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Macbook Screen Feeze with 4gb ram

I had this problem, too. I was using OWC 2x2GB RAM, and I had numerous freezes (two with the lines across the screen, most just total lock-ups) with that RAM in my MacBook 2.0GHz. With the stock RAM, no freezes or lock-ups.

OWC was decent about issuing an RMA for the RAM, as I've had it for about two days.

I'm worried now, though. Is this a problem with the RAM, or is it a problem with the MacBook? My previous 2.2GHz white MacBook had 4GB in it, and I never had that problem (although I did have kernel panics when I used DVD player for several months until Apple patched it).

I can still do an exchange at Best Buy, but I'd rather not. The MacBook works well except for the 4GB RAM issue.

Well, that, and the bottom of my screen has a sort of jagged line instead of a nice straight seam where the screen meets the black border... But that's very minor.

BTW, Hi. First post, long time lurker.
 
ZeroCorpse said:
With the stock RAM, no freezes or lock-ups.

OWC was decent about issuing an RMA for the RAM, as I've had it for about two days.

I'm worried now, though. Is this a problem with the RAM, or is it a problem with the MacBook?
Click to expand...

Your MB is probably just fine. And the OWC RAM is probably OK as RAM itself, but problematic in use with the new MB. Have you had any trouble with the replacement boards?

I think eventually, as the new MB platform becomes established, 3rd-party products will work dependably with it. In the meantime, as usual, we bleeding edgers have to put up with a few headaches.
 
Tensakun said:
I think eventually, as the new MB platform becomes established, 3rd-party products will work dependably with it. In the meantime, as usual, we bleeding edgers have to put up with a few headaches.
Click to expand...

Eh, it's not like DDR3 SO-DIMMS are anything new. The only thing that sets our Macbooks apart is the 9400M.

I would think that Apple would make sure that the Macbooks could handle a variety of DDR3 ram. We're not talking about some no-name brands, either.

I really want to get 4gb of ram for my Macbook, but until this all gets sorted out I'll hold off. Meanwhile my work Thinkpad with 4GB of DDR3 ram is running fine. :p Maybe I should swap the 4GB in here into the Macbook and see if it freezes.
 
mobilehavoc said:
Wow, now I'm especially glad I just had Apple do the 4GB update. No freezes or any problems whatsoever for me and this thing is blazing fast at 4GB.
Click to expand...

Just curious, what brand of RAM does Apple used for the 2x2GB ? I learned from other forums that the 2x1GB kit is from Samsung. If that's true, these can be bought from several places for ~$100 (googled).

(Considering buying macBook Alum, researching)
 
I've been considering upgrading but have decided to hold off until this issue gets settled.

Can those of you who are experiencing no problems post the brand and model number of the RAM you put in?
 
Jollins said:
I've been considering upgrading but have decided to hold off until this issue gets settled.

Can those of you who are experiencing no problems post the brand and model number of the RAM you put in?
Click to expand...

If you peruse the apple discussions, it appears to be everything (Ramjet, OWC, Crucial, Kingston, even upgrades from Apple for a few users).

It also seems to be hit and miss.
 
I really need 4Gb now because VMware 2 is so slow.

After it froze, can you send the error report to :apple: after reboot like when an application crashed?

Is it really difficult to re-create the freeze when you want to? Some say no problem with 1+2Gb RAM. Some say it occurs after sleep mode. So I was wondering if it often happens when memory usage is over 3Gb and you close the lid.

I hope :apple: will make some announcement about this matter soon.
 
Jollins said:
I've been considering upgrading but have decided to hold off until this issue gets settled.

Can those of you who are experiencing no problems post the brand and model number of the RAM you put in?
Click to expand...

So far, the only ram that works great is the apple ram(hynix) and ramjet.
 
Jollins said:
I've been considering upgrading but have decided to hold off until this issue gets settled.

Can those of you who are experiencing no problems post the brand and model number of the RAM you put in?
Click to expand...

From what I've been hearing/reading, that's a very good idea!
 
DDR3 has been around for some time. It's more likely the Nvidia chipset not playing so nicely with things.
 
Dec 10 Firmware Update fixes freeze?

I can't say that everyone's problem is solved, but after the Dec 10 Firmware Update, my 13" MacBook is content with the 4GB OWC RAM that had given it so many problems before. Uptime now 15 hours; previously the max was 2 hours. Thank you, Santa. :)
 
tonyinosaka said:
I can't say that everyone's problem is solved, but after the Dec 10 Firmware Update, my 13" MacBook is content with the 4GB OWC RAM that had given it so many problems before. Uptime now 15 hours; previously the max was 2 hours. Thank you, Santa. :)
Click to expand...

you seem to be the exception to the rule, I haven't heard anyone else reporting that the firmware update fixed the ram issue

apparently there will be another update soon that specifically fixes the memory issue.
 
Well, OWC took the return and refunded my money, and I'm kind of glad they did. The price of 4GB kits has just about halved since I bought mine from OWC!

I'm going to try again with a different brand in a few weeks. I'm sort of hanging back right now, hoping someone will declare this issue repaired in a firmware update or something.

I may just stick with 3GB--- That seems to work for everybody.
 
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