Macbook 5.1 late 2008 one DIMM slot seems to not be working. I have swapped the 2 DIMMS and they both work in Bank '0'/DIMM '0' but not in BANK '0'/DIMM '1'. I have used brand new 4 GB ram as well with same results. Can I change the DIMM slots/reader.

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iRick4 Author

Level 1

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Macbook 5.1 late 2008 one DIMM slot seems to not be working. I have swapped the 2 DIMMS and they both work in Bank '0'/DIMM '0' but not in BANK '0'/DIMM '1'. I have used brand new 4 GB ram as well with same results. Can I change the DIMM slots/reader.

Macbook 5.1 late 2008 one DIMM slot seems to not be working.

I have swapped the 2 original DIMMS and they both work in Bank '0'/DIMM '0' but not in BANK '0'/DIMM '1'.

I have used brand new 4 GB ram as well with same results.

I have used air to try to blow out dust.

I have reset the whatshmacallit by pressing shift/option/command and start button, then booting up.

Can I change the DIMM slots/reader only?

Posted on Jan 18, 2014 7:40 AM

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Answer 1

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Jan 18, 2014 8:48 AM in response to iRick4

>>Can I change the DIMM slots/reader only?

Not yourself, although a specialist who does component level logic board repairs may be able to help.

Does this persist when using the Apple hardware test and the same DIMM's ?. It probably will, but at least you'll have excluded all software.

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Answer 2

iRick4 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 19, 2014 6:17 AM in response to andyBall_uk

How can I run Apple Hardware Test? My CD-Rom has not been working for months, (I haven't had any need for it).

I tried booting while holding down D with no results. I think you need a start up disk with AHT on it inserted in the CD-ROM.

I am out of Applecare. Will an Apple Store repair the logic board DIMM slots for me or should I bring it to a third party?

Are you sure I can't do it myself? I see there are 4 black screws holding it down. Funny there are no YouTube tutorials to replace this.

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Answer 3

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Jan 19, 2014 9:52 AM in response to iRick4

The screws appear to be holding the retaining clips, not the actual connector. Apple normally just replace complete logicboards, rather than repair them.

In the US at least, Apple have a 'depot repair' scheme from around $300, which is much cheaper than the normal price .

I doubt that you'll see different results using the hardware test, it was just a simple way to exclude any software issues.

You can download the AHT and place it manually on the HD, or use a bootable USB. See http://rivenbyfive.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/download-and-run-apple-hardware-test.h tml?showComment=1361777690239 and the comment of 25 feb 2013, although It seems from the google + link that you need

http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Hardware_Test/022-4037-A.dmg

but should double check the model ID yourself.

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