iMac keeps shutting down after new RAM installation

I purchased some additional RAM so installed it into my iMac - upon booting up it got to the Apple logo, got 3 quarters of the way through on the progress bar before shutting down completely. I installed the RAM as safely as I could - made sure the lead was out, power was completely gone etc


I tried various combinations with the new RAM before trying the old RAM again only to find that the same thing was happening - the computer kept shutting down.


I've tried various things - I can't boot up into safe mode but i can go into recovery mode.


I've also gone into Verbose mode and there are errors, but i don't know what it means - is it something I need to take my iMac in for? Screenshot attachedUser uploaded file

iMac (27-inch, Late 2012), Mac OS X (10.7.5), null

Posted on May 9, 2018 6:39 AM

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10 replies

May 9, 2018 11:54 AM in response to babowa

I ran the hardware test, it came back with no faults found - i double checked the RAM (it only had the original RAM installed - that was supplied by Apple btw) and had hopes that it would now work but alas, no - same issue


I bought the newer RAM from Mr Memory in the UK - it says SKhynix KOREA on the chips


on the screenshot i posted, it seems to suggest something to do with the HD - it says:


CoreStorageGroup:completeIORequest - error 0xe00002ca detected for LVG 'Internal Drive' (4AFC4288-C8F2-4560-9843-991AD8FA4B8E)


amongst other things.. that make any sense? would the RAM installation somehow do something to the HD? (sorry, showing my ignorance here)


I've tried to attach a bigger screenshot ...User uploaded file

May 9, 2018 12:02 PM in response to Jay Robinson2

Screenshot: it shows disk error and that it could not be verified. So, you need to try to repair your hard drive - the RAM issue shouldn't be related, it may just be the drive, but at this point, it is hard to tell.


So, first try to repair from within Disk Utility. If that does not work, boot into internet recovery, once there, go to Disk Utility and repair the drive. It will show you if it did successfully or not. Booting into internet recovery means you'll see a rotating globe while connecting to Apple's servers - some key combos here:


https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904


After that, run the extended hardware test again.

May 9, 2018 8:56 AM in response to babowa

the new RAM purchased was 8GB DDR3 PC-312800 1600Mhz 204-pin SODIMM


the other RAM in there is 4GB 2rx8 PC3-12800S-11-10-F3


the 312900 was in slot 1&3 and the 12800 was in slot 2&4


i've tried different combinations since, none of which seem to work - including the combination that was working perfectly before I installed the additional new RAM


I also made sure to earth myself before installing


iMac is a late 2012 model, 3.4ghz core i7


The screenshot I attached previously - were there any clues in that

May 9, 2018 9:09 AM in response to Jay Robinson2

Ok, what brand RAM please (and is it "value" branded)?. Even though the specs may be the same, as was already mentioned, Macs are super particular about their RAM. The two most recommended here are either OWC or Crucial. Personally, I would not buy any other.


If it is one of those or we can't figure out anything else obvious, then it could be the RAM is faulty, not seated correctly, or there is a problem with the slots. Did you have any in the "new" slots previously?


Next step would be to run the Apple hardware test with the new RAM installed - have you done that yet? Run the extended test; it is by no means 100% foolproof, but may give an indication.


Depending on the outcome, next step is to contact the RAM vendor and get a replacement. If that still doesn't do it...


Last step would be to take it to Apple (Genius Bar appointment) and have them run diagnostics - their equipment is much better.


As for your screenshot, sorry, but I can't make out anything (too small).

May 9, 2018 1:50 PM in response to Jay Robinson2

Well then - for now - I'd assume that the entire problem is disk related - the RAM may have nothing to do with it - the drive may have decided to fail right at that time.


So, first thing: back up your files and/or make a bootable clone of your system. It appears that your hard drive is failing so you will need to either take it in or (since it's out of warranty) replace it yourself. I'd take it for a free diagnostic test at the Genius Bar first to make sure. You can also ask how much they'd want for a replacement. If that is too pricey, check with an AASP - they may be less expensive.


If you want to do it yourself, here is a good source for drives (or SSDs) and video instructions:


https://eshop.macsales.com/search/?q=late%202012%20imac%20upgrades&filter.catidp ath=4081


https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_27inch_late_2012/

May 9, 2018 2:35 PM in response to Jay Robinson2

If you want to try - fine; however, there is no guarantee. The disk error(s) may be fixable or not. All hard drives fail at some point - some sooner than later. (By the way, I had the very same iMac - great machine; sold it while it was still covered by Applecare). I have DW, so I'd probably try that first, but the diagnostic equipment at the Genius bar is very good and they'll check it for free.

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iMac keeps shutting down after new RAM installation

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