Works with Battery but freezes with AC

Question

I replaced the RAM two weeks ago (1G->2G) and ever since my 17" PB has gone to the dogs. First I had random system crashes. The computer would freeze and a message would appear telling me to shut down the computer.
I thought bad RAM. I replaced them again...
Now I have a new problem.
The laptop freezes whenever I plug in the AC. Works with the battery OK. The AC will charge the battery if the computer is turned off but I can't have the computer on and the AC plugged in at the same time. It freezes instantly. No error message. I zapped the PRAM and reset the PMU but nothing changed.
I already ordered a new Macbook but obviously I don't want to throw the PB in the garbage. It has worked flawlessly for the past 3.5 years.

Answer 1

Have you put the original Samsung memory back in to see if these symptoms still occur? Powerbooks are sensitive to the quality of memory used, due in part to it's use of memory bus slewing, where the power to the memory bus is throttled based on systems needs, which reduces battery usage and heat.
Memory can meet the Apple specs and cause problems like kernel panics and other issues. I would put the Samsung memory back in, and if everything works, then the replacement memory isn't suitable. In addition to Samsung, Crucial and Kingston (not their value ram, however) are two other brands that work reliably. Recent posts say that PNY memory has worked too (you can scan the discussions for other brands that have also worked).
If you go with Crucial or Kingston, use the memory selectors on their web sites to determine which of their memory will work. Samsung I usually look to OWC at http://www.macsales.com,