Mac Mini (Late 2009) Memory Upgrade Problem

[wintermac]

Hello,

I bought two of the 4GB modules from Crucial.com. Both sticks work when placed in the top slot. However, they will not work together. So, I have to use a 4GB in the top slot, and a 1GB in the bottom slot. The Mac mini recognizes 5GB of memory.

I've attempted to install the memory firmware fix, but the app says that I don't need it so it does not install. Also, I've adjusted the RAM about 10 different ways, but it still leads to a memory error.(mac beeps and indicator light flashes)

Anyone having a similar problem?

Thanks,
Sean

 

[mdgm]

The Late 09 Mini comes with the necessary EFI firmware pre-installed. On the early 09 Mini the EFI firmware update should have been installed via Software Update back in 2009.

Sounds like the RAM is bad or incompatible.

 

[wintermac]

So, both 4G modules work in slot one, but neither get recognized in slot two. They are exactly the same, so they should work together.

I read something about reinstalling the firmware. Is that something I can try?

S

 

[cdhutch]

So, both 4G modules work in slot one, but neither get recognized in slot two. They are exactly the same, so they should work together.

I read something about reinstalling the firmware. Is that something I can try?

S

Sean,
I just purchased a "Kinston 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1066 Memory for Apple Model KTA-MB1066K2/8G" kit from Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139083 and am experiencing similar symptoms.

Each module works separately in the upper slot. If one is in the lower slot, I get a 3-beep POST code (RAM does not pass data integrity check). I can get to 5 GB by using a new module in the upper slot with the stock 1 GB module in the lower.

Thank you,
Craig

 

[philipma1957]

you do not want to hear the solution. this has been solved with different ram the cheap way or a new logic board the expensive way.


http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=W1066SB4GS this is samsung chip ram


also this may work


http://www.jr.com/pny/pe/PNY_MN8192KD310/


your logic board or efi is a little bit wrong. ( a guess not a fact ) the 2009 minis are pretty good with all 4gb sticks the 2010 are tougher but the ram I picked above has gotten past the problem for me.

crucial/micron ram would do the beep trick and so would kingston. only some times. I have done a lot of ram upgrades on 2009 and 2010 and the ram above has been a work around for your problem

 

[cdhutch]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give that a try.

 

[Tyr.]

FWIW I have 2x4Gb Kingston RAM in my early 2009 mini and it works flawlessly. It sounds more like a hardware or firmware issue than a problem with the RAM.

Try resetting the PRAM and NVRAM and resetting the SMC. You might also try running Apple Harware Test and see if that reports any problems.

 

[cdhutch]

I'll try those steps as well. Thank you!
Craig