[-Blue-]

Hey,

So I'm starting programming on my MBP and the computer has been freezing/crashing way too often... as in 4 times in a single day. Even before this, there have been random lines appearing across my windows that don't disappear unless I close them. Is this the fault of the RAM? I upgraded it to 2GB with some RAM from Newegg.

[Big Mac]

Random lines across the screen is graphical corruption - points to a GPU issue. Crashing could be a hardware problem. Run the Hardware Test off of the system disc and see if it confirms any issues.

[seanc]

What MBP do you have? If it has an 8600m then it's a known fault and Apple will replace your logic board.

[-Blue-]

Where would I find if it had a 8600m? In System Profiler, it just says:

Model Name: MacBook Pro 15"
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,1

And some other stuff (obviously). What would I need to look for/where?

And Big Mac, I will try that.

[seanc]

Originally Posted by -Blue- 

Where would I find if it had a 8600m? In System Profiler, it just says:

Model Name: MacBook Pro 15"
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,1

And some other stuff (obviously). What would I need to look for/where?

And Big Mac, I will try that.

System Profiler > Graphics (down left hand side).. or something to that effect.

[ChrisF]

Originally Posted by -Blue- 

Where would I find if it had a 8600m? In System Profiler, it just says:

Model Name: MacBook Pro 15"
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,1

The MacBook Pro 1,1 is the first generation Core Duo model with ATI X1600 graphics. While there may be a GPU problem, it isn't the one covered by the repair program for the later ones with the Nvidia 8600M GPU.

[-Blue-]

The hardware test on the original system disk showed no problems. What else could I try?

[-Blue-]

OK, an update:

I've been looking at Apple RAM on the Apple website and for my MBP, the only memory they have listed is a 512MB module. However, this computer is supposed to be able to support up to 2GB (still not much, I know). Could this be the problem? Might the computer only fully support 512MB modules?

[Simon]

No, your MBP (Core Duo model) supports two 1GB DDR2 SO-DIMMs (200 pin, 667 MHz, PC2-5300).
http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-noteb...-ram-upgrades/

If the problems started after you installed the RAM chances are it was the RAM. AHT sometimes misses bad RAM, but it would have detected a bad GPU or MLB.

Put back in the original RAM and make sure your issues go away. The get your RAM replaced.

[-Blue-]

This is very strange.

I put in the original RAM and the same thing happened. I'm now scanning for viruses, but if this doesn't come up with anything, I have no clue what it could be. So far the hardware test has come up clean and the RAM as been tested; is there anything else to check?

[seanc]

My only other guesses are some software corruption or incompatibility, hard drive or logic board. Start with the free option first

[-Blue-]

...How would I test for that?

[seanc]

Well start with any software or GUI hacks you may have installed recently.
Open Disk Utility, select your hard drive and look at the SMART status - it should say verified.

There's not really a way to test the logic board apart from testing/replacing EVERYTHING else to rule it out

Have you run the hardware test in loop mode? Do this overnight. Press command + L and you should see text appear saying it's running in loop mode.

[DCJ001]

It's also possible that you've got a faulty peripheral that's causing these problems. Try shutting down the Mac, disconnecting all USB and FireWire devices, boot up, and see how it goes.

I don't have as much experience with diagnosing hardware issues as others here, but I had a problem with my Mac that disappeared after I disconnected a scanner.

It's a quick, simple, and free way to start.

[-Blue-]

I didn't see "SMART Status", but after verifying the hard drive, Disk Utility said it was OK. Any way to test out the GPU?

And I tested it without anything connected other than power, same problem. Thanks, though.