Powerbook 15": bad RAM? something more serious?

kasquith · Dec 2nd, 2005, 10:34 AM

Powerbook 15": 1.5 GHz, 512 MB, combo drive, running 10.4.3. Purchased new last May.

On Wednesday, I brought it to school with me. When I attempted to power on, I heard the 3 beeps. I googled this, realized it was a RAM problem. Which is odd: I bought this computer stock, never tinkered with RAM in any way. A few minutes later, I tried to power on again and it turned on fine.

Brought it home that evening, it appeared to be off. I tried to power on and heard the dreaded 3 beeps again. Because I have not added new RAM, let alone opened it up, I found this odd. The only thing I could think of is that the RAM some how got loose while in transport (in which case, I have series concerns about the fragility and build quality, but that's another story). So I opened up the back door, pulled out the RAM, put it back in. Sure enough, it powered on. At this point, I was thinking the problem really was loose RAM.

Computer hasn't left my desktop since Wednesday evening. This morning, it appeared to be off again. I tried to turn it on: no beeps this time, but I couldn't even hear the disks start. Absolutely nothing. I tried my usual "pull out RAM" technique again. And yet again, it powered on! A few minutes later, it froze while I was just reading mail. Now, it won't turn on again -- but no beeps.

(writing this from a friend's computer)

Do I have bad RAM? (Keep in mind, the 512 in there is what came with my machine). Or is there something more serious happening? Logic board?

Any authorized service providers in Windsor, Ontario?

Thanks to all - sorry for the long message.

JPL · Dec 2nd, 2005, 11:14 AM

Yup it could very well be the ram It's under warranty take it in and let them figure it out. The only way to find out is to put another sodimm in and try it. Not many of us have an extra 512mb PC2700 lying around though.

Maybe you will geta response from MacDoc or CanadaRam they are more knowledgeable than me.

kasquith · Dec 2nd, 2005, 12:50 PM

Yeah -- I ended up taking it in to an authorized dealer here in Windsor (there is one). Seemed like a decent place. They are going to take a closer look at it, but the gut instinct is RAM -- which is still strange to me because I haven't ever added any -- or logic board.

I appreciate your response. I'll update everyone on what happens.

8127972 · Dec 2nd, 2005, 01:00 PM

Bad RAM slot (which means logic board replacement time). I've heard that the slots themselves are issues in those PB's.

draz · Dec 2nd, 2005, 01:19 PM

There are some major issues with the last few rusn of the 15" PB's having bad ram slots. If this is the case Apple will indeed replace the logic board. I have seem this happen once or twice recently.

Good luck