Is new RAM making my G4 crash?

tgilbert · #1 April 9th, 2008, 01:54 AM

I read on mac-help that OS X can be really picky about RAM.

Well, I just replaced a 512mb with a 1GB RAM chip in my PowerBook G4, and since then, it has been prone to unexpected quits and "you need to restart" error messages.

Some info: I'm using OS X 10.4.11
Had the RAM installed by an Apple store recommended dealer
Will crash either:
a) doing something simple like only listening to iTunes
b) using something complicated like Garageband or HandBrake
c) after being asleep and powered on for between 2 and 12 hours

What steps should I take to troubleshoot this?

Thanks in advance,
Taylor

**Giaguara** · #2 April 9th, 2008, 07:29 AM

Hi Taylor,

Run Apple Hardware Test from install disc 1 that came with your computer. With ctrl-L shortcut, get it to loop mode, and run extended test for some hours. It will stop when it gets an error or is asked to stop.
If you don't have the install discs, run memtest. The unexpected quits are often for bad RAM.

macworks · #3 April 9th, 2008, 12:59 PM

Also note that the hardware test might indicate that your RAM is fine. Don't believe just that one test.

Further, some PowerBook G4's have problems with one or the other RAM slot. Do you have two chips installed in there? What RAM do you have in which slots?

Apple's article relating to the PowerBook G4 RAM slot problems: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303173