reboot this time doing also a PRAM reset (option-command P-R). Same thing. Boots up half way.

I re-install the RAM, this time moving 1Gb to lower and 512Mb to upper. Same thing. Boots up half way.

I re-install the RAM, this timve only installing 1Gb in lower with nothing in upper. Same thing. Boots up half way.

So I re-install again this time moving 1Gb to upper with nothing in lower. Same thing. Boots up half way and stalls.

Again, I re-install to the original configuration: 256Mb lower, 512Mb upper. Computer boots up just fine and I log in.

I call up TigerDirect.com and ask for a Return Authorisation number. Now I'm on my way to FedEx to return the product and waiting for my exchange. I really hope the new product I receive works.

My one fear now is that TigerDirect is going to say the RAM is not defective because it is conceivable that my Apple PowerBook G4 is more sensitive and picky regarding the RAM is receives. I hope that's not the case.

Anyhow, I'll report back when I get the other new 1Gb. Hoping it works. If not, I'm returning it and searching for another deal. This 1Gb RAM was only $116 including tax and shipping. Great deal (if it works).

PowerBook G4 15" 1.25Ghz, 768MB RAM, 80Gb internal drive, Mac OS X (10.4.6), 120Gb and 60Gb external firewire drives

Posted on May 19, 2006 7:22 PM

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Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

May 19, 2006 8:32 PM in response to Conal Ho

Our PB's are in fact sensitive to the ram it uses, in part due to the Apple architecture using bus slewing which modifies power to the memory based on system load, which helps to extend battery life.

While the RAM can meet the Apple specs, not all RAM will work. If the Kingston memory is their valueram, it typically doesn't work. In Kingston memory, you need RAM number KTA-PBG4333/1G for your 1.25ghz 15" PB. Other reliable brands are Crucial and Samsung. Crucial you find at http://www.crucial.com and Samsung is available from a number of sources, with OWC being one at http://www.macsales.com.

Expect to pay $140-$200 for a 1gb RAM strip.

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Answer 2

Conal Ho Author

Level 3

503 points

May 19, 2006 9:28 PM in response to BGreg

While the RAM can meet the Apple specs, not all RAM
will work. If the Kingston memory is their valueram,
it typically doesn't work.

Oh no! That's exactly the kind that I bought! They've already sent out an exchange shipment and I'd imagine it's the exact same RAM although now that I go to the website, I can't find that same RAM. They say they're no longer selling it.

Gosh...so if this second shipment does work, does it still mean that some day somewhere down the line it's going to be unreliable so I should actually return it?

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Answer 3

Conal Ho Author

Level 3

503 points

May 19, 2006 9:44 PM in response to BGreg

Well, I called up Kingston just to see if they know about incompatibilities between the RAM I bought (kvr333x64sc25/1g) and the guy said that I should try inserting the RAM 7 to 8 times to get the coating off of the RAM chip to make sure that the contact coating is off. Whoa! That's like a lot of friction! Anyhow, it's too late. I already returned the product to Tigerdirect.com and they're sending me another RAM. I'd imagine they're sending me one of the same kind although their website lists that they are no longer selling that product!

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Answer 4

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

May 20, 2006 6:35 AM in response to Conal Ho

If the ram comes in a sealed container, you may want to consider returning it, unopened, so you can maximize your chance of getting a refund (don't know what Tiger direct refund policies are). The failure mode is not one where the memory wears down over time and might fail at some point in the future, rather it fails pretty much right away, as you found out.

I've used strips of KTA-PBG4333/1G Kingston memory, and they worked fine when inserted the first time.

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Answer 5

Conal Ho Author

Level 3

503 points

May 20, 2006 9:18 AM in response to BGreg

More updates. So I cancelled the TigerDirect exchange and now am in the process of finding more compatible 1Gb RAM.

Check out this page from Macsales that says in an undetermined number of PB G4 1.0 to 1.25Ghz, there is a memory controller issue which renders almost all non-Samsung chips not usable. There is no way to determine if anyone's PB G4 has this memory controller issue.

http://eshop.macsales.com/Descriptions/pbg4125memorynote.html

Full text pasted below:
*NOTE*
The following applies ONLY if selected memory is to be utilized in a Apple PowerBook G4/1.0 or 1.25GHz FW800 Model.
For those with PowerBook G4/1.33GHz and faster or iBook G4s - the following does not apply. It only applies to PowerBook G4 1.0GHz / 1.25GHz FW800 machines.
OWC has determined that an unknown amount of PowerBook G4 15" FW800 Models with 1.0GHz or 1.25GHz Processor speed, have a memory controller issue that significantly restricts the memory compatibility. There is no way to pre-determine if your PowerBook G4 will have this issue, but if you are upgrading a PowerBook G4 15" with 1.0GHz or 1.25GHz G4 Processor Speed, this possibility does exist. No other PowerBook/iBook model or speed is subject to this memory controller issue.
Although you still may continue with the purchase and try the module selected, we do recommend the Factory OEM Samsung PC2700 Module available by clicking here. Should you purchase the selected module and have an issue, you do have the option to exchange for the Samsung within 30 days for the difference in current price plus freight charges.
After testing with other Factory Original as well as Major 1.0GHz or 1.25GHz processor. This is not an issue with the quality of the modules tested and all OWC memory is of Top Quality, meeting or exceeding Apple specifications, and backed with a Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty as well. We believe the problem is related to a memory controller that was used in some 1.0GHz or 1.25GHz Powerbook G4 systems that has a specific tailoring to Samsung die/pcb memory. And this is why, regardless of specification - only specific Samsung modules provide operational compatibility.
If you still have questions please contact us.

PowerBook G4 15" 1.25Ghz, 768MB RAM, 80Gb internal drive Mac OS X (10.4.6) 120Gb and 60Gb external firewire drives

PowerBook G4 15" 1.25Ghz, 768MB RAM, 80Gb internal drive Mac OS X (10.4.6) 120Gb and 60Gb external firewire drives

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Answer 6

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

May 20, 2006 11:13 AM in response to Conal Ho

Check out this page from Macsales that says in an
undetermined number of PB G4 1.0 to 1.25Ghz, there is
a memory controller issue which renders almost all
non-Samsung chips not usable.

I'm sure they are referring to the bus slewing, which seems particularly accute in 1ghz, 1.25ghz, and 1.33 ghz machines.

Samsung makes good memory, I wouldn't hesitate to use it. Crucial guarantees their memory will work if you use their memory selector on their web site - I've used their memory in a number of different machines over the years with no issues. I don't know if Kingston warrants their memory to work in a machine in the same manner Crucial does.

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Answer 7

Conal Ho Author

Level 3

503 points

May 20, 2006 5:43 PM in response to BGreg

Well, I'm now buying a Samsung branded 1Gb chip. I'm buying it from OEMPCWORLD. Funny thing is that when I go through their memory selection module for my computer, they list a different 1Gb model (a generic one, in fact).

See: http://www.oempcworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1%2E0G %2DSO2700LH&AttributeCode[1]=Computer&AttributeValue[1]=PowerBook G4+1%2E25GHz%28M8981LL%2FA%29

So as not to have to waste another week (on top of having wasted a week already) for my erroneous RAM, I decided to get the more expensive Samsung 1Gb RAM.

Anyhow, I hope this experience helps other PB G4 users with overly particular bus slewing requirements.

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Answer 8

Conal Ho Author

Level 3

503 points

May 24, 2006 1:05 AM in response to Conal Ho

I received my 1Gb Samsung RAM and it works beautifully. My machine runs faster now. I can run Virtual PC 7 comfortably and open up other programmes with little delay.

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Answer 9

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

May 24, 2006 8:02 AM in response to Conal Ho

I received my 1Gb Samsung RAM and it works
beautifully. My machine runs faster now. I can run
Virtual PC 7 comfortably and open up other programmes
with little delay.

That's great! Glad to hear it's working well for you.

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Answer 10

Jun 15, 2006 10:41 AM in response to BGreg

If the ram comes in a sealed container, you may want
to consider returning it, unopened, so you can
maximize your chance of getting a refund (don't know
what Tiger direct refund policies are). The failure
mode is not one where the memory wears down over time
and might fail at some point in the future, rather it
fails pretty much right away, as you found out.

I've used strips of KTA-PBG4333/1G Kingston memory,
and they worked fine when inserted the first time.

i am also plannig of ordering this particular ram from USA but my supplier tells me, it his ram doesnt work he wont take it back, i have a 1ghz pbg4 pc2700 333DDR do you guarantiee that KTA's work fine with this system

1ghz PBG4 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 11

Conal Ho Author

Level 3

503 points

Jun 15, 2006 10:06 PM in response to direduryan

i am also plannig of ordering this particular ram
from USA but my supplier tells me, it his ram doesnt
work he wont take it back, i have a 1ghz pbg4 pc2700
333DDR do you guarantiee that KTA's work fine with
this system

1ghz PBG4
Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Hmmm...particular models of the PowerBook G4 15" are rather picky about the 1GB RAM they use. There are several US vendors that guarantee their 1GB RAM to work with the PowerBook G4 as long as you use their online RAM selector to choose the appropriate RAM.

Check out OEMPCWorld.com. I believe RAMseeker.com also offers something like that. I would not trust a vendor who says they will not take back RAM that doesn't work with your computer. After all, it could be defective RAM and not your computer, but you will never know if he doesn't take it back.

Cheers,
Conal

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Answer 12

Jun 16, 2006 8:41 PM in response to Conal Ho

I ran into this before with larger RAM modules..

I bought a piece (I think from memoryx or OWC--don't remember), but it kept failing. sent back 2x's..

Then on my second Powerbook, which had the ram slot failure, I ordered a stick from Wegenermedia.com when I had them do the ram slot repair. They mentioned that the Alum series all use multi-rate slewing as a system process. Apparently ONLY a couple mfr's guarantee this "multi-rate slewing", and they guarantee all their ram tested on this.

I suppose it's correct, as the first piece I got from them has worked perfectly!

Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

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