Alum. iMac 24" memory replacing problem

[mrat93]

I just received my 4gb RAM set from Crucial. I took the bottom piece off to see the memory slots. I checked multiple online guides including Apple's and some video tutorial. Every guide I checked said to untuck a tab and pull it to remove the memory. However, I see no tab to pull on the slot with the memory the other (empty) slot has the tab. I called Apple and they said to bring it to a store, but I dont want to have to unplug and carry everything, and I need my computer almost every day for school. Any suggestions?

 

[mrat93]

Anybody got anything? I really dont want to have my parents drive me tomorrow to Apple.

 

[hardhatmac]

when I opened mine the tab was folded over the edge of the ram.....I wonder if yours got tucked underneath it....

I would look real closely under the ram (closest to the front of the computer) and see if the plastic flap got tucked under there....


and if your just going to throw away the 1 gig stick that your pulling out, then a couple needle nose plyers should work fine....they might damage the ram (but your replacing it)....so if that's ok then go for it...


All the plastic tab does is pull on the ram from the bottom closest to where it plugs in.....

 

[Italchef]

I know what I may do in that situation, but I'm reluctant to even post that on here. I replaced my factory 1GB with a 2x2GB kit. I untucked the tab and the thing shot straight out into my lap using little force. There is youtube video showing the new iMac when it just came out and the guy in it had a bit of trouble removing the original chip. He explains later how he did it. The chip pops straight out. Needle nose pliers? The only thing about not doing it yourself that I can think of is that if you want to re-sell the RAM, having a pro do the work would keep the integrity of the RAM. I'd be afraid to injure the pins in the RAM slot as well.
Good luck and let us know how you get on. I'm interested to hear the outcome.

Mick

 

[mrat93]

I think I'd rather sell the RAM,but I guess there's no way to do this properly or without breaking the chip. Thanks for the help anyways!

 

[JimmyDreams]

Run some electrical tape over the teeth on your needlenose pliers and that should help protect the circuitboard. If you're gentle, you'll be able to get the RAM out without damage and resell it.

Check where that plastic band is, though, before you replace your memory....you don't want to go through this again if you had bad memory or whatever!!

JimmyD