Problem Installing Additional Memory -- Older G4 15"

Question

I am having a problem installing additional memory this computer:
Machine Name: Powerbook G4 15"
Machine Model: Powerbook 5,2
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 256 MB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.7.1f1
Serial Number: V734***RY
The symptoms are the same as those described here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303173
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Tom
Powerbook 5,2   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

Answer 1

tguild,
Our PB's are sensitive to the memory used - cheap memory typically doesn't work, although the raw specs, PC2700 DDR SDRAM, may meet Apple's published specs. Three brands that seem to consistently work in our PB's are Crucial, Kingston, and Samsung (which is used by Apple as factory fill). Both Crucial and Kingston have memory selectors on their site, so you get the correct RAM (Crucials fitment guarantee requires you use their memory selector).
Crucial is available from www.crucial.com, Kingston from www.kingston.com (choose specials/promotions/25% off notebook memory for a reduced price), and one source for Samsung chips is OWC at www.macsales.com.
So, make sure you've got quality memory. Your PB serial number is outside the range covered by the Apple repair program. I would make sure that with quality memory, it's doing what you want it to do before shipping it off for repair. Some with the lower socket issue have chosen to use one RAM strip in the upper slot, and not pay for repair. I've seen estimates of $350 and up to repair it for those not covered by the repair program, and some have lucked out by having their local Apple store fix it, even though it's outside the serial number range.
You only have 256mb today - OS X really likes more memory, so if you can upgrade to at least 512mb, or even 1gb, you'll be happier with the performance.