Ram or Graphics Issue 2011 MBP

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Level 1

18 points

Ram or Graphics Issue 2011 MBP

So my 2011 MBP, randomly and as of late, frequently starts beeping a set of 3 chimes, four times, before it shuts off and restarts.

I upgraded the ram about a year ago so I wasn't thinking this was the issue but that is what some other queries say.

Any other ideas? Video attached, sadly I only got one of the last set of chimes.

It's a very odd issue, as it has happened probably 4 times in the last week yet only maybe another 4 times in the past 4 months.

Early 2011 MBP base model

running 10.11.6

https://streamable.com/1drsu

Video link^

Posted on Dec 14, 2017 3:05 PM

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Answer 1

ipodperson1 Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 14, 2017 3:42 PM in response to Kappy

Seems to be ram then, three short, 5 second pause.

But, there is no issue on startup and it is only occasional plus my biggest question would ram cause a screen to do what it did in that video? This is the first time I've ever caught it usually it just wakes me up in the middle of the night -> doing nothing which also confuses me.

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Answer 2

Dec 14, 2017 4:00 PM in response to ipodperson1

The 13-in model uses shared Main memory for the display buffer. That is video is EXACTLY what it would look like if RAM were going bad.

Sometimes you could get more elaborate patterns, but by the time that happens, the memory is so bad the Mac will not boot any more.

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Answer 3

Dec 14, 2017 4:10 PM in response to ipodperson1

If you were able to do the RAM install without drawing blood, it is unlikely to be a socket. Standard models say that the DIMM itself is the most likely failure in a system that does not move around. But portable computers are subject to tremendous G-forces just being moved around in ordinary ways.

That said, the main reason Apple has gone to non-replaceable RAM is that 'eliminating the sockets' makes the entire computer much more reliable.

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Dec 14, 2017 3:21 PM in response to ipodperson1

Mac computers- About startup tones - Beeps

Intel-based Mac Power On Self Test RAM error beeps

Power On Self-Test Beep Definition - Part 2

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Answer 5

ipodperson1 Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 14, 2017 4:00 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Could it be possibly caused from a damaged ram slot as well? Not ruling out bad ram but I know I did not have the best time putting the ram in and in that case I suppose I'm hooped?

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Answer 6

ipodperson1 Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 14, 2017 4:10 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Makes sense.

Will try re-seating it and contacting the ram manufacturer.

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