memory slots in PowerBook G4

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Level 1

3 points

memory slots in PowerBook G4

I have a PowerBook G4 15" 1.25 GHz purchased almost three years ago. Mac OS running is 10.4.8. The Powerbook comes with 256MB RAM. Today I decided to install 1GB. When I opened the compartment on the bottom of the computer, I noticed both upper and lower slots populated with a 256MB memory module in each slot. The last time I checked 256 + 256 = 512MB. System Profiler keeps reporting 256MB both under the Hardware and Memory categories. While both slots are filled, System Profiler keeps reporting the lower slot EMPTY.

It turns out that the 1GB module I got must be defective because no matter which slot I put it in, my Mac won't recognize it or my Mac won't turn on. That a small area of gold has been rubbed off the underside of the pins of my 1GB module may indicate that the module is defective.

Upgrade aside, why isn't my Mac reporting 512MB with both 256MB modules in each slot?
Thanks.

PowerBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Dec 31, 2006 8:54 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 31, 2006 9:16 AM in response to marcedarcy

Hi

You may want to repost in the PowerBook forum as you may get better help.

However, lower memory slot failure doesn't seem to be uncommon in some of the Aluminium PowerBooks. Apple offered a repair program although it didn't seem to cover the 1.25GHz model:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303173

The following link contains some more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBook_G4

It mentions the following:

Presently, Apple has started a Repair Extension Program for PowerBooks affected by the issue, for up to 2 years from the original date of purchase, even if the computer is out of warranty. However this repair program does not include the G4 PowerBook 1.25 Ghz model, which are affected by the same problem.

Hopefully someone in the PowerBook forum will be able to offer some more advice. It could be a different problem entirely though I guess. Have you tried swapping the 256MB DIMMs over just to make sure the problem is with the slot itself?

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Answer 2

marcedarcy Author

Level 1

3 points

Jan 2, 2007 8:45 AM in response to Rodney Culling

I will repost in the PowerBook forum. Sorry for the mispost.

I did call Apple about the memory slot repair extension program. He said "too bad for you" (not in those words). Not only does my PowerBook's serial # fall outside the range given in the repair program, but my computer is nearly three years old. Apple recommended I take my computer to an authorized repair center and pay to get it fixed.

Painful Apple lesson of the day: discover any problems with your computer during the first year of purchase. If not, too bad.

I did swap all three modules in every conceivable combination. Deductive logic tells me the lower slot is dead.

Thanks.

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