Bad memory slot

After lots of tests using mac hardware test, and switching various memory pairs into different slots, I conclude that one of the slots is bad. It is slot J44 on my 1.8 dual G5.
Before I take the G5 into a shop to get a new slot installed, I thought I'd ask here first, just in case there's a less drastic maintenance I might be able to try on my own. For instance, is there any chance i might solve the problem by cleaning the slot with a toothbrush dipped in some solvent? If so what solvent do I use? Anything else i might try?
Is swapping a single slot something i might try on my own? Or do I have to swap an entire bank of 4 slots? I can use a screw driver OK. I'm no pro with solder.
any advice is much appreciated.

Hi Jim,
Before I take the G5 into a shop to get a new slot installed...
I doubt any shop can do that, I believe it's a 5 layer Logic board & there's only one place in Germany that has had success & will accept the job of reflowing the Logic board.
For instance, is there any chance i might solve the problem by cleaning the slot with a toothbrush dipped in some solvent?
Highly unlikely, it's almost always due to the Lead Free Solder they started using on the G5s, it tends to lose contact due to expansion from heat & contraction from cooling.
I have heard of a couple of success stories using a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun around the slots, I think one person also baked one at 350°F for a half hour.

Similar Messages

Do I have a bad memory slot and what to do about it.

About 3 weeks ago when I came down to my computer, intel imac purchased may 2006, in the morning the screen was black and power button was lit, keyboard did not work and the computer would not wake up from sleep. Rebooted and the power light would come one, no chime or screen power up, and the keyboard would not respond (ie caps lock key would light up). Tried multiple reboots and pulling everything connected out but nothing worked. Next on the torubleshooting list was to remove the ram. With both chips removed, 1gb and 512mb, I would get the flashing powerlight when starting up. I placed back in the 512 chip which is in the slot furthest from the front and the same symptons of just a solid power light with nothing else was exhibited. Removed the chip and placed the 1gb chip back into the slot closest to the front of the computer, everything worked fine. Startup was normal etc. Next, I removed the 1gb chip and put it into the slot towards the back and it would not work, next, moved the 512 chip to the front and all is well. Therefore, I think I have a bad memory slot given the torubleshooting procedures. Is this a correct assumption?
Here are my questions:
1. Are there any software solutions that will tell if the memory slot is indeed bad?
2. Does this sound like a hardware issue or is there an update to the core system that would fix this problem?
3. In order to get this repaired, would I take the imac to the apple store?
4. The computer was purchased in May 2006, if I purchased an applecare protection plan, would that cover the repairs or does it need to be purchased within 90 days of the computer?
Thanks in advance.

I think that sounds like a firmware update gone bad. Apple page I found says: "In the rare case that your computer displays a black screen after start up, you will need to restore your computers firmware back to factory condition before you can apply firmware update."
Dont know, but sounds like it.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303364
may be worth a try.

Do memory slots ever go bad?

The mac started hanging on start up and wanted me to restart so I was never able to fully load the OS. I thought maybe it was the hard drive so I put a new hard drive in and then started trying to run the hardware test.
I received lots of errors trying to even get the hardware test to run. I removed all peripherals. I then decided that the hard drive may not be the problem, but maybe it is the memory that is the problem. I removed one of the memory modules, and after several tries was able to get the hardware test to run. It stopped after noting there was a problem with the one memory module. (Error Code - 2MEM/1/4: DIMMO/J4000) I put in the second memory module in the place of the original. I received the same error. I then tried both memory modules individually in the second slot.I received an error for the second memory slot. (Error Code - 2MEM/1/4:DIMM1/J4001) I am not sure if it is important to note or note, but I tried this test with the old and new hard drives, and neither had any problems with the hardware test. Also, when trying to run the hardware test with each new configuration, I always had to try several times before I was able to get the hardware test to run as I was receiving crash messages before I was able to get to the actual test.
I am beginning to think that there is a bigger problem than just the memory modules going bad because it seems weird to me that they would both have gone bad at the same time.
Any suggestions on what I should try next or ideas on what the underlying problem might be?

Your memory slots may have gone bad or your memory may have gone bad, try running Rember for a few loops and see what it reports.
The message you received is indeed a kernel panic, try looking at Dr Smoke's Resolving Kernel Panics for solutions.
Message was edited by: MGW

MS-7003 Memory slots

Fresh post on this problem:
My MS-7003 mobo had just come back from being RMAed
The problem i had at first was that i kept getting bsod errors when my 256mb micron memory was plugged into slot 2 on my mobo. so i ran MemTest86 V3.2 and got errors on test 5. The memory is fine when tested in slot 1.
I still have this problem with slot 2 even after RMA. Only now i get errors in test 5 & 8
Is this just a problem with not having any memory in slot 1? I only have one stick of 256 so i cannot test without buying more ram (which i can't afford atm) But in my mind the ram should work on it's own in either slot anyway!
Or is slot 2 still duff? The mobo ram and cpu came as a bundle so should be compatible.
My concern is when i come to use both memory slots at the same time. i.e i upgrade with another 256 ram will the memory in slot 2 cause errors?
All help appreciated.

Hi Harib0,
I'm running the MS-7003 mobo in my media centre PC.
Stumbled across your post while looking for BIOS flashes for the board, and thought I'd do some testing.
Have been running a P4 1.8A (512K Northwood) and 256MB micron DDR333 (2.5-3-3-8) in slot 1. Onboard graphics and sound and is running fine for me.
Tried running memtest-86 with this module in slot1 and slot2, no errors.
Tried 2 x 256MB Corsair VS DDR400 (3-3-4-8), slot1 and slot2 individually and both together, no errors.
Tried 2 x 512MB Corsair VS DDR400 (3-3-4-8), slot1 and slot2 individually and both together, no errors.
Tried 2 x 512MB Crucial (micron) Ballistix DDR400 (2-2-2-6), slot1 and slot2 individually and both together, no errors.
So the memory works fine on my board. Got my board from an OEM source as well it has BIOS version 1.0b31 which I assume is a beta BIOS. If you are using a different BIOS I'd really appreciate it if you could save it and send it to me before you RMA the board. If you install msi's live update 3 you can do this in windows with the following utility:
C:\Program Files\MSI\Live Update 3\FlashUty\Award\WinFlash.exe
I think you could be having one of 2 problems.
1. Bad BIOS that needs updating, although the update may not be available. I can check your BIOS on my system if you send it to me and perhaps my BIOS will resolve your problem.
2. Motherboard does not support your CPU. Again a BIOS update could solve this one but I wouldn't hold your breath for MSI to release one. This is an interesting link where MSI clearly state that "Pentium 4 Prescott (Celeron) - 2.8G - 533 - 21 - NO" does not work. MSI seem to be using a BIOS v1.1 and a lot of the Prescott CPU's seem to be incompatible.
http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support_detail.php?UID=537&kind=1
I’ve got a P4 3.0 I could test in the board but it’s a 512K 800FSB Northwood so I doubt there will be any problems. MSI’s site says the board works fine with 3.0 Northwood’s and Prescott’s.
Hope this is of some help and you get to keep the board cos the 9100 IGP is the best integrated graphics you can get.

Lower memory slot doens't like me anymore!

I have a Powerbook 1.25mhz that had 768mb of RAM (1-512mb + 1-256mb). With Aperture, you need at least 1GB so I ordered another 512mb to replace the 256mb module. After installing the new 512mb, my system would lock up hard after booting to the desktop. Tried the memory in both slots, alone and with the other module. No dice...locked everytime. So, I removed the new 512mb and sent it back for a replacement. Meanwhile I put the 512mb and 256mb back in and everything was fine. Get the replacement 512mb module back and installed it. No lockups...but now the Powerbook only sees 512mb total, not 1gb. It's showing only the top slot has memory installed...here we go! Remove the memory from the lower slot and reinstall the 256mb and everything is fine but I'm only at 768mb. Remove the 256mb from the lower slot and reinstalled a 512mb module. No dice again...only have 512mb with the lower slot showing empty. Put the 256mb back in and now it's not working either. I have two 512mb modules and the 256mb module. No matter what I try now, the lower slot is dead. Any thoughts?
If the slot is bad, I've heard it requires a motherboard replacement which might cost up to $800. If it does take that to get it fixed, I'm on the fence. Should I get it replaced or just wait another two or three months and hopefully go with one of the Intel based Powerbooks that everyone is expecting? I don't want to buy a current Powerbook and then a year from now, have no software to run on it...
A

I'm starting to get a little nervous about this memory slot/logic board issue.
I'd like to upgrade the memory in my 1.25GHz Powerbook, but I'm worried that I will get a logic board failure if I try to upgrade the lower slot. Is this an issue with all Powerbooks, or just the newer ones?
I'm confused, as some say their problem started when upgrading to 10.4.3, some say it's an issue when changing RAM in the lower slot on the "new" Powerbooks, and now Al says it's happened on his 1.25GHz machine?
I have had no problems with my factory installed RAM, and I really wasn't thinking of messing with the lower slot, just putting more in the upper slot, but since I have around 5 months left on my warranty, I was wondering if I should try putting new RAM in the lower slot, to see what happens.
I would hate to leave it, until after my warranty runs out, then find I need more RAM, and then have this dreaded "lower slot failure".
I don't really need the hassle, but if my lower slot is going to fail when upgrading memory, then I need to know while I'm still covered. It seems to be a major fault, that needs to be addressed by Apple, it shouldn't need people to have to take legal action to sort out! I've heard of one guy having FOUR separate logic boards fitted, and the problem still hasn't been resolved!
Alum Powerbook G4, 1.25Ghz Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Bad memory modules or motherboard??

I rearranged the cables in my case and now I'm not able to boot using dual channel memory configuration. It worked before just fine!
I've got two 512MB twinmos twister pc3500 modules.
D-bracket indicates bad memory module if I try to setup dual channel using dimm 1 and dimm 3. I've tried other dual channel combinations with the same result.
I can only boot using dimm 1! using the other slots get me the bad memory module status on the d-bracket. I've tested both mem modules in slot 1 and I am able to boot so it seems the mem modules are OK. Or are they OK for just single channel config?
Do I have a faulty motherboard or are the memory modules bad?
MSI 865PE neo2 fisr rev 1.00
2x512MB twinmos twister pc3500

Christ! what is it with these MSI boards?
The 2 848P's i tried both worked fine with a single 512mb strip in, but put another in and the D Bracket Light 2 stays and the PC fails to boot or reboot properly - it's totally hit n miss.
See my thread for the unbelievable amount of problems i've had with the 848P! :
http://www.msi.com.tw/program/e_service/forum/index.php?threadid=31192&sid=
I'm RMA'ing both 848P's as i've tried everything, now even the forum moderators say rma the boards so i know its nothing trivial happening here... They're even going to get MSI to look at my thread - so hopefully they will take notice!
Am i to take it that the 865 also has similar problems, ffs!
Is there a stable MSI mobo available that will take 2 DDR's sticks or not?

Memory slots on MSI 970 main board

Hey,
So I had a total of 8GB of RAM, in 2 GB sticks so they basically were one in each memory slot.
But I upgraded to 16GB (two 8GB sticks) and wondering if it matters which slots they should go in and if they're not in the right slots could that cause...

Quote from: Nichrome on Today at 00:13:34Not bad choice. But personally would grab Corsair Vengeance (or Kingston HyperX)
What PSU you think of?
probably a kentek 600w. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

Power pc G5 2004 dual 1.8 memory slot repair or re soldering help .

Hi I have a problem with my motherboard with slots one & two . I ran apple asd and the test told me its got a bad slot in them it also booted to 1 gig of ram for some reason . My last motherboard did about the same thing . I have a apple dual 1.8 processor a 2004 model . Its got 4 dims slots in if it helps you understand what Im talking about . well slots one and two are bad , but it I reboot it osx will see the ram as 2 gig of it . So Im thinking its got a problem with some lose solder joints in slot 1&2 . Can I resolder those joints . I understand it got lead free solder in it thats why it not making contact very well after some time of use .I was told that lead solder is better for them . I hate to take it apart again just to repair the bad solder joint . If you know of anyone on this board that repaired the memory slot on the main motherboard let me know.

Replacing the solder is a lot (emphasis on "a lot") more difficult than reflowing the solder.
If you are asking here on how to do something that you intend to sell, then I dare say that your technical skills may be inadequate for the venture.
Needless to say, solder application by hand would require a high degree of skill.
It is not the lead free solder, per se, that is the issue.
It is the lead free solder of the era and the character that allows a brittleness to develop over time. This when combined with constant expansion and contraction causes the fractures in the solder and BGA that create the connection issues.
When it comes down to a "nothing to lose" proposition, a DIY repair (or attempt) for self use using the described methods is more than adequate.
One pro company that does reflows (Golytronic) does just that, reflow. They don't replace the solder.
They also use commercial ovens, and even then, things don't always work out.......
BTW, the multi heating cycle of the solder is that which helps to give "elasticity" to the solder.....
Just so that you understand me, I dare say that I have overly simplified a fairly technical process.
I DO NOT endorse this information for commercial purposes.

Do I have bad ram or a bad ram slot?

I just tried to install 1gig of ram into my new 17" iSight. I can feel the ram "snap" into place so it is fully seated. However, the Mac still shows only 512mb of memory. Hardware Profiler shows the ram slot as Empty. I tried unseating and reseating the ram about 5 times with the same result.
I ran Apple Hardware Test and got the following error
post/0/2048
Without the ram installed AHT passes all tests.
I googled this error and saw many hits where people had a bad ram slot (not bad ram). So my question is, what happens when the ram is bad. Does it show the slot as empty. And if so, how can I tell the difference between bad ram and a bad slot on the motherboard? Is the AHT error for bad memory different?
Thanks all.

I went through the same thing. The slot was bad and they had to replace the motherboard. The Apple Care tech came to my home with the new mb on Friday. Two and one half hours from start to finish. This is a very complicated machine now. You have to go through the front of the machine to get to the mb. But after the new board all the memory is seen. And what a difference in performance!
BTW, the error message the AHT said was: Memory error on startup, 0/0/2048. Whatever that means.
Good luck.
Dan Reilly

Memory slots on Lenovo G560

How many RAM memory slots has G560? I have 3GB of ram, 2 modules,first of 2GB and second 1GB. But when I run CPU-Z program it shows me 2 more free slots for ram. I couldnt find in user manual any information about memory slots and my laptop is under warranty yet so I dont want to open it to check,but I want to know how many slots are really there. Does anybody know?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

standard memory: 2 gb (removable) or 4 gb (removable)
maximum memory: 4 gb using a 32-bit operating system / 8 gb using a 64-bit operating system
expansion: 2 sockets
cpu & chipset: intel core i3 intel hm55
mfgr's system p/n's: 0679-xxx

Powerbook Lower Memory Slot Issue, what are my options?

Hi there,
I have a Powerbook G4 1.5ghz that I purchased in October of 2004. I had no problems with it until after upgrading the RAM to 2 x 512mb chips and then installing Tiger which resulted in me later notcing the missing RAM and learning about the lower memory slot failure issue.
I find that sometimes if I remove the RAM and try and power it up and then replace the RAM again that the lower slot ocassionaly does come back. Trouble is though that the machine will either crash or I loose the other RAM slot when I have to shut it down. It seems to be so intermittent this way and I'm tired of constantly removing the RAM to fiddle about with it.
My serial number begins W8441, so it isn't covered by the returns programe. I would call Apple Support, but I am put off by a £35 charge just to have them discuss and diagnose the problem.
I'm in the UK and as I don't have Applecare and I'm not elgiable for the returns programe can anyone tell me what they charge for a logic board replacment? Looking at what they charge in the US, it's not cheap.
I use my Powebook for Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, After Effects mainly and I had been alright with 1gig when it was working.
I'm really trying to decide what the best thing to do is....
- Do I pay for the logic board replacement, which I'm not really sure I can afford right now, or to be without my machine... especially as I have read that it can just fail again.
- Should I just buy a 1gig stick for the upper slot and try and sell my old RAM, as that would be cheaper than getting the logic board replaced?
It's a real shame that Apple doesn't seem to want to ackowledge that this effects other users as I'd been so impressed with everything about Apple up until now.
Thanks for any advice.

(Browse down for findings and questions).
The notorious lower-memory-slot-bug has hit my finally too... I never believed it until now (and I've immediately signed the petition).
I am outside warranty and I never bought Applecare either.
Also my powerbook, a very dear machine to me, is a less common type to have this problem: a 1 GHz G4 15" FireWire 800 OS 10.3.9 type. Funny enough my older powerbook ( a G3 Bronze) is still running strong with no problems whatsoever.
My G4 15" also has the "white spots" problem and a dead superdrive... I cannot believe how many hardware problems I'm having with this machine in comparison to all my older macs - even my sluggish powerMac 7200/90 never gave me this many headaches...
Alright, I'll stop complaining for now.
I've been able to browse the internet on this and found the following statements:
The lower memory slot gets "fried" because of a OS 10.3.9 upgrade,
or possibly due to overheating when the powerbook is put on the users' lap,
or possibly due to picking the powerbook up by the corners so the metal gets bent.
+ I have only seen one case where someone's UPPER memory slot was defective.
The solution to this problem (replacing the logic board) didn't seem to be definate in many cases so I'm reluctant to try this myself (and I have very little money). The alternative (replacing the upper slot memory with a bigger type of RAM) seems a bit scary to me,
because I wonder:
-will the upper memory slot RAM get "fried" eventually as well after a while?
-do you need to have something installed in the lower slot or is it possible to just install one RAM card only?
-are there more people with a 1 GHz PB that have this problem? It seems it's mostly people with a 1,67 GHz that have been bitten by this bug and maybe that's why Apple decided to give the majority a free repair. I am not sure whether that is a common policy, I am part of the minority it seems.
As a solutions someone posted on a board that we should all buy KTA-PBG4333/1G RAM, but here in Dutch stores it is said this memory is only compatible with 17" powerbooks....
Does anyone know if it is suitable for 15" as well??
G4 Powerbook Mac OS X (10.3.9) 1 GHz G4 Powerbook FW800

Memory Slot Utility "memory modules are installed in the recommended slots"

I've got two Mac Pros that give me this message. Every time I boot them up the Memory Slot Utility gives me the message that my memory modules are installed in the recommended slots.
This started after I installed an additional 8GB of RAM, bringing them up to 16GB. 8x2GB sticks.
I checked the login items and it's not there, so what else could I be missing?

I have this problem too on a Mac Pro Quad Early 2009.
Has 2x4GB + 2x1GB Runs fine with 10GB, but everytime I log in the memory utility pops up as if I have a problem.
How do I stop it annoying me?

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.

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?

Memory slot utility

Hi everyone
I have just upgraded my mac pro early 2009 with an ATI 5870 and an extra 1gig of ddr3 ram.
All seems to be fine no problems all the ram checks out ok and is working but this utility keeps telling me everytime I boot up or log out and into another profile that the memory modules are installed in the correct slots which is really nice to know but does it have to tell me this every time as once is enough.
I have tried moving the memory modules around as slots 1 2 3 had the base ram installed at the factory I then added the extra 1 gig in the 4th slot and started getting the message as stated above. So I swapped the ram around with one of the base ram sticks and put one of them in the 4th slot still the same but when you remove the ram from slot 4 and boot up with 3gig of ram its all happy again.
So I then placed the ram in slot 4 3 and 2 leaving the 1st slot empty and the utility tells me it is the wrong configuration which is fine as thats expected as it will not give optimised preformance i just wanted to see its reaction.
I have phoned apple and they gave me a number for a local shop and the guy there said he has had this happen as well just make sure software and firmware are up to date and it should clear which of course they are and I have double checked.
So for now I went into system on mac HD and then into core services and removed the memory slot utility and placed it somewhere else for safe keeping and it has stopped now but thats because it can't use the utility.
I am stumped I can't see this being hardware it seems it could be software or a bug not sure either way I am covered under warranty but I just want to get to the bottom of this other people have reported this on these forums but not mentioned how they got on.
My next step is to reinstall lion I have my old osx leopard cd's also and then I can reinstall everything else from scratch but this seems extreeme
If anyone has any ideas I would be really gratefull
Kind Regards
Martin

Thanks for the replies and the suggestions much appreciated for now I have disabled the memory slot utility as I know the memory is installed correctly so I don't need it.
I went into the finder then into systems and then core services and removed the memory slot utility which is no problem all fixed the only thing that does concern me is if it is a problem that needs addressing because if I need a new processor board I would rather apple pay for it while I am with applecare as those babies cant be cheap.
My applecare service expires next september so I will keep an eye on things for now.
I have done some more checks my ram is fine no problems my system checks out ok and all is running fine as it has for the past two years since I bought my mac pro.
All my ram is apple certified ram and they are all equal memory modules 1gig in size each.
Memory can be added to slots 1 2 3 no messages but any ram added to slot 4 and it tells me the memory modules are installed correctly which really warms my heart but just don't tell me this every time I boot up and log in and out it tends to get on your nerves after a while.
Also if we do something that is not correct like put memory in slot 4 3 2 leaving slot 1 empty it then gives you a longer message telling you its all wrong and to swap them around which is fine as I did that on purpose just to see what would happen.
So do you think I am worrying to much and I should just chill out on this I found my fix just take the memory slot utility out of core services and it is all fine or like X423424X said enabling root though I went for the safe option and just removed the memory utility.
I know I am not alone I have searched the web and on this forum and there are others out there and everyone has different solutions the guy I spoke to at my local apple authorised reseller said he had the same thing happen but it was his firmware but that is not the case for me and others as that is all up to date and my software is also current.
Do you think its a hardware issue or software is there cause for concern as these things are not cheap.
Again thanks for your suggestions and comments its appreciated if anyone does find out what this is please let me know as it is playing on my mind I am one of these people who has to find the solution or cause I can't leave things be.
kind regards
Martin

Satellite 1900-303: Is memory slot 2 configurable?

I have a satellite 1900-303 and I ask someone to tell me please if the expansion memory slot 2 is configurable. If it is, what for? To share video memory?
I have seen on one site that is configurable, but on users manual is not mentioned that and I need to be sure before to buy another memory module.
[Edited by: admin on 08-Jan-06 19:16]

Hi
This unit has a ATI MOBILITY RADEON with 32 MB video ram and like Barrie said its not a shared memory graphic card. In this case the memory upgrade doesnt increase this graphic video memory size. But of course the bigger memory size increases the notebook performance.
Regards

Bad memory slot

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