iMac (Late 2013) 27" i7 Haswell constant crashing with 32GB RAM

Question

Level 1

0 points

iMac (Late 2013) 27" i7 Haswell constant crashing with 32GB RAM

I have Crucial 4x 8GB DDR3L (dual voltage 1.35/1.5 v) RAM sticks and it is very unstable! If I reduce to two sticks i.e. 16GB the system is stable. I have tried them in different orders, but every time I have 32GB in, it crashes at least every couple of hours. Any order of RAM at 16GB is fine.

Have performed Apple Diagnostics + RAM memtest and nothing appears the matter.

Anyone else with ideas or experincing similar issues? I have installed Windows 7 via Bootcamp and running with VirtualBox, but the crashes were happening on the iMac just out of the box with nothing installed with the 32GB in.

Setup:

27-inch, Late 2013

Processor 3.5 GHz Intel Core i7

Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4096 MB

Software OS X 10.8.5 (12F45)

HDD 1TB Fusion Drive

Here's an example error log:

Interval Since Last Panic Report:  65334 sec
Panics Since Last Report:          1
Anonymous UUID:                    9CF2ECB9-F21B-1AD0-6570-6EC17A22DE55

Sun Nov  3 10:16:52 2013
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff8002ab8945): Kernel trap at 0xffffff8002ad3434, type 14=page fault, registers:
CR0: 0x000000008001003b, CR2: 0x00000000000007aa, CR3: 0x00000000056f3000, CR4: 0x00000000001606e0
RAX: 0x0000000039b59589, RBX: 0x0000000000000580, RCX: 0xffffff80030edf18, RDX: 0x0000000039b59589
RSP: 0xffffff8391f9bce0, RBP: 0xffffff8391f9bd00, RSI: 0x000004070f0f8ced, RDI: 0xffffff8003001f20
R8:  0x0000000000000001, R9:  0x00000000000003ff, R10: 0xffffffffffffffff, R11: 0x00000000ffffffff
R12: 0x0000000000000000, R13: 0xffffff837fde0600, R14: 0xffffff80030d1b00, R15: 0x0000000000000002
RFL: 0x0000000000010002, RIP: 0xffffff8002ad3434, CS:  0x0000000000000008, SS:  0x0000000000000010
Fault CR2: 0x00000000000007aa, Error code: 0x0000000000000002, Fault CPU: 0x0

Backtrace (CPU 0), Frame : Return Address
0xffffff8391f9b980 : 0xffffff8002a1d636 
0xffffff8391f9b9f0 : 0xffffff8002ab8945 
0xffffff8391f9bbc0 : 0xffffff8002acebfd 
0xffffff8391f9bbe0 : 0xffffff8002ad3434 
0xffffff8391f9bd00 : 0xffffff8002acf884 
0xffffff8391f9bd30 : 0xffffff8002abff46 
0xffffff8391f9bd50 : 0xffffff8002a2c269 
0xffffff8391f9bd70 : 0xffffff8002a42123 
0xffffff8391f9bdc0 : 0xffffff8002b3fd7c 
0xffffff8391f9be30 : 0xffffff7f838422d4 
0xffffff8391f9be50 : 0xffffff7f838423a3 
0xffffff8391f9be70 : 0xffffff7f83c134fa 
0xffffff8391f9bea0 : 0xffffff7f83c05b12 
0xffffff8391f9bef0 : 0xffffff8002e50e58 
0xffffff8391f9bf30 : 0xffffff8002e4f95a 
0xffffff8391f9bf80 : 0xffffff8002e4fa89 
0xffffff8391f9bfb0 : 0xffffff8002ab3257 
      Kernel Extensions in backtrace:
         com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(3.0)[F02560D1-ADE6-3AD9-8D05-43CB2B7C8B87]@0xffffff7f83838000->0xffffff7f83862fff
         com.apple.iokit.AppleBCM5701Ethernet(3.6.2b4)[6E5242BB-5BD2-3BC6-ADBB-F05D02568DC0]@0xffffff7f83c04000->0xffffff7f83c3bfff
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOACPIFamily(1.4)[A35915E8-C1B0-3C0F-81DF-5515BC9002FC]@0xffffff7f83b98000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.8)[6C1D646D-7E5E-3D7F-A557-2CBA398FF878]@0xffffff7f8308e000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOEthernetAVBController(1.0.2b1)[4CE25B46-E77B-3CCC-939A-DD10DA6EBE97]@0xffffff7f83bfd000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily(3.0)[F02560D1-ADE6-3AD9-8D05-43CB2B7C8B87]@0xffffff7f83838000

BSD process name corresponding to current thread: kernel_task

Mac OS version:
12F45

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 12.5.0: Sun Sep 29 13:33:47 PDT 2013; root:xnu-2050.48.12~1/RELEASE_X86_64
Kernel UUID: EA38B02E-2B88-309F-BA68-1DE29F605DD8
Kernel slide:     0x0000000002800000
Kernel text base: 0xffffff8002a00000
System model name: iMac14,2 (Mac-27ADBB7B4CEE8E61)

System uptime in nanoseconds: 4427395803894
last loaded kext at 427144044534: com.apple.filesystems.smbfs    1.8.4 (addr 0xffffff7f85097000, size 229376)
last unloaded kext at 278163156098: com.apple.iokit.IOUSBMassStorageClass    3.5.2 (addr 0xffffff7f838e1000, size 69632)
loaded kexts:
org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetAdp    4.3.2
org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetFlt    4.3.2
org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxUSB    4.3.2
org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxDrv    4.3.2
com.apple.filesystems.smbfs    1.8.4
com.apple.driver.AppleHWSensor    1.9.5d0
com.apple.filesystems.autofs    3.0
com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch    75.19
com.apple.driver.AudioAUUC    1.60
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothSerialManager    4.1.7f4
com.apple.driver.AGPM    100.13.12
com.apple.driver.ApplePlatformEnabler    2.0.7d2
com.apple.driver.X86PlatformShim    1.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyHIDDriver    124
com.apple.driver.AppleHDA    2.4.7fc4
com.apple.driver.AppleUpstreamUserClient    3.5.12
com.apple.GeForce    8.1.6
com.apple.iokit.IOUserEthernet    1.0.0d1
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyDriver    2.4.7fc4
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelHD5000Graphics    8.1.6
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklight    170.3.5
com.apple.iokit.BroadcomBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport    4.1.7f4
com.apple.Dont_Steal_Mac_OS_X    7.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusPCI    1.0.11d1
com.apple.driver.AppleSMCLMU    2.0.3d0
com.apple.driver.AppleLPC    1.6.3
com.apple.driver.AppleMCCSControl    1.1.11
com.apple.driver.ApplePolicyControl    3.4.5
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelFramebufferAzul    8.1.6
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeDataless    1.0.0d1
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeZlib    1.0.0d1
com.apple.BootCache    34
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBHub    635.4.0
com.apple.driver.XsanFilter    404
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIBlockStorage    2.3.5
com.apple.driver.AppleSDXC    1.4.3
com.apple.iokit.AppleBCM5701Ethernet    3.6.2b4
com.apple.driver.AirPort.Brcm4360    641.15.1
com.apple.driver.AppleAHCIPort    2.6.6
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBXHCI    635.4.0
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIButtons    1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleRTC    1.5
com.apple.driver.AppleHPET    1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBIOS    1.9
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIEC    1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleAPIC    1.7
com.apple.nke.applicationfirewall    4.0.39
com.apple.security.quarantine    2.1
com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothHIDKeyboard    170.2.4
com.apple.driver.AppleHIDKeyboard    170.2.4
com.apple.kext.triggers    1.0
com.apple.driver.IOBluetoothHIDDriver    4.1.7f4
com.apple.driver.AppleMultitouchDriver    237.4
com.apple.iokit.IOSerialFamily    10.0.6
com.apple.driver.DspFuncLib    2.4.7fc4
com.apple.iokit.IOAudioFamily    1.9.2fc7
com.apple.kext.OSvKernDSPLib    1.12
com.apple.nvidia.gk100hal    8.1.6
com.apple.NVDAResman    8.1.6
com.apple.iokit.IOSurface    86.0.4
com.apple.iokit.IOAcceleratorFamily2    74.15
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklightExpert    1.0.4
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport    4.1.7f4
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothFamily    4.1.7f4
com.apple.driver.AppleHDAController    2.4.7fc4
com.apple.iokit.IOHDAFamily    2.4.7fc4
com.apple.driver.X86PlatformPlugin    1.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleSMC    3.1.5d4
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginFamily    5.4.1d13
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusController    1.0.11d1
com.apple.driver.AppleGraphicsControl    3.4.5
com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport    2.3.7
com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily    2.3.7
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltEDMSink    1.2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMergeNub    621.4.6
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIArchitectureModelFamily    3.5.6
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBComposite    621.4.0
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltDPOutAdapter    2.5.0
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltDPInAdapter    2.5.0
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltDPAdapterFamily    2.5.0
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltPCIDownAdapter    1.3.2
com.apple.driver.CoreStorage    296.18.2
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBUserClient    630.4.4
com.apple.driver.AppleThunderboltNHI    1.9.2
com.apple.iokit.IOThunderboltFamily    2.7.7
com.apple.iokit.IOEthernetAVBController    1.0.2b1
com.apple.iokit.IO80211Family    530.5
com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily    3.0
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIFamily    2.5.1
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBFamily    635.4.0
com.apple.driver.AppleEFINVRAM    2.0
com.apple.iokit.IOHIDFamily    1.8.1
com.apple.driver.AppleEFIRuntime    2.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSMBusFamily    1.1
com.apple.security.sandbox    220.3
com.apple.kext.AppleMatch    1.0.0d1
com.apple.security.TMSafetyNet    7
com.apple.driver.DiskImages    345
com.apple.iokit.IOStorageFamily    1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleKeyStore    28.21
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIPlatform    1.8
com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily    2.8
com.apple.iokit.IOACPIFamily    1.4
com.apple.kec.corecrypto    1.0
System Profile:
Model: iMac14,2, BootROM IM142.0118.B00, 4 processors, Intel Core i7, 3.5 GHz, 16 GB, SMC 2.15f2
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M, PCIe, 4096 MB
Memory Module: BANK 0/DIMM1, 8 GB, DDR3, 1600 MHz, 0x859B, 0x435438473353313630424D2E4D3136464444
Memory Module: BANK 1/DIMM1, 8 GB, DDR3, 1600 MHz, 0x859B, 0x435438473353313630424D2E4D3136464444
AirPort: spairport_wireless_card_type_airport_extreme (0x14E4, 0x111), Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (6.30.225.29.1)
Bluetooth: Version 4.1.7f4 12974, 3 service, 21 devices, 3 incoming serial ports
Network Service: Ethernet, Ethernet, en0
Network Service: Wi-Fi, AirPort, en1
Serial ATA Device: APPLE HDD WD10EZES-40UFAA0, 1 TB
Serial ATA Device: APPLE SSD SD0128F, 121.33 GB
USB Device: HD-GDU3, 0x0411  (Melco, Inc.), 0x0235, 0x15600000 / 10
USB Device: FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in), apple_vendor_id, 0x8511, 0x14700000 / 5
USB Device: BRCM20702 Hub, 0x0a5c  (Broadcom Corp.), 0x4500, 0x14800000 / 1
USB Device: Bluetooth USB Host Controller, apple_vendor_id, 0x828d, 0x14830000 / 2

Many thanks

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Nov 3, 2013 4:03 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 22, 2013 8:05 AM in response to shaunumb

I have no problems since i removed the RAM from crucial, now I'm using the 2x4GB hynix modules that came with the imac.

Returning the imac doesn't seem to be the solution, as pepople are having the same problem with their replacements.

I hope Aplle will do something soon with an update so we can use 3rd party RAM as we always did...

Reply

Answer 2

Nov 22, 2013 9:03 AM in response to shaunumb

Thanks guillemvic,

between RMA's of the Crucial's I was running 2x4GB originals from Apple, everything worked perfect. I'm now back to them.

Since my previous post I've contacted Apple and explained the full story, also referred this threads...

The representative told me (after scaling internally) that they are not aware, that it may probably happen to several people but other people is not having the issue. Recommended either replacing the unit (RMA) or returning it and buying a new one with 32GB.

I've asked for an RMA, I agree sounds worthless but I'll try and come back with the result.

Thanks

Luis

Reply

Answer 3

Nov 22, 2013 11:32 AM in response to LuisPalaciosDerqui

Wow, that sounds bad. Then I'll probably replace (RMA) my imac as well, just to try. But I don't remeber any comment from an affected user with a replacement that solves the problem... 😟

Reply

Answer 4

Nov 22, 2013 1:20 PM in response to shaunumb

Today I received my new Imac 27 after replacing (RMA) my old having problems with 32GB Corsair memory.

First thing I did was removing the 16GB inside with my 32GB Corsair memory.

After that, installing memtest and crossing my fingers.

But same problem again, memtest gave me errors.😟

Before that I had several conversations through email with corsair about this.

They told my that the memory I bought from them was within Apple specifications.

Right now My Imac has the original 16GB memory again.

Memtest works ok now.

Hopefully there will be a solution soon.

I will try to sell my Corsair 32GB.

But this will be dificult because most people prefer to buy new memory.

I wish that I knew this sooner, then I would have bought my Imac with full memory capacity.😟

Reply

Answer 5

Nov 22, 2013 1:34 PM in response to shaunumb

I'm another one with the same exact problem on my new 27" late 2013 imac. 32GB memory causes random reboots, whereas 16gb does not.

What are the chances that this can be fixed by apple via firmware/software? What are people's thoughts... should the imac be returned, or chances are there will be a fix?

This is quite frustrating, and Apple support is not too helpful.

Reply

Answer 6

damon242

Level 1

5 points

Nov 22, 2013 1:43 PM in response to shaunumb

I previously posted in this thread with the same problem. I have done NOTHING to remedy this problem but it seems to have stopped crashing after some time. I have the Crucial 32 gb of RAM, i7 chip, 1TB of flash drive and the GTX 780m video card. I keep the machine in sleep. No crashes for 2 weeks now. I have no explination but am happy.

Reply

Answer 7

Nov 22, 2013 1:52 PM in response to shaunumb

I'm sure we all wait a solution via software/firmware update, but what LuisPalaciosDerqui said is very disappointing:

The representative told me (after scaling internally) that they are not aware, that it may probably happen to several people but other people is not having the issue.Recommended either replacing the unit (RMA) or returning it and buying a new one with 32GB.

As I said, I've not read any comment from anyone who solved the problem via replacement. And the other solution from Apple is not an option for many people. I can't spend 600€ in a RAM upgrade from Apple...

Buying a PC?

Reply

Answer 8

Nov 24, 2013 3:10 AM in response to guillemvlc

Hi, though you would be interested in this update,

Thanks @damon242. I'm probably experincing something similar. During the last 2 days I've not had any panic/crash. This is what I have done:

I was recommended by Crucial to make new tests. In particular reinsert carefully the memories, focusing on the 4th slot. Also told me they are waiting for Apple to release a firmware update, however didn't confirm Apple said that.

- I did re-installed All dimms, making sure they are completely pushed, in particular the 4th slot.

RESULT: All Ok.

- Even not requested, I have reInstalled MacOSX from scratch.

RESULT: All Ok.

- Boot iMac without anything connected (only Eth), no USB’s no Thunderbolts.

RESULT: All Ok.

- Run Apple Hardware Test.

RESULT: All Ok.

- I have a license and so run TechTool Pro 7, memory tests.

RESULT: All Ok.

- Run “Rember” for 18h:40m. Passed Ok 10 cycles of tests

To enjoy the waiting I run for ~2hrs 4xTerminal.app with “yes > /dev/null” simultaneously, CPU’s got crazy.

RESULT: All Ok.

- Installed rEFInd Boot Manager with “memtest86”

Objective is to run memtest86 in native mode after boot. ((I have documented HowTo in Spanish))

RESULT: All Ok as of now, still work in progress (2h:54m)

So, no panics, no crashs, nothing. What has changed?:

1) I have no USBs connected and no Thunderbolt external disks connected. Is it important? I don't know.

2) I'm not using the iMac as I do normally, I only do MEM tests up to now...

Anyway I've ordered an RMA because I don't trust it, in two days this iMac will be picked up. I'll post more information when new one arrives and I test it (pair or weeks from now)

Thanks

Luis

Reply

Answer 9

Nov 24, 2013 9:47 PM in response to shaunumb

Same issue here.

Bought 32gb from crucial based on their recommendation for Mac 27" i7 3.5ghz, late 2013.

Kernel Panics at least daily with 16gb or 32gb of crucial memory installed.

Panic free with the original apple suppied 8gb.

Crucial's website is now recommending different modules to the ones they sold me.

Mine are: CT8G3S 160BM.M16FDD

which is different to the model number on the order confirmation (CT4949522)

They now recommend: CT4951624

I've put in a support request at Crucial to see if they can help.

Reply

Answer 10

Nov 25, 2013 3:21 AM in response to shaunumb

The Apple phone support told me they're not aware about this problem by now, at least at their department, wich is basically a software support. The woman I talked with told me she will try to find new information about the issue during this day, and if she does, she will let me know...

Reply

Answer 11

damon242

Level 1

5 points

Nov 25, 2013 11:41 AM in response to shaunumb

Just got off the phone with Crucial. I mentioned to tham about the two different CT part numbers for their RAM that "robdownunder" spoke of. I was told the 2 different numbers are the SAME memory, just listed differently.

The CT4949522 says is "Guaranteed for the 3.5GHz i7" where the CT4951624 does not say that. I requested to exchange my ..1624 for something different. Was told they would send an even different RAM with different timings to see if it makes a difference. Should be receiving them Dec. 3.

Reply

Answer 12

Nov 26, 2013 12:43 AM in response to shaunumb

Same problem here with my imac 27" (late 2013) i5 3,4 GHz. I bought the imac with 2x4GB installed and it works perfectly that way.

However, after adding 2x8GB memory modules (Kingston 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Non-ECC CL11 SODIMM) the imac crashes 1-2 times a day, so I returned these modules again.

So the problem also exists for i5 and 24GB total memory...

Does someone have any hints for me (besides re-ordering the imac with 32gb RAM :-) ?

Thanks!

Reply

Answer 13

shaunumb Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 27, 2013 3:55 AM in response to shaunumb

Okay, I'm returning my Crucial RAM today and going to stick the orginial 2x4GB sticks in. Has anyone had any luck with other brands?

My only thinking is to bite the bullet and order 4x8GB sticks from Apple so at least if it still doesn't work I can take it in and say it's running all 'Apple' components and still not working.

Reply

Answer 14

Nov 27, 2013 5:17 PM in response to shaunumb

After having the random kernel panics with 32GB of RAM from Crucial (the same modules I've been using with no problems during 8 months with the previous late 2012 27'' imac) I sold those modules and I've used the imac for almost 2 weeks with the original 2x4GB RAM (hynix) from Apple, with no crashes.

Now I've bought 32GB from crucial, part number CT4951620, and by now, there are no problems at all. No chrashes in 24h, with normal use, several restarts and sleep/wakes. It took 10 seconds to light the screen in the fisrt boot with the new RAM, since then, all is OK.

Crossing my fingers...

Reply

Answer 15

ginooken

Level 1

0 points

Nov 27, 2013 11:05 PM in response to guillemvlc

Hi Guillemvlc,

I have exactly the same part numbers CT4951620 (32Gb) with a late 2013 27" iMac but the issue is for from gone in my case. I still have kernel panics now and then for no apparant reason.

Hopefully for you it stays stable...

gino

Reply