bottom RAM slot in my powerbook is fried

[AlBDamned]

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.

It'd probably be best to get rid of any "illegitimate" software. JIC 😉.

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.

That's right, the whole thing comes out. It'll cost you about £600/US$1,000 if it was out of warranty because its such a major component (and a fair bit of work too).

 

[discoforce]

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.

Are you asking if Apple is going to call the feds if they find illegal software on your computer? If you're worried about it, maybe you should buy the software 😛

I might be wrong about this, but I thought that generally they don't even log into your user account to make repairs like this. When I took my computer in to an Apple Specialist for repair they just booted from an external HD. But I don't know what they did when they replaced my logic board. They did ask for my password...

 

[hhlee]

Joining the club here with my 1.25ghz 15''.

Called applecare and the local apple certified repair place.

Its $380 for applecare or $429 for the local repair place - this is the amount to replace the logic board for this very infamous design flaw.

But the new logic board is only under warranty for 90 days which means there's plenty of time for your new board to fry again! and thus playing another $400! Wahoo!

 

[AlBDamned]

Joining the club here with my 1.25ghz 15''.

Called applecare and the local apple certified repair place.

Its $380 for applecare or $429 for the local repair place - this is the amount to replace the logic board for this very infamous design flaw.

But the new logic board is only under warranty for 90 days which means there's plenty of time for your new board to fry again! and thus playing another $400! Wahoo!

Experience dictates that the 90-day warranted logic board will last somewhere between 92 and 97 days. Natch 😉

 

[zach]

Are you asking if Apple is going to call the feds if they find illegal software on your computer? If you're worried about it, maybe you should buy the software 😛

I might be wrong about this, but I thought that generally they don't even log into your user account to make repairs like this. When I took my computer in to an Apple Specialist for repair they just booted from an external HD. But I don't know what they did when they replaced my logic board. They did ask for my password...

well, i don't really have any "illegal" or "pirated" software. like i said, it's kinda dubiously legal. what i'm really asking is they're not gonna probe deeply into my files or anything, are they? (or refuse me repairs because of something, etc).

 

[airkarol]

i got my logic board replaced on my old 1.67 powerbook, techknowsphere did it. the lower ram slot was dead. they did a great job.

 

[discoforce]

well, i don't really have any "illegal" or "pirated" software. like i said, it's kinda dubiously legal. what i'm really asking is they're not gonna probe deeply into my files or anything, are they? (or refuse me repairs because of something, etc).

I wish I knew. I'd assume that if they're working on your computer, they can see anything on your hard drive.

It reminds me of when I worked in a photo lab. When I told people about some of the photos I'd developed they were like: "People who process my film SEE MY PICTURES 😱

That always made me laugh 😛

 

[discoforce]

Experience dictates that the 90-day warranted logic board will last somewhere between 92 and 97 days. Natch 😉

I think that's a given. Get the applecare, and you can probably find it cheaper online.

 

[AlBDamned]

well, i don't really have any "illegal" or "pirated" software. like i said, it's kinda dubiously legal. what i'm really asking is they're not gonna probe deeply into my files or anything, are they? (or refuse me repairs because of something, etc).

Well, the first time my MLB went, I simply backed up and did a clean install, the reason being I didn't want the worry of them screwing with anything or losing anything. If there's nothing to screw up etc etc...

When the MLB the next time I just backed up and didn't erase things like my emails, all my browser cookies etc etc, or any of my software, though it was all ok, and they replaced my PowerBook completely. They cloned my HDD for the new one but I never saw the old PB again. I'm sure they probs just wiped its HDD and binned it, or just wiped it, but you never know. There also might be invasion of privacy laws or similar that would stop them from actually admitting they looked at your files...

In terms of "dubious" software, I assume you mean stuff like licenses that aren't actually yours or you've got from a friend or something like that. While I'd reiterate that all your software should be 100% legal 😉, I don't think the feds will be knocking o your door if you've got (for example) the same copy of MS Office on more than one computer.

 

[ClaphamChris]

Me too!

Looks like it's just happened to me too: 1.25Ghz 15".

1GB stick (Crucial) in the lower slot not being recognised, 512MB stick in the upper keeping me going.

Shame. It's been a fine machine for the two years I've had it. Suppose it's just going to force me over the edge to buy that Intel iMac I've put in my basket at Apple.com a hundred times....


Chris

 

[danny_w]

I also have a 15" pb with the lower ram slot failure. It is out of warranty (less than a month) but it thankfully was in the serial number range to qualify for the extension program and is now being repaired. I have read several pages of this and other similar posts, and I have noticed that several people have noted that the problem might be heat related. On this theory, I wonder how many with this problem habitually use their machines as desktop replacements, on ac and maximum cpu, and with the lid closed? Perhaps the failure is less likely if you routinely run on battery or reduced cpu, or with the case open? Since several have said that theirs was repaired only to return again later, I would like to do whatever I can to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. I bought this pb to replace my mini as my main machine (but be portable when I needed it), but now I am beginning to get worried that I did the wrong thing.

 

[CanadaRAM]

well, i don't really have any "illegal" or "pirated" software. like i said, it's kinda dubiously legal. what i'm really asking is they're not gonna probe deeply into my files or anything, are they? (or refuse me repairs because of something, etc).

Assume that the technicians can see everything.
Assume that if there is anything REALLY illegal that they are obligated to inform law enforcement.
Assume that a motivated and unethical technician has the means and opportunity to scavenge your passwords, any autofill information, caches, browser history and possibly ID and charge card information.
Assume that someone will screw up and when they sell your machine as a refurb, the new owner will be able to unerase your data.

Assume that all of the above have happened at various times in the past...

 

[discoforce]

I also have a 15" pb with the lower ram slot failure. It is out of warranty (less than a month) but it thankfully was in the serial number range to qualify for the extension program and is now being repaired. I have read several pages of this and other similar posts, and I have noticed that several people have noted that the problem might be heat related. On this theory, I wonder how many with this problem habitually use their machines as desktop replacements, on ac and maximum cpu, and with the lid closed? Perhaps the failure is less likely if you routinely run on battery or reduced cpu, or with the case open? Since several have said that theirs was repaired only to return again later, I would like to do whatever I can to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. I bought this pb to replace my mini as my main machine (but be portable when I needed it), but now I am beginning to get worried that I did the wrong thing.

I never ran my powerbook with the lid closed, and it happened to me. I also always use my fancy rain design iLap to protect both my data any my... potential offspring. 🙄

That's an interesting theory that the pb might get hotter with the lid closed. You should be able to easily test by comparing temperature readings with it open and closed.

 

[LastLine]

Hm, suppose I should nip check my brothers Pbook for the serial number range

 

[danny_w]

Should I sell my pb?

I just had mine repaired (first time) a short while ago, but am starting to get worried by all of the posts that I see regarding problems with the PowerBooks, esp. the 15" which I have. This is my first Apple laptop, and I bought it (used) to replace my trusted mini. I knew about the lower memory slot failure and the battery recall before I bought the system, and Apple handled both of them promptly and courteously. All is now working fine, but I am worried about whether I did the right thing. Should I keep it in the hopes that nothing else will happen to it, or should I sell it and keep my mini (it has never given me any trouble in over a year of use)? I am pretty sure that I could sell it for a good deal more than I paid for it, if I do it soon.

 

[mellvik]

bottom RAM problems seems to be physical

Hi,
I noticed that this thread has been idle for a while, but still - her are my 2¢ worth:
The lower socket problem seems to be physical, at least it is in my case. If I insert a memory card in the lower socket without pushing it into place, the machine boots and everything works fine. When pushing the card down into its locked position, it no longer works, I get the famous 3 beeps.

After trying all kinds of tricks to clean the slot, apply pressure to the memory module and whatever, I have given up. And the machine is outside of the series that Apple is willing to fix. Finally: Yes, the problem appeared just yesterday, when I was replacing the original 512MB module with 2x1GB modules. I do have more memory now, but only half of what I wanted, paid for - and should have.

 

[Icewind]

Hi,
I noticed that this thread has been idle for a while, but still - her are my 2¢ worth:
The lower socket problem seems to be physical, at least it is in my case. If I insert a memory card in the lower socket without pushing it into place, the machine boots and everything works fine. When pushing the card down into its locked position, it no longer works, I get the famous 3 beeps.

After trying all kinds of tricks to clean the slot, apply pressure to the memory module and whatever, I have given up. And the machine is outside of the series that Apple is willing to fix. Finally: Yes, the problem appeared just yesterday, when I was replacing the original 512MB module with 2x1GB modules. I do have more memory now, but only half of what I wanted, paid for - and should have.

My Powerbook is now experiencing a lower RAM slot failure too. It's been running for over 1.5 years with the 2 slots filled and I've had zero problems. Strangely enough, I think this problem started around the time I updated to 10.4.9. I could be wrong, but the timeframe certainly matches.

The problem is as follows: If I have the two slots filled, I can boot the PB up and all is well for a short period of time. I would say within maybe 30 minutes, the PB must suffer a kernal panic (though I've not actually caught this visually) and shuts itself down. When I reboot the PB, it will boot up fine, but on checking the System Profiler, I see that Lower Slot appears to be empty and I only have half my RAM. If I try removing the upper slot ram and reboot with only the lower slot ram in place, I get three beeps and the sleep light will shine brightly but nothing else happens (black screen). I then have to remove the battery to power the PB down and then move the RAM from the lower slot to the upper slot and everything works fine again.

Has anyone else experienced this problem on a 15" Powerbook since 10.4.9 was released? I would be interested to hear.

P.S. It's definitely NOT the actual memory module, as I've tested both out individually in the upper slot and both work perfectly. It's only when there is one in the lower slot that the problem appears. Also, I am aware that Apple had a recall on 15" Powerbooks for a lower ram slot failure, but my PB serial number is not in the range specified in the Apple Recall Document.

 

[danny_w]

My Powerbook is now experiencing a lower RAM slot failure too. It's been running for over 1.5 years with the 2 slots filled and I've had zero problems. Strangely enough, I think this problem started around the time I updated to 10.4.9. I could be wrong, but the timeframe certainly matches.

The problem is as follows: If I have the two slots filled, I can boot the PB up and all is well for a short period of time. I would say within maybe 30 minutes, the PB must suffer a kernal panic (though I've not actually caught this visually) and shuts itself down. When I reboot the PB, it will boot up fine, but on checking the System Profiler, I see that Lower Slot appears to be empty and I only have half my RAM. If I try removing the upper slot ram and reboot with only the lower slot ram in place, I get three beeps and the sleep light will shine brightly but nothing else happens (black screen). I then have to remove the battery to power the PB down and then move the RAM from the lower slot to the upper slot and everything works fine again.

Has anyone else experienced this problem on a 15" Powerbook since 10.4.9 was released? I would be interested to hear.

P.S. It's definitely NOT the actual memory module, as I've tested both out individually in the upper slot and both work perfectly. It's only when there is one in the lower slot that the problem appears. Also, I am aware that Apple had a recall on 15" Powerbooks for a lower ram slot failure, but my PN serial number is not in the range specified in the Apple Recall Document.

This pretty much agrees with what others have been posting all along. The cause of the failure may not be the software update per se, but is more likely related to the extra heat generated when the processor is working hard to install the update. Several others have also said that the problem occurred just after a software update. After I had mine fixed, I always took the precaution of unplugging all peripherals, making certain that it was plugged into AC, elevating the pb off the desk, and setting the cpu to reduced power before installing the update.

 

[Icewind]

Thanks for the reply Danny. So, basically what you are saying is that the update caused extreme workload on the PB and as a result, this has damaged the Logic Board (which I think houses the RAM slots)? That's pretty shocking if you're correct!

I was thinking about archiving my PB and then reinstalling a clean OS from the Install Disks, then updating to 10.4.8 if possible. I would then test the PB running with the two slots filled for a while to see if the problem occurs again. If not, I will install the 10.4.9 update again and continue testing the two slots. The only thing stopping me doing this is that it's going to be major hassle, as my PB is my main machine really and it's got absolutely everything I have worked on for the past 1.5 years on it (I have a full system backup on external FW drive, so my work is safe in that respect). It's just so much hassle 🙁

If it is indeed a hardware issue on the lower slot, then I still have until 28th August before my 2 year warranty runs out (I got 2 years standard warranty from the place I purchased it from, so should be ok for a fix).

 

[Mpulsive81]

Suppose it's just going to force me over the edge to buy that Intel iMac I've put in my basket at Apple.com a hundred times....

WHEW! I'm not the only one who does stuff like that. Ok I feel better now. Carry on.

 

[tjlazer]

I am now also a victim of this problem. My 1.5 year old PB 1.67 with two factory installed 512MB SoDIMMs had the lower slot fail. It was just as IceWind said, and now it seems the lower slot is completely dead. I ended up buying a 1GB SoDIMM for the top slot and all is well so far. I also just updated to 10.4.9 recently! It must be a heat issue as my PB Is running HOT! 135F right now, with it elevated off desk too... Not happy, since my S/N range is right outside the range for the repairs I sent a letter to Apple about this, lets see what happens.

 

[Thirteenva]

I hate bringing old threads back from the dead but I recently noticed that my 1ghz Al powerbook was reporting the lower ram slot as empty.

I decided to open the ram door, pull the ram out and insert both sticks back into place. The ram was then recognized again. However, after about an hour i experienced a lock-up while surfing the web and had to force reboot the computer. When the computer booted back up it again said the lower ram slot was empty. I again shut down and removed both sticks of ram, swapped their position and rebooted. The ram slot was again active but after about an hour and a half i had another complete lockup and had to force reboot.

My 1ghz is not part of apples extended repair program. Is there anything I can do to remedy this on my own?

 

[nsbio]

I hate bringing old threads back from the dead but I recently noticed that my 1ghz Al powerbook was reporting the lower ram slot as empty.

I decided to open the ram door, pull the ram out and insert both sticks back into place. The ram was then recognized again. However, after about an hour i experienced a lock-up while surfing the web and had to force reboot the computer. When the computer booted back up it again said the lower ram slot was empty. I again shut down and removed both sticks of ram, swapped their position and rebooted. The ram slot was again active but after about an hour and a half i had another complete lockup and had to force reboot.

My 1ghz is not part of apples extended repair program. Is there anything I can do to remedy this on my own?

If you want to have both working slots, the only remedy is to replace the logic board. If you can live with one slot, removing the lower slot chip will restore the PB's functionality. You might try to beg Apple to fix the computer for you but do not count on it.

Steve Jobs - and only Steve Jobs, not you - knows what you want and you have very little say in it: if he says that 1Ghz machines are not affected by the memory slot failure, then they are not affected, and if you say that your PB is affected, then you are hallucinating - end of story.

 

[ale500]

As you may not want to spend >$400 in a new logic board, may be you can get it repaired somewhere else:

If the problem is physical one, you can get a new socket, unsolder the old one and solder the new one.

But, if the socket is in good shape... then, the only way is a new logic board :-(

ykmv

 

[Dublin]

Since someone re-opened this thread I'd like to ask a question that no one with the bad ram slot has. With the Aluminum PB work with (1) 2GB SoDIMM in the upper slot, since the machine lists 2GB as max. Or is it restricted by 1GB per slot, since there are no specs stating 1GB slot 0 and 1GB slot 1 and I have seen various configurations of mix/match would (1) 2GB work.