Bad RAM slot in Mac mini?

[bookworm182]

Hi all, I've got a 1.66ghz CoreDuo mini that I'm trying to upgrade the memory on. I bought two 1GB sticks on eBay and installed them in the mini, and for one or two boots everything went fine. Then, I went to restart the computer today, and the mini would not boot. The power light would come on, and I heard various parts of the computer receiving power, but there was no video and no startup chime.

So, I removed the 1GB stick from the top slot and the computer booted fine, and recognized the other stick in the bottom slot. But, it seems the computer now won't find the top slot at all. Without anything in the slot, System Profiler doesn't mention a second slot (doesn't it usually say empty or something like that?), and when I put the original 256MB stick back on top, the computer booted, but didn't recognize the additional 256MB, and still didn't list a second slot.

Do I have a bad slot here? Or is it a software problem not recognizing the slot? Any help or advice you guys can give is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[emptyCup]

The final tests would be to move the working RAM from the bottom slot to the top slot. Then remove the known good RAM and install each of your new sticks in the bottom slot. That should tell you everything you need to know. Then call Applecare. Best wishes.

 

[Unspeaked]

The Install CD that came with the Mini has a Hardware Test that should check the RAM slots to see if they're bad.

 

[imacintel]

One thing I can definitely tell you about is your 256. Have you pushed it in hard enough? I know that happened with my iMac. And your other stick may be damaed from static-electricity.

 

[bookworm182]

next step

OK, I tested all of the RAM sticks in the bottom slot - they all work. Then I tested them all in the top slot - none of them work. I haven't run the hardware test from the CD yet, but it seems pretty clear to me that I have a bad slot.

Now, due to some rather extensive...modifications...I made to the Mac mini, it's clearly no longer under warranty by Apple. However, I'd really, really like to get this slot fixed. So my next question is, would an Apple Authorized Service Provider be able to fix this for me (for a fee, obviously)?

Thanks for all your help so far!

 

[Unspeaked]

Now, due to some rather extensive...modifications...I made to the Mac mini, it's clearly no longer under warranty by Apple. However, I'd really, really like to get this slot fixed. So my next question is, would an Apple Authorized Service Provider be able to fix this for me (for a fee, obviously)?

I think what you're really asking is if it's worth it to get it fixed.

Sure, a ASP could repair it, but since it's the RAM slots, it probably means swapping the board itself, and that's probably the most expensive component in a MacMini.

If I were you, I'd just get the largest single stick possible and make due with my one slot...