bottom RAM slot in my powerbook is fried

[AlBDamned]

Umm.... There is ample evidence here and elsewhere that the lower slot problem is present on Apple genuine Samsung modules. Of course if you use out of spec RAM (of ANY brand) it won't work right. But there are reputable suppliers of Infineon, Siemens, Transcend and Samsung modules that are tested and compatible. The issue is with the logic board and SEEMS to be triggered by a firmware upgrade associated with 10.3.9 or 1o.4

Had a customer in today with a 15" 1.25 with a lower slot defective... 2 x Apple Samsung original 256's Out of warranty - it's gonna be a problem.

The firmware angle seems to be a fairly current theme, but I'd been running 10.4.3 since it was released a while back and hadn't added any software for at least two weeks.

In the run up to the slot blowing this time, my PB drained its battery as we were watching a dvd on Eurostar. It went into sleep, then when I plugged it in when we got back it was completely dead (not even enough juice to sleep). I had to boot it up. A lack of sound then became apparent when we tried to finish watching the dvd. I restarted the machine, no boot chime and lo and behold, "lower RAM slot empty".

I realised what had happened, but we carried on watching the dvd (LOST) and then I also realised my legs were hot (hotter than usual with this POS laptop on my lap). So we stopped watching the dvd and I switched the powerbook off (felt like chucking it out the window). The next day, I notice practically 1st degree burns on my right leg where it had been heated up by the powerbook (through a duvet).

I've pretty much had it with the damn thing.

 

[California]

Umm.... There is ample evidence here and elsewhere that the lower slot problem is present on Apple genuine Samsung modules. Of course if you use out of spec RAM (of ANY brand) it won't work right. But there are reputable suppliers of Infineon, Siemens, Transcend and Samsung modules that are tested and compatible. The issue is with the logic board and SEEMS to be triggered by a firmware upgrade associated with 10.3.9 or 1o.4

Had a customer in today with a 15" 1.25 with a lower slot defective... 2 x Apple Samsung original 256's Out of warranty - it's gonna be a problem.

I amend and repent of my previous post saying it wasn't a logic board problem. Really sounds bad and I checked it out and this thread was started months and months ago before I personally made the switch to Tiger and I think you are correct about the firmware thing. Weird that Apple hasn't fixed it yet.

 

[LastLine]

Question: I want to buy a new laptop.
ibook - 14" 1.42Ghz with no ram problems - £899
PB - 15" 1.5Ghz with potential ram problems? £745.

Which do I go for? Both come with 512mb standard and I'd want to upgrade to 1gb soon. Thoughts?

 

[AlBDamned]

Question: I want to buy a new laptop.
ibook - 14" 1.42Ghz with no ram problems - £899
PB - 15" 1.5Ghz with potential ram problems? £745.

Which do I go for? Both come with 512mb standard and I'd want to upgrade to 1gb soon. Thoughts?

I'd still go for the Powerbook. The lower slot problem is still a small percentage of units sold and you can put the money you're saving towards AppleCare .

In an update on my scenario, Apple are replacing my laptop. Not sure yet if it's for another Rev D or a Rev E but will find out on Wednesday.

 

[discoforce]

Please post Apple's responses

In an update on my scenario, Apple are replacing my laptop. Not sure yet if it's for another Rev D or a Rev E but will find out on Wednesday.

So what did Apple end up replacing?

I was bummed to just find this thread after finding that my lower slot is now "empty" as well. Bummed because I hoped I had a fairly simple problem that a single trip to my friendly neighborhood Apple specialist could fix. According to those posting here, I'm going to experience a LOT of downtime if I persist on having this fixed.

For those keeping track, I've got the 15" 1.25 GHz and just updated to 10.4.4. I upgraded my ram at the Apple specialist to two sticks of 512 (1 gig total)and paid full price, so I assume it was Apple ram. I don't know exactly when my lower slot stopped working, but I noticed it after the 10.4.4 update.

So what responses have folks received from Apple lately? If this problem first started cropping up May 2005, it seems like they could do better than replace your logic board as many times as it takes for Apple care to run out (glad I've got that for 440 more days!).

Any new news?

 

[CanadaRAM]

The firmware angle seems to be a fairly current theme, but I'd been running 10.4.3 since it was released a while back and hadn't added any software for at least two weeks.

In the run up to the slot blowing this time, my PB drained its battery as we were watching a dvd on Eurostar. It went into sleep, then when I plugged it in when we got back it was completely dead (not even enough juice to sleep). I had to boot it up. A lack of sound then became apparent when we tried to finish watching the dvd. I restarted the machine, no boot chime and lo and behold, "lower RAM slot empty".

I realised what had happened, but we carried on watching the dvd (LOST) and then I also realised my legs were hot (hotter than usual with this POS laptop on my lap). So we stopped watching the dvd and I switched the powerbook off (felt like chucking it out the window). The next day, I notice practically 1st degree burns on my right leg where it had been heated up by the powerbook (through a duvet).

I've pretty much had it with the damn thing.

Excess heat is also a recurring theme -- it may make some sense this way:

1) Firmware update changes the processor speed controlling or fan control in some manner.
2) Then at some point sooner or later, when the machine is under heavy use, the combination of the environment, faulty cooling / processor limiting in the firmware, and a buildup of heat, cause a component to fry that controls the lower RAM socket. Probably pure luck it doesn't totally disable the machine, but may be related to extraordinary use of the RAM module itself.

This would suggest that extra vigilance on cooling has to be taken... (on a duvet isn't a terriffic environment for heat dissipation)

 

[discoforce]

Excess heat is also a recurring theme -- it may make some sense this way:

1) Firmware update changes the processor speed controlling or fan control in some manner.
2) Then at some point sooner or later, when the machine is under heavy use, the combination of the environment, faulty cooling / processor limiting in the firmware, and a buildup of heat, cause a component to fry that controls the lower RAM socket. Probably pure luck it doesn't totally disable the machine, but may be related to extraordinary use of the RAM module itself.

This would suggest that extra vigilance on cooling has to be taken... (on a duvet isn't a terriffic environment for heat dissipation)

My powerbook definitely can get hot, and it used to get pretty uncomfortable actually using it as a laptop

But I've been using rain design's iLap, since shortly after I bought the thing. How careful can you be?

 

[BEET]

Disaster!

Not sure if this is totally related....

I've been running on 10.3.9 for a while now and have only recently noticed that my powerbook has been running slower than usual. I checked the "about this computer" which said that only one ram slot was being used and the pb was running on 256mb. I ordered another 512mb from crucial (only to find that both slots had ram cards in) and very carefully replaced the card in slot closest to the back of the computer (the one that was regestering as empty).
The pb powered up ok, but still only registered 256mb, so I ran a hardware text and got this error "2MEM/5/4:SODIMMO/J25 LOWER

I then swopped tha cards around and tried a few variations only to find that now the pb won't turn on at all. When I turned it on this first time a message appeared telling me to turn it off. The second time it got as far as the grey screen with the apple on and then loads of terrifying text appeared. Now it won't turn on at all, just beeps.

I did a google search and found the ram replacement scheme on the apple website, only to find that my serial number doesn't fall within the replacement range. Is my logic board screwed? or has the dud ram socket blown all of my ram cards, and simply just need to buy new ram? (please god let this be the case!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

 

[AlBDamned]

Not sure if this is totally related....

I've been running on 10.3.9 for a while now and have only recently noticed that my powerbook has been running slower than usual. I checked the "about this computer" which said that only one ram slot was being used and the pb was running on 256mb. I ordered another 512mb from crucial (only to find that both slots had ram cards in) and very carefully replaced the card in slot closest to the back of the computer (the one that was regestering as empty).
The pb powered up ok, but still only registered 256mb, so I ran a hardware text and got this error "2MEM/5/4:SODIMMO/J25 LOWER

.... (please god let this be the case!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

That's the error message that means that slot is indeed fragged.

Are you still in warranty? I'm guessing not but fingers crossed.

If you're not in warranty, the most cost-effective way round this is to buy a 1GB stick and just use the top slot. However, I'm not sure what running too hot and everything else does for the overall longevity of the 'book.

1) Firmware update changes the processor speed controlling or fan control in some manner.
2) Then at some point sooner or later, when the machine is under heavy use, the combination of the environment, faulty cooling / processor limiting in the firmware, and a buildup of heat, cause a component to fry that controls the lower RAM socket. Probably pure luck it doesn't totally disable the machine, but may be related to extraordinary use of the RAM module itself.

This would suggest that extra vigilance on cooling has to be taken... (on a duvet isn't a terriffic environment for heat dissipation)

Just realised I never replied to this. Suffice to say, I agree, it's probably a combo of factors that add up to the slot frying.

It's worth pointing out though, that the slot fried on mine long before it got near the duvet. It did actually go when the battery died completely while watching a DVD on the train with the powerbook sitting on the table in front of me.

 

[BEET]

That's the error message that means that slot is indeed fragged.

Are you still in warranty? I'm guessing not but fingers crossed.

If you're not in warranty, the most cost-effective way round this is to buy a 1GB stick and just use the top slot. However, I'm not sure what running too hot and everything else does for the overall longevity of the 'book.




Just realised I never replied to this. Suffice to say, I agree, it's probably a combo of factors that add up to the slot frying.

It's worth pointing out though, that the slot fried on mine long before it got near the duvet. It did actually go when the battery died completely while watching a DVD on the train with the powerbook sitting on the table in front of me.

Very unfortunately, it's not under guarantee by about 6 months. I had tried swopping the cards over which had worked (leaving the broken port empty). The I tried adding one of the original cards back into the empty (broken slot) which led to the pb not turning on. It now has both the original 256mb cards in, and will not switch on. So now I'm thinking that the faulty socket blew the ram cards - which would explain why neither socket is registering the ram?

I don't know! I'm blinded by a combination of rage, disappointment and general confusion.

 

[discoforce]

I don't know! I'm blinded by a combination of rage, disappointment and general confusion.

Doubt this will help with the disappointment and rage, but maybe the confusion:

I just received my 15 Powerbook (1.25 GHz) back from repair for this same issue. I had not installed any new ram, but the lower slot went kaput. Here's what they replaced:

1. PCBA, MLB - Pretty sure this is the main logic board
2. DSPL, 15.2 XGA - The display?
3. Foam Diffuser

In short, they replaced a lot of expensive parts. If I hadn't had Applecare I would have gone with ALBDamned's suggestion: Buy the biggest single ram card (don't skimp here) and put it in the slot that works. Then buy a laptop stand or cooling pad to reduce heat.

 

[MacAficionado]

My powerbook is within the range of affected PBs.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303173

They are doing something about it.

 

[AlBDamned]

Very unfortunately, it's not under guarantee by about 6 months. I had tried swopping the cards over which had worked (leaving the broken port empty). The I tried adding one of the original cards back into the empty (broken slot) which led to the pb not turning on. It now has both the original 256mb cards in, and will not switch on. So now I'm thinking that the faulty socket blew the ram cards - which would explain why neither socket is registering the ram?

I don't know! I'm blinded by a combination of rage, disappointment and general confusion.

I have a spare, genuine Apple 256MB RAM stick that I'd be happy to donate to your cause for testing your top slot to see if it works. (Just don't put it in the lower slot - with that warning on the hardware test it's definitely fried!)

PM me your address and I'l send it out tomorrow.

 

[BEET]

I have a spare, genuine Apple 256MB RAM stick that I'd be happy to donate to your cause for testing your top slot to see if it works. (Just don't put it in the lower slot - with that warning on the hardware test it's definitely fried!)

PM me your address and I'l send it out tomorrow.

That's extremely generous. Forgive me for looking a gift horse in the mouth...... but you'd be willing to send me your pb ram for nothing?

 

[AlBDamned]

That's extremely generous. Forgive me for looking a gift horse in the mouth...... but you'd be willing to send me your pb ram for nothing?

Yes. It's a 256MB stick - I've got no use for it and it's not worth selling. If it would help you to diagnose your Powerbook then you're welcome to it.

 

[BEET]

I realise questions like the one I am going to ask, don't do much for my kudos, however.......

The lower RAM socket would be the one on top? (when my pb is upside down) and on the bottom when the correct way up?

 

[shambolic]

I realise questions like the one I am going to ask, don't do much for my kudos, however.......

The lower RAM socket would be the one on top? (when my pb is upside down) and on the bottom when the correct way up?

Other way around. Lower RAM slot is the one on the bottom when you open up the machine - in other words, if you have two sticks of RAM installed, you have to remove the upper one in order to get to the lower one.

If your PB came pre-installed from Apple with a single DIMM, it should be in the lower slot.

 

[AlBDamned]

Other way around. Lower RAM slot is the one on the bottom when you open up the machine - in other words, if you have two sticks of RAM installed, you have to remove the upper one in order to get to the lower one.

If your PB came pre-installed from Apple with a single DIMM, it should be in the lower slot.

Yep, the bottom slot is the one deepest.

 

[BEET]

ok, thanks.

 

[BEET]

Hi all, it's me again.

Just received the memory card, thanks loads AlBDamned! However, after reading carefully through the pdf instructions you posted and following them very carefully, I just tried to start up the damn powerbook and still get a single beep and the little sleep light. Does this mean that mean that I paid £1500 for a laptop that only lasted a year and a half?

I called apple the other day and spoke to them about the ram replacement scheme. They simply said I'd have to take my computer to the nearest apple dealer and pay them to check it out. I guess this is what I'm going to have to do. I'll just be even more bitter if I have to pay them £30 to tell me it's screwed.

thanks again for sending me the ram card.

 

[discoforce]

Hi all, it's me again.

Just received the memory card, thanks loads AlBDamned! However, after reading carefully through the pdf instructions you posted and following them very carefully, I just tried to start up the damn powerbook and still get a single beep and the little sleep light. Does this mean that mean that I paid £1500 for a laptop that only lasted a year and a half?

I called apple the other day and spoke to them about the ram replacement scheme. They simply said I'd have to take my computer to the nearest apple dealer and pay them to check it out. I guess this is what I'm going to have to do. I'll just be even more bitter if I have to pay them £30 to tell me it's screwed.

thanks again for sending me the ram card.

Yuck.

I would take it to an Apple store, be polite, but let them know that you've clearly got the same problem as the "covered" powerbooks. My pb (1.25) wouldn't be covered either, but it had the exact same problem. In my mind, this is a larger problem than they're accepting responsibility for just yet.

 

[BEET]

a little bit of temporary closure

So I took my pb in to my local apple retailer, I had to pay them £25 to tell me the lower ram slot is fried. However, they did solve a bit of a problem, they told me that to enable my computer to run on ram from the upper slot there needs to be ram in the lower slot, even though it won't be used.
I'm managing to write this message from my currently working pb! I just really, really hope the upper slot lasts! No more leaving my computer on all night, or watching movies in bed.

The guy in the apple shop did confirm that my pb is suffering the same symptoms as is are specified on the ram replacement scheme, followed by re-confirming that my pb is not within the serial range. I have tried speaking to apple about this, and got put on hold for 20 minutes while a technical support guy tried to speak to a customer support guy, minutes past......and I got tired of waiting (plus I was at work). Gonna try and call again at the weekend.

maybe I'll be able to shed a little hope on this RAM problem.

 

[missbhavens]

Not in range...same problems...

My powerbook is within the range of affected PBs.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303173

They are doing something about it.

Well, my PB ISN'T in that serial number range, and I couldn't be more angry about it.

b.

 

[zach]

i've had this issue for like a month now, couldn't be arsed to send it in though, far too busy and i still had 512 RAM.

i'm gonna do it tommorow though... question though. i've never sent in a computer for repair to apple: should i remove all software/files of dubious legality off it first, or does it not matter? i've already got backups JIC.

 

[exeterbohemian]

i had this same problem about a month ago. granted, my powerbook is still covered under warranty/applecare. nevertheless, i called applecare, they shipped me a box, i sent it in, and had it back in less than 4 days flat. apparently they replaced the entire logic board.