Can only boot one RAM stick at a time (2x4GB OWC Upgrade)
Mac Mini 3,1 (Late 2009)
2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Boot version: MM31.00AD.B00 (latest)
SMC version: 1.35f1
Per recommendation from OWC testing, I'm trying to upgrade from 2 GB (1x2GB) to 8 GB (2x4GB). Using OWC8566DDR38SGP, 2x4GB PC-8500S 1066MHz DDR3 SO-DIMM 204 Pin 1.5V.
I installed both sticks of RAM, and attempted a boot. I received 1 short Post beep every 5 seconds indicating "No RAM installed."
I removed one stick to see if the problem was a bad module or a bad socket, and the system booted just fine and recognized 4GB. I swapped the sticks, and successfully booted again.
I moved the RAM from the upper socket to the lower one, and got the single repeating Post beep again. I'm not sure this means anything, because it's been my experience that you must use the first socket if you want to leave one empty. I'm guessing the upper socket is RAM Socket 0 in this case.
Next, I tried cleaning the RAM contacts (they were already clean). Then I tried resetting the SMC controller... This didn't make much sense, since I had to have the power cable out to install the ram?... But, as I expected, no change.
Am I correct in thinking this could be a conflict between the two sticks of RAM, even though they are the same manufacturer and model? I think the MoBo just can't initialize the RAM sticks together. Should I return them for a swap out and try a fresh pair of ram sticks? Or should I just go with a different manufacturer? Anyone else had this problem? Yes, I know Apple posted 4GB as the max RAM for this model, but the firmware supports 8GB, and testing has been done. Old news by now.
Thanks.
Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), MM3100AD.B00