How to repair lower memory slot ?

Hello,
I was the happy owner of a 15" PowerBook G4 until the lower memory slot died. The slot is said to be empty in system profiler (I've tried with different RAMs), but I still get the informations about the RAM in the lower slot when I boot on the hardware test DVD, althought it's written in red. I've already tried cleaning up the slot, reseting the NVRAM, the PMU and reinstalling an OS with no effect. My computer is out of warranty, (and the problem is not recognized by Apple on the 1.25 model - that doesn't mean I won't buy another mac, but I won't give them more money because they screwed it up !), but I need it to work as long as possible (waiting for 64 bits Macbooks ...).
I have all the tools needed to open the computer, resolder some components if needed, or change them.
What can I do to repair it ? What is damaged ?
Thanks for your time,
Jeremy

I would still contact Apple as they have acknowledged this as a fault haven't they on other models? And if a free fix is up for grabs I would grab it myself. So do contact Apple and see what they say, if you haven't already.
As regards soldering, the circuit boards would probably have been soldered using the flow solder technique. Basically they are dipped into a bath of solder I believe which is a simplified explenation.
You will probably need a very fine soldering point to your soldering iron and some means to 'suck' the old solder out first before applying new solder to do the job properly. There will be a lot of pins to solder, I hope you have a big magnifying glass and a very steady hand. Remember don't try and solder too many in one go as the heat will build up in the board, so do a few and let it cool down in between.
Good Luck if you do try to solder them.
Phil

Similar Messages

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

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)

TS1702 How to fix low memory issues when restarting iPod doesn't work?

I am having trouble with several apps ceasing and my on screen keyboard having serious delays, it appears to be low memory.

Once you get to the sliding bottom row you touch and hold any app until they all start to wiggle. Then tap circled minus sign by all the app the "delete" them. Then click the home button to get back to normal. Then power off by depressing and holding the Power button until you get the slide to power off slider. Slide that slider. The turn on the iPod

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.

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?

Replaced my HDD on iMac (9,1) and screw of memory slot grille is useless. How to replace it?

My original iMac drive was slow & would sometimes not show at all (Some other of my drives would have to be used as Startup Disk) so I decided to replace it. I bought a 4TB HDD from OWC & proceeded with the installation. Couldn't beleive how much dust was in there!
After replacement, when I went to close the bottom grille—the one which gives access to the memory slots—I found the screw had its head slagged & I couldn't make it turn. I need a replacement, but can't find it anywhere.
Anybody?

Tale the grill cover into an Apple repair station. I'm sure they can replace either the cover w/screw or the screw.

How do I get access to the SODIMM memory slots on a Pavilion Sleekbook 14-b010us? (Under Keyboard?)

I think the memory slots are located on the motherboard under the keyboard, but I don't know how to release the keyboard once the designated screws are released. Any tips would be appreciated.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi:
Below is the link to the service manual for your notebook.
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03590565.pdf
Please refer to chapter 4, pages 39 - 42 for info on how to remove the keyboard.
Looks to me that there is a lot more involved to install memory than just removing the keyboard.

How do I locate non picture files and location? I'm getting low memory and can't find word,PDF etc

how do I locate non picture files and location? I'm getting low memory and can't find word,PDF etc

iPads don't have a filesystem like a computer, Files of that nature must be associated with an App and reside inside that particular App's file space. So the way to find them is to open the App that opens that file type and look in its file or document list for them.

How do I solve low memory ?

My ipad screen keeps bouncing back to homescreen . Low memory ? How do I restore it ?

I'm having same problem. Thought it may be cos battery needed replacing. Got a post up about it too but no replies yet. Let me know if anyone replies to you with an answer and I'll do same. Driving me mad!

I have new memory modules, 2x2 2GB DDR2 --800 SO DIMM0 to install in I-Mac early2008 ,currently with 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM. How do I find the memory slots ? I have the 4GB replacement modules from Crucial and general instr's., not specific to I-Mac.

I have new memory modules, 2x2 2GB DDR2 --800 SODIMM MAC to install into I-Mac early2008 ,currently with 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM. How do I find the memory slots ? I have the 4GB replacement modules from Crucial and general instr's., not specific to I-Mac.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+24-Inch+EMC+2111+RAM+Replacement/5196

How can I sort the iphone 3g low memory messages

Please, please can anybody help me?
I am getting these messages despite removing unnecessary apps and music and pictures?
I have read;
"In order to fix this, SSH into your iDevice or use iPhoneBrowser/DiskAid etc to locate /var/mobile/Library/RYP/logs. In this location, simply delete the rockapp_[date].log file (where date will correspond to the date of the file’s creation/modification. That’s it. The low memory warnings will no longer bug you."
But I do not understand or know how to administer these actions.
Thank you,
dvtrv
I HAVE SOFTWARE VERSION 4.2.1

Has the device been jailbroken?
dave190 wrote:
"In order to fix this, SSH into your iDevice or use iPhoneBrowser/DiskAid etc to locate /var/mobile/Library/RYP/logs. In this location, simply delete the rockapp_[date].log file (where date will correspond to the date of the file’s creation/modification. That’s it. The low memory warnings will no longer bug you."
But I do not understand or know how to administer these actions.
The above is only accessible on jailbroken devices which are not supported here.
What is the exact error being displayed on the device?
Has any attempt been made at managing the media on the device via iTunes?

How can I disable the notification centre? How can I fix the low memory of my iPod?

Does somebody know how to disable the notification centre?
It is annoying!
If I want to play Fruit Ninja it always opens und if I want to scroll on youtube too.
Could somebody help me?
Since iOS 5.0.1 my iPod has very low memory.
More than the half of them are running not or only bad.
Before iOs 5.0.1 I could use all Apps normaly.

- From the users guide:
Turn notifications on or off: Go to Settings > Notifications. Tap an item in the list, then turn
notifications on or off for that item.
- Closing unused app via the task bar and periodically powering off and back on helps.

Bootcamp: How to transfer more memory to the windows side? i'm running low

Wondering if you anyone knows how to transfer more memory to the windows side (partition) without having to uninstall bootcamp and start over...... I am running low on memory on the windows side but don't have either of the software disks to start over.

Too many people don't allocate enough storage space (memory = RAM) and make the partition too small.
Only things you can do is backup both OS X and Windows, remove the BootCamp Partition, reformat the full drive, and restore.
WinClone will help you with Windows. http://www.twocanoes.com
SuperDuper or TimeMachine or Disk Utility Restore with OS X.

HT1338 My Macbook Pro 13" says that I have no more memory in my startup disk. I've tried clearing files and folders and deleting applications but it still says that I have low memory. How do I fix it?

My MacBook Pro 13" says that I have no more memory in my startup disk. I have tried deleting applications, files, folders, and it still says I have low memory. What is taking up all that space?

First -- do the target disk backup. Somehow get a backup.
You might try booting to Single user mode: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1492 and removing the files in the command line. When you put files in the trash, the space is still used up until the trash is emptied.
using rm command removes it totally. Just be very careful because you remove the wrong file, and you have to relad the system

How to repair lower memory slot ?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for