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New RAM - Apple Hardware Test Help

H

h4m

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 11, 2008
4
0
Hi,

The first RAM I received for my MAC PRO 2.8 8 Core Jan 08 failed both the basic and extended Apple Hardware Test with result code 4MEM/9/40000006: B:1 C:0 R:1 so I sent it back for replacement.
However I've just received my replacement 2 x 2 GIG RAM and it showed a fail code when running the basic test on AHT yet when I ran the extended test there were no problems found.

Should I be concerned? Is the extended test more reliable?
 
h4m said:
Hi,

The first RAM I received for my MAC PRO 2.8 8 Core Jan 08 failed both the basic and extended Apple Hardware Test with result code 4MEM/9/40000006: B:1 C:0 R:1 so I sent it back for replacement.
However I've just received my replacement 2 x 2 GIG RAM and it showed a fail code when running the basic test on AHT yet when I ran the extended test there were no problems found.

Should I be concerned? Is the extended test more reliable?
Click to expand...

Where did you bought it? what brand?


WP
 
Thanks for the reply.

I just wanted to avoid having to do that again if possible as I'm in the UK and the retailer is in the US which means I have to ship back at my own expense.

The retailer in question is only one of a handful of decent companies that actually have this particular ram available. I'm yet to find anyone in the UK.

So I assume any fail is bad right?
 
h4m said:
Thanks for the reply.

I just wanted to avoid having to do that again if possible as I'm in the UK and the retailer is in the US which means I have to ship back at my own expense.

The retailer in question is only one of a handful of decent companies that actually have this particular ram available. I'm yet to find anyone in the UK.

So I assume any fail is bad right?
Click to expand...

Vistit here, in Germany. Seems ok...
http://www.musicstorekoeln.de/is-bi...yID=cETVqHzl7GoAAAEVQB1Wf70R&JumpTo=OfferList

First brands like Infineon, Micron or Hynix. 10 years warranty...

WP
 
h4m said:
Thanks for the reply.

I just wanted to avoid having to do that again if possible as I'm in the UK and the retailer is in the US which means I have to ship back at my own expense.

The retailer in question is only one of a handful of decent companies that actually have this particular ram available. I'm yet to find anyone in the UK.

So I assume any fail is bad right?
Click to expand...

You should have ordered from Crucial. They're plenty of RAM suppliers in the UK, do some Googling.
 
h4m said:
Thanks for the reply.

I just wanted to avoid having to do that again if possible as I'm in the UK and the retailer is in the US which means I have to ship back at my own expense.

The retailer in question is only one of a handful of decent companies that actually have this particular ram available. I'm yet to find anyone in the UK.

So I assume any fail is bad right?
Click to expand...

Where did you buy it from?
 
orpheus1120 said:
Where did you buy it from?
Click to expand...

I bought it from OWC (OWC Qualified).

Update on AHT tests:

Test 1 (Basic): 1 module with error code

Test 2 (Extended): PASS

Test 3 (Basic): PASS

Test 4 (Extended): PASS

It has now passed two extended AHT tests and one basic test having only failed the very first basic test.

I'm beginning to think this ram IS working ok, although I am still a little concerned it didn't pass the first basic test.

I'm going to use the RAM for a couple of days keeping an eye out for error codes and will update further then.

However in the meantime if anyone knows for sure if failing one basic test but passing three others means the RAM definitely has problems please let me know!

Thanks!
 
Returning the affected ram for a replacement is the best option IMHO. Granted you are from the UK, but shipping is not that bad to the states. You should make full use of the lifetime warranty from OWC. Do not be put off by the wait and hassle. You will later be rewarded with gratification when everything is working fine eventually.

I saw return it for a replacement. Have you spoken to an OWC rep yet?
 
orpheus1120 said:
Returning the affected ram for a replacement is the best option IMHO. Granted you are from the UK, but shipping is not that bad to the states. You should make full use of the lifetime warranty from OWC. Do not be put off by the wait and hassle. You will later be rewarded with gratification when everything is working fine eventually.

I saw return it for a replacement. Have you spoken to an OWC rep yet?
Click to expand...

Yeah I have spoken to OWC tech support. He did think it was strange that it failed the first test but passed the others but he also said must people just put the ram in and don't bother testing so data is very limited. He suggested keeping an eye on errors over a couple of days.

Interestingly enough he said the first set that I returned previously passed an extended AHT at OWC with no problems and he confirmed that, as requested, the replacement modules (that I received today) were tested before being sent. I have faith that this has been done therefore the ram should be good.

I hear what you are saying about returning them for peace of mind but I am reluctant to do so because I really do need them and it will cost me another $100 to get it done quickly. Unless anyone knows any cheaper ways of doing it?

Really I just need to know: does any fail on AHT mean problems or could AHT get it wrong the first time and on subsequent re testing be more accurate?
 
h4m said:
Yeah I have spoken to OWC tech support. He did think it was strange that it failed the first test but passed the others but he also said must people just put the ram in and don't bother testing so data is very limited. He suggested keeping an eye on errors over a couple of days.

Interestingly enough he said the first set that I returned previously passed an extended AHT at OWC with no problems and he confirmed that, as requested, the replacement modules (that I received today) were tested before being sent. I have faith that this has been done therefore the ram should be good.

I hear what you are saying about returning them for peace of mind but I am reluctant to do so because I really do need them and it will cost me another $100 to get it done quickly. Unless anyone knows any cheaper ways of doing it?

Really I just need to know: does any fail on AHT mean problems or could AHT get it wrong the first time and on subsequent re testing be more accurate?
Click to expand...

Why are you paying $100 for a return? If they are faulty or DOA then OWC should pay any return/shipping fees.
 
I've re-read what you wrote.

I'm a little puzzled how the same RAM can failed the first basic test and passed the subsequent ones. :confused: But since subsequence tests had shown the RAMs to be OK, then I guess it shouldn't cause any cause of alarm. I think I would do the same as you and use the RAM as it is for now and monitor for any error codes.

In the meantime, why don't you test the RAMs with another application (Memtest) and see how it comes through?

Interesting to know that the same RAM tested in two different environment can have different results. I am also very curious for the difference in result.
 
h4m, I'm not expert in RAM, but by the law of average, it seems your RAM had passed more test than it failed. It even passed the test at OWC.

So if I'm you, I would stick to it first. I don't see there's a cause for concern right now. Just monitor for any error codes.

Incidentally, does OWC cover shipping if you return the RAMs?
 
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