Screen glitch, shutdown, 3 beeps

Question

Screen glitch, shutdown, 3 beeps

Problem

While using the computer, the screen glitches.

After this, it shuts down. While attempting to boot it up again, it has the 3 beeps followed by 5 seconds of silence and then repeat.

Only boots properly with one RAM module installed.

Troubleshooting

I performed an Apple Hardware Test (with extended testing enabled) and it returned no errors.

I've reset the PRAM and SMC.

I've read online that it has to do with RAM so i've tested each module individually in both sockets with no problems occurring.

I've downloaded a program called Rember which tests the RAM. I've run this test for hours on each module with no issues appearing.

Solution?

What would be my next course of action?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X 10.10.4, 120GB SSD, 1TB HD, 8 GB RAM, Dual Core i7 2.9GHz.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.0.x), 120GB SSD,1TB HD,8GB RAM,i7 2.9GHZ

Posted on Jul 30, 2015 4:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 30, 2015 4:42 AM in response to DanielNeedHelp

Three beeps mean failed ram - which your booting on only one ram module verifies.

Get a new ram modules, from a reliable source like OWC http://www.macsales.com or Crucial http://www.crucial.com and see if that doesn't fix the problem.

It doesn't matter what the AHT and Rember say, the MBP says the ram modules are not up to spec so it isn't going to accept them together...which could be a timing issue between the modules.

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Answer 2

Jul 30, 2015 4:51 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

Thanks for the super fast reply. I also read online that it could be a logic board issue. Is this the case? If so, i might try some of my friends RAM and see where that takes me.

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Answer 3

Jul 30, 2015 5:46 AM in response to DanielNeedHelp

Three beeps, according to Apple, is faulty ram. But if you can get matching ram, and note it has to match the specs, not just PC ram that is similar, that would serve the purpose for testing.

You can see exactly what ram you need by going to the user guide for your MacBook Pro, or look it up in http://www.everymac.com by clicking on MacBook Pro then go to the year of your machine and the processor. The technical details for the machine are given on that site.

Macs are notoriously touchy about their ram so you really need to use Mac-certified ram.

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Answer 4

Aug 1, 2015 6:32 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

Yeah sorry i didn't specify, my friend has the same mac as I.

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