Macbook, 4 GB RAM issues

alamarco · May 22nd, 2009, 07:18 PM

Ordered 4 GB of RAM on May 13th, so I'm still within the 30 day period of return.

Problem: With the 4 GB installed (2 x 2 GB, purchased) I get an error when I run the Apple Hardware Test. With 3 GB installed (1 x 1 GB, 1 x 2 GB) I don't get any error when running the Apple Hardware Test. No error is produced with either of the purchased sticks if it's paired with one of the original. With 2 GB installed (2 x 1 GB, original) no error is produced.

The error in question is 4MEM/4/40000000, which from Googling is either a logic board problem or a memory problem. Since no error is produced when at least one original stick is installed I'm assuming this is a memory problem.

The thing that gets me is that no error is produced when at least one original is installed with either stick. Yet when both sticks purchased sticks are inserted together the error pops up.

Question: Should I get a replacement, or should I just do a return? If I do a return, and then purchase the same product would I still get the 30 days to return or would they see that I returned and then purchased and not give the 30 days?

What I'm worried about is if I do the replacement the 30 day period will more than likely elapse and if the same error came up I'd be screwed. However I'm not sure if I'd still get th 30 days if I returned and then repurchased.

Any opinions on what I should do given the above information? Thank-you

chas_m · May 22nd, 2009, 07:39 PM

You didn't bother to mention which model MacBook, that could make a difference. Without that bit of info there's nothing definitive to say.

alamarco · May 22nd, 2009, 08:10 PM

Sorry, it's the Macbook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) with model #A1278.

MacDoc · May 22nd, 2009, 08:31 PM

and what speed ram did you order

alamarco · May 22nd, 2009, 08:39 PM

The RAM is 4 GB (2 x 2 GB), 1067 MHz DDR3, 204pin. Which is supported by the Macbook according to the manual and the same specification as the original RAM, besides the 2 GB to 4 GB.

MacDoc · May 22nd, 2009, 09:11 PM

yep - sounds like it needs to be replaced

alamarco · May 23rd, 2009, 06:21 PM

Alright, thanks.