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Powerbook 12" G4 RAM Errors, suspected to be internal RAM
Posted by: oliviaiacovou on 2023-11-08 12:22:49
I've got this PB G4, it boots just fine most times and tends to get to the desktop, seemingly fine, however after a few minutes it kernel panics, then sometimes shows an openfirmware error, displaying a memory issue. Apple Hardware Test reported no faults. I've tried without an external dimm to make sure it isn't that, and it still has the same problem. Is it possible to simply take the memory chips off the board and only use the dimm?

And also, is there anything else I haven't mentioned that I should try first?
Posted by: herd on 2023-11-08 14:18:59
Check the CPU temperature.
Posted by: oliviaiacovou on 2023-11-09 12:05:23
Check the CPU temperature.
cpu is fine, fresh thermal paste too
Posted by: MacUp72 on 2023-11-09 22:39:35
is the original old ide HDD still in it? ..maybe it is beginning to die and messing with the OS.
you could try another drive ( or ssd) and try a fresh install and compare.
I had strange install errors on dying drives
Posted by: oliviaiacovou on 2023-11-10 00:17:01
is the original old ide HDD still in it? ..maybe it is beginning to die and messing with the OS.
you could try another drive ( or ssd) and try a fresh install and compare.
I had strange install errors on dying drives
i think i have but i’m not entirely sure, i’ll try soon
Posted by: herd on 2023-11-10 09:43:49
To answer your question: Yes, you can remove (or lift a pin) to disable the built-in RAM and rely on the DIMM. To answer your other question: yes there is a variety of things you can try. Personally, I doubt the problem is with the RAM. What does Temperature Monitor report? Does the fan move? Did it work before re-pasting? What else changed before/after the problem, etc...

If you want tech support I think we would need more to go on. Have you tried turning it off and back on again? 🙂
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