G5 sometimes reads 6.5 gigs RAM, sometimes 5.5 gigs RAM: Can Shutdown!

[DetroitMacJack]

Hello,
I installed new RAM. BUT, there is some trouble that I hope you can help with:

1. My G5 sometimes reads 6.5 gigs of RAM, and sometimes 5.5 gigs of
RAM. NOTE: Slots DIMM6/J43 & DIMM6/J44 vary in gig size (see at bottom)

2. I can't shutdown. The icons disappear from screen, but, fans
rev-up, and screen background remains, but, computer won't shutdown.
I have to shutdown with power button.

3. I've Reset PRAM, unplugged power and disconnected all plug-ins,
and then started again. No change.

4. I've done disc repair off of OS X disc. No change.

I've included the MEMORY status from "About this MAC" with the two
different readings (DIMM6/J43 & DIMM6/J44). I've just received a new Hard Drive that I want to install, but, am waiting to resolve this problem before I install HD). I don't know if some of the RAM is bad. The original RAM is in the first two slots. The next two slots have 2x1 gig RAMs I had installed
when I bought the computer new. The remaining four slots have the
new 1x4 gig RAMs I bought last week. Please take a look and tell me what you think.

DIMM0/J11:

Size: 256 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM1/J12:

Size: 256 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM2/J13:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM3/J14:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM4/J41:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM5/J42:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM6/J43:

Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM7/J44:

Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM6/J43:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

DIMM7/J44:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC3200U-30330
Status: OK

 

[Wonderl33t]

bad RAM happens. Since you installed 4 at once, I would recommend trying them 2 at a time (because you have to install in pairs). And see if your computer still acts up.

Basically, try to isolate the bad RAM.

Sorry but I have to ask, did you do anything to your computer lately besides adding RAM?

 

[DetroitMacJack]

Thanks for the quick reply,

No, just installed RAM. I just received a new HD in the post, but, do you think I should resolve the shutdown problem before I install the new HD?

Update, now for some reason, "About This MAC" reads correctly for all RAM. However, still won't shutdown. It's very strange though: If I run the computer for a short time, it will shutdown normally. But, if I use the computer for 3-4 hours, it won't shut down. Then, I shutdown with the power button . . . then, I start it back up again, and it shuts down normally. So strange.

Now that the RAMs all read correctly do you still think they could be bad?

Jack

 

[DetroitMacJack]

New Update:

Wonder,

I followed your advice (thanks!), and low and behold, you were correct, "bad RAM happens". I removed the bad single/pair, and now computer shuts down normally. I bought the RAM at a premium price from MacRamDirect.com, and they have been extremely helpful and responsive. I'm hoping they'll reimburse return shipping (waiting to hear). Thanks for your help!!

Thanks, Jack