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Lower RAM slot not working on PowerBook G4s (#2): How to determine if your PowerBook is affected; more

Lower RAM slot not working on PowerBook G4s (#2): How to determine if your PowerBook is affected; more

CNET staff
2 min read

We've received a strong response to an issue where the lower RAM slot in the PowerBook G4 Aluminum fails. Despite switching modules and performing a variety of maintenance procedures, many users are unable to persuade memory located in the slot to be recognized.

How to determine if your PowerBook is affected Surprisingly, many readers were not aware of this problem until yesterday's report caused them to check their available RAM via the "About this Mac" menu or the Apple System Profiler (located in Applications/Utilities).

A reader writes "Thanks for the heads up! I would not have noticed that my 1GB stick of ram was not showing up had I not seen your article. I checked immediately after reading your article and noticed that I'm only showing 512MB. Ouch! That also probably explains the slow startups I've been having and some other odd weirdness."

In order to make sure that the problem is not a faulty or mal-installed RAM module, startup from the Apple Hardware Test CD that was included with your PowerBook and run the available tests. If an error code concerning the lower RAM slot pops up, you're likely affected by this issue. Otherwise, try swapping the unrecognized RAM module for another.

Confirmation from Apple Service Provider An employee of an Apple Service Provider sent us confirmation that this issue is occurring on a fairly widespread basis:

"I work for an Apple service provider and I can confirm this issue as I have seen it several times and have had to send units to Apple for this. In some cases the RAM slot fails after a period of initial use and in other cases the slot fails immediately."

What is being replaced Most users are experiencing relatively quick turnaround times when submitting their afflicted PowerBooks for repair. The part being replaced, in most cases, is the logic board:

  • 630-4721: PCBA, MLB 1.25GHZ, PB15"

One reader writes "Just to let you know that I experienced this failure on my 1.25GHz 15" (Aluminium) PowerBook G4 about a month ago. Swapping RAM cards over confirms the problem as will running System Profiler. Booting off the Hardware Test DVD, running the hardware system test program and noting the error code will save time on the phone when reporting the problem.

"Luckily the machine was still under warranty and Apple collected, repaired and returned it to me in 4 working days."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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