IBook Freeze Up Memory(?) Problem

Question

I have a 14” 800 MHz G3. It has 128 MB permananent RAM and came with another 128MB in the additional slot. Shortly after buying the iBook in 2003, I bought a 512MB memory module to bring the total RAM up to the maximum of 640MB.
Everything went quite swell for a number of years. Then, earlier this summer, our computer started doing some quirky freezing up which got progressively worse until we could not turn it on for more than a minute or so before everything would freeze and we would get the gray screen of death.
I ran the Hardware Test disc that came with the machine and it identified the problem as coming from the auxilliary memory slot. Lo and behold, when I took out the additional memory module, the computer functioned normally again (although, of course, very slowly with only 128MB total RAM). So I thought I had identified the memory module as the culprit, which seemed to be confirmed by the fact that the iBook also operated correctly (and marginally faster) when I reinstalled the additional 128MB module that had come with the machine.
I returned the purchased module to the retailer (lifetime warranty) for a warranty replacement and they sent me a new module. When I installed that one, the computer acted funky for a few times, then began to work normally. But this only lasted a couple of days and soon it was freezing up in a matter of minutes again. And again, the Hardware Test indicated the 512MB module as causing an error and removing it and putting in the original 128MB cured the problem.
I contacted the retailer and they informed me (1) that the module they sent me had been tested before shipping; (2) that they tested the module I had returned to them and found no problems with it; and (3) that the iBook memory slot is known to go bad and cause problems. Also, when I was searching for information on the web, I came across some references to the upgrade to version 10.3.9 creating issues.
Does anyone have any ideas about this?
Thanks.

Answer 1

You hadn't mentioned the multi-language message. What you are seeing are _kernel panics_, and bad memory is one of the most common causes.
Have you tried running the Apple Hardware Test CD with the 128 MB module installed? That would be a sure check on whether it is the memory module or the slot.
I think your RAM vendor is not being truthful with you. If the slot checks out, call and tell them that the 128 MB RAM module you have works perfectly fine in your computer, but their 512 MB module does not. This contradicts their contention that the fault lies with the computer. It can't possibly be so.
I wouldn't accuse them of lying. I would suggest that perhaps this module was damaged in shipping (and ignore their assertion that the one shipped back tested out okay). Tell them you want a replacement until you get one that works or you want your money back so you can buy one elsewhere.
Good luck.