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knicks20 · May 21, 2006, 01:08 PM

Let me start by saying I've already brought the MacBook to the Apple store and they replaced it.

Anyway, I bought 2 Gigaram 1GB RAM sticks from Newegg, since it was a reasonable price and many reviews said it worked great in their MBP. I opened up the bottom of the MacBook, took out the old RAM and popped the new sticks in. Tried to turn on the computer, heard the startup chime, but that was it, screen never came on. Opened up the bottom again and saw the RAM wasn't in all the way. After reseating it, the computer was totally dead. The power button did nothing. I tried putting the original RAM back in, and still nothing.

So, is it really possible that the RAM totally fried the computer? Or maybe the Macbook already had something wrong with it? Whenever I would turn it on or restart, it would start up in "verbose" mode, with a black screen and lots of information. This doesn't happen on the replacement MacBook, just goes right to the gray screen w/ apple logo.

If anyone has any insight on the destruction of my MacBook I'd appreciate it. Thanks

icruise · May 21, 2006, 01:14 PM

It's possible that you shorted something out with static electricity while you were working inside. Hard to say.

knicks20 · May 21, 2006, 01:15 PM

So is it likely that the RAM i bought isn't good at this point?

icruise · May 21, 2006, 01:27 PM

I wouldn't say that. In any case, I don't think that RAM by itself can break a laptop, so either there was something wrong with the computer to start with or you accidentally caused some damage when installing the RAM. But I would go ahead and try to use it on your replacement computer, if that's what you're concerned about.

pgolf · May 21, 2006, 03:01 PM

I had the same problem with both my iMac DC and MacBook after installing the ram. Make sure you have the RAM all the way in.

knicks20 · May 21, 2006, 06:49 PM

Alright, I installed the RAM in the replacement MacBook, even though I was very nervous. It's working great now. Thanks for your help guys.

kabucek · Jun 5, 2006, 08:23 PM

this is my first day with my new macbook pro (first few hours in fact) and my first mac ever so i was already pretty nervous. the same catastrophe happened to me when i tried to install some new RAM. I installed it badly, not realizing how hard i had to push that guy in there. anyway, the standby light started blinking and the screen was dead. i took the new ram out, no change, still dead. MADDENING.

i did finally get it working again though. Making sure the power was off by holding the power button down for several seconds, I took the original RAM out of it's slot, left that slot empty and then placed it in the other slot and rebooted. Success! I shut down again, then i took that RAM out again put it back in it's original slot and placed the new RAM in the top slot (nice and tight this time). turn back on.
Working and with all the RAM! i can't explain this problem. but this solution worked for me. i hope you have similar luck!

jaybert · Jun 5, 2006, 09:09 PM

installing the ram was a PITA. I was afraid I was going to break either the macbook or the ram pushing it so hard. While the design is nice, I would prefer how other laptops have it, with an opening at the bottom and you just slide it in diagonally and drop it in. Must less force necessary than it took to get these in.

greenamp · Jun 5, 2006, 09:17 PM

You really gotta use some force to get the RAM sticks in the MacBook. It makes you think you're doing it wrong at 1st, and when it does go in you think you broke something.

Guy Kuo · Jun 5, 2006, 09:50 PM

Before you take out the original RAM, take note of how far the outer ege is sitting relative to the slot opening. That gives you some idea of how far in the new RAM needs to be seated (assuming they are the same size PC card of cours).

It took at least 5 to 7 lbs of force alternately on each end of my modules to coax them gradually into position. It helped when I used a block of plastic to help push. My old thumb joints were getting hurt by how hard I was pushing. Really scarey style of sockets these are. The modules need to go in about 1.5 mm to 2 mm further in than when they meet initial resistance.

icruise · Jun 5, 2006, 10:12 PM

I wonder if there's a difference between different brands of RAM. I installed OWC RAM (two 512MB chips) in my sister's MacBook and they went in with no problems whatsoever.

Hi I'm Ben · Jun 5, 2006, 10:13 PM

For all of you using ungodly amounts of force, it's not really needed.

Put one edge of the ram in slightly first (and I do mean SLIGHTLY), once you feel it slip into place press the whole piece in. Use your thumbs with the case upside down on your lap see if you can seat the ram in anymore. When it's on your lap face it so that your pushing the RAM with your thumbs towards your body.

Going in full force is extremely difficult and not needed.

jaybert · Jun 5, 2006, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by Hi I'm Ben

For all of you using ungodly amounts of force, it's not really needed.

Put one edge of the ram in slightly first (and I do mean SLIGHTLY), once you feel it slip into place press the whole piece in. Use your thumbs with the case upside down on your lap see if you can seat the ram in anymore. When it's on your lap face it so that your pushing the RAM with your thumbs towards your body.

Going in full force is extremely difficult and not needed.

it'd be nice if the manual explained it like that if it in fact works

The manual says to push with both hands, applying equal force with both. It shouldnt even be that difficult though, for those who have installed ram in other laptops before, it is a very simple process.

unix · Jun 5, 2006, 11:38 PM

Yeah, it wasn't that big a deal. My chips slotted in nicely, with not much force. Though the slots in other notebooks are easier to put the RAM into, I still prefer the Macbook's slot cause you can access both slots while opening up the same set of screws. It's especially irritating when there's one memory chip on the motherboard, and the whole laptop needs to disassembled to simply upgrade the RAM.

Way to go Apple!

KeilwerthSX90R · Jun 6, 2006, 01:19 PM

For the OP, was it the computer that was the problem?

I have a Macbook and 2 1GB RAM sticks from Crucial. The computer runs fine with the stock Apple RAM but doesn't work with the crucial ram. Same symptoms. The power light is on but the screen won't come on.

I'm assuming this is the Crucial RAM since the computer works fine once the stock RAM is reinstalled. Am I wrong? Should I take the RAM and Computer into an Apple store?

Thanks

icruise · Jun 6, 2006, 02:45 PM

Assuming you bought the right kind of RAM and have it installed correctly (making sure that it snaps into place at the same position that the stock RAM did) then it sounds like bad RAM. You could try calling Crucial. But I would certainly look into the possibility that you just didn't install it correctly.

HouseSold · Jun 6, 2006, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by KeilwerthSX90R

For the OP, was it the computer that was the problem?

I have a Macbook and 2 1GB RAM sticks from Crucial. The computer runs fine with the stock Apple RAM but doesn't work with the crucial ram. Same symptoms. The power light is on but the screen won't come on.

I'm assuming this is the Crucial RAM since the computer works fine once the stock RAM is reinstalled. Am I wrong? Should I take the RAM and Computer into an Apple store?

Thanks

Something rarely mentioned is the memory card circuit board thickness variations between manufacturers. These memory cards in the Macs go into a slot whereas many DDR2 SO-DIMMs enter a slot and then recline to lock in, so the circuit card thickness is less critical by design.

The Hynix branded memory in the MacBooks seem to be on slimmer thickness circuit boards. Thus the greater ease upon installing and a good arguement for upgrading from the factory, sometimes.

Try removing a factory SO-DIMM from your MacBook, then re insert that exact same one to get the feel before you use your replacement memory to see what that feels like and what I mean.

Next time in, I will measure the thickness variations with a caliper (card thickness).

Jawbone54 · Jun 6, 2006, 03:43 PM

I agree with everyone who said they had to use what felt like excessive force to get the RAM installed correctly. Upgrading my PowerBook to 1.5 GB made me feel like I was shoving it in WAY too hard, and it finally made this satisfying "click" sound, fixing my problem. I thought my computer was dead for a day.

Can't be a wussy tenderfingers when upgrading RAM.

macgeek2005 · Jun 6, 2006, 04:48 PM

Hey, this happened to me also!

Bought 2GB from a reputable Mac upgrades dealer. Popped out the old RAM, stuck in the new chips. Like others have mentioned, I found the chips to be difficult to seat properly. At some point I decided to eject the chips and try to reseat them, as they weren't in correctly and the machine wasn't turning on. It was then that I noticed to my horror that the levers wouldn't eject the RAM! Somehow the chips had become stuck and wiggling the levers did nothing besides move the chips back and forth inside of the machine! Became well freaked at this point and called AppleCare, who told me that this should not happen and to have a "Mac Genius" take a look at it, which I did. Mac Genius chastised me for not mortgaging my home to buy Apple RAM and got the chips out with a RAM extractor. Computer was toast though-- still wouldn't power up and the inside lever bits were all wonky. He basically let me know that if they sent my computer back to Apple for repair, /someone/ (ie. him) /might/ (ie. will) make the call that this was user-caused damage, and I'd be liable for replacing the logic board and whatever else was broken. What excellent news, thank you Genius! Problem is I don't accept that I did anything wrong when installing the RAM. I didn't use a crazy amount of force, hammer in the chips or do anything bizarre. My dayjob involves keeping multiple datacenters full of enterprise-class servers and networking equipment running and that involves diagnosing and swapping out bad CPUs, RAM, disks, power supplies, etc so I'm pretty familiar with this sort of thing. I've successfully dissected my Mac Mini and replaced the hard drive, so I think I'm competent enough to install RAM.

End of story is that I brought it to a different Apple Store with nicer employees and managed to get a replacement MacBook since mine was under two weeks old. But, just barely. The difference was these guys were willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. Still have no idea though what caused the problem... Thicker pcboard on the new RAM chips? Defective levers? Environmental conditions?

Be careful!

ChuckD · Jun 8, 2006, 10:13 PM

I had the exact same experience with my MacBook as Lean above. Tried installing Patriot RAM from Fry's, it got stuck, called AppleCare, took it into a store and after they got it out, the computer was dead. AppleCare wanted me to send it in for repair, but because I was just barely under 2 weeks I was able to talk (to several people) my way into an exchange. I exchanged the RAM at Fry's for new stuff, but now I am a little freaked about installing it in the replacement machine. I manage network systems and have installed every kind of component imaginable at some point, so I don't think I'm a klutz, but trying to install the RAM in the MacBook has me a little freaked now.

masugu · Jun 8, 2006, 10:45 PM

Ack. Now I'm worried. I ordered RAM directly from Mushkin...one brand Frys sells. In another thread, I asked about Mushkin. Everyone had good things to say about quality. Now I just hope they fit!!! Will find out Saturday.

TerryJ · Jun 8, 2006, 11:52 PM

I have two 1GB Mushkin modules in my MacBook 2.0 that I ordered from Fry's and they are working just fine. I agree with everyone about the fit though... it took some serious force to get them in there and I am very surprised at the design on this. I compared thickness with the stock modules that came out, and to the naked eye, they look identical but the stock modules snap in easily, as they should normally feel with any RAM slots. the new modules just had to be brute-forced in but once seated, they are working just fine and I am not going to mess with them anymore.
Hopefully we'll see this solved in later models because I'm sure that people won't want to be going through this hassle for the entire product cycle of the MacBook.

HouseSold · Jun 9, 2006, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by masugu

Ack. Now I'm worried. I ordered RAM directly from Mushkin...one brand Frys sells. In another thread, I asked about Mushkin. Everyone had good things to say about quality. Now I just hope they fit!!! Will find out Saturday.

The Outpost/Frys chips, I received from them were branded Mushkin, but the speed in system profiler returned 533 for both; I called Mushkin (see my other posts), and Muskin replaced them as a matched pair with both reading 667 now. It was a hassle but resolved easily; 533 was like driving a car with the handbrake on.

Run this: http://memtestosx.org/download/
and the Apple Hardware DVD that came with your Book to be certain of fully working RAM.

macgeek2005 · Jun 13, 2006, 02:04 PM

Summoned up the courage yet to try the upgrade again?

I returned my upgrade chips to the vendor. Figured I'd read up on others' experiences and select a brand of RAM that a lot of people were having success with. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by ahintz

I had the exact same experience with my MacBook as Lean above. Tried installing Patriot RAM from Fry's, it got stuck, called AppleCare, took it into a store and after they got it out, the computer was dead. AppleCare wanted me to send it in for repair, but because I was just barely under 2 weeks I was able to talk (to several people) my way into an exchange. I exchanged the RAM at Fry's for new stuff, but now I am a little freaked about installing it in the replacement machine. I manage network systems and have installed every kind of component imaginable at some point, so I don't think I'm a klutz, but trying to install the RAM in the MacBook has me a little freaked now.

Ciber · Jun 27, 2006, 07:13 PM

Another victim of the craptastic ram slots here. Put in 2 gigs and then tried to start it, nothing happened... Tried the original ram and nothing. I then took it down to the 5th avenue store which verified the stupid thing is dead.

They of course refused to exchange my 7 hour old fire breathing defective macbook because i bought it through amazon, and now amazon wants me to return the macbook to them before they send me a new one, which is a huge waste of time.

So if you want to beta test Apple's products, make sure you buy from them, otherwise you're on your own as far as they're concerned.

pheonixash · Jun 28, 2006, 01:17 AM

Originally Posted by Ciber

Another victim of the craptastic ram slots here. Put in 2 gigs and then tried to start it, nothing happened... Tried the original ram and nothing. I then took it down to the 5th avenue store which verified the stupid thing is dead.

They of course refused to exchange my 7 hour old fire breathing defective macbook because i bought it through amazon, and now amazon wants me to return the macbook to them before they send me a new one, which is a huge waste of time.

So if you want to beta test Apple's products, make sure you buy from them, otherwise you're on your own as far as they're concerned.

I don't think you can blame Apple here, since thousands of other people have replaced their RAM (me included) and we have had no problems. If you didn't install it correctly, any laptop will crash on you.

Ciber · Jun 28, 2006, 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by pheonixash

I don't think you can blame Apple here, since thousands of other people have replaced their RAM (me included) and we have had no problems. If you didn't install it correctly, any laptop will crash on you.

I installed it properly. I work in IT and have replaced computer parts thousands of times, these slots aren't exactly complicated or anything, just poorly built/designed.

In case you haven't noticed, i'm not the only one that had this problem here. I find it amazing how nothing is ever apple's fault in some people's eyes.

Oh yeah, the trackpad button was terrible as it only detected clicks right in the center of the button.

sieb · Jun 28, 2006, 08:21 AM

"Easy expandability, add more ram or a new harddrive! Just make sure to pay us to do it..." -Apple

Sigh.. I'm half tempted to just buy my ram and macbook, then take it to the store and have them do it on the spot.

What's more or less happening when these die is the ram dim isn't all the way in, so when you start the machine up, it shorts on the contacts and fries. Seen it happen on PCs too.

pheonixash · Jun 29, 2006, 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by Ciber

I installed it properly. I work in IT and have replaced computer parts thousands of times, these slots aren't exactly complicated or anything, just poorly built/designed.

In case you haven't noticed, i'm not the only one that had this problem here. I find it amazing how nothing is ever apple's fault in some people's eyes.

Oh yeah, the trackpad button was terrible as it only detected clicks right in the center of the button.

Well if you're going to believe that almost everyone who's replacing parts is having problems just by reading these forums, you're getting a very skewed view of the MacBook owners.

Anyhow, all I was I was saying was that I didn't find anything wrong with it, in design or form. It seemed to work just fine when I replaced my RAM and is still running flawlessly. Maybe you pushed too hard, coz people here have been exxagerating the amount of force needed to push it in, or you simply got a lemon 'Book.

Am not defending Apple or anything, if they were poorly designed or built, you would hear a lot more complaints (like with the mooing, whining etc). Even on the Apple Discussion Forums, there is far more discussion about noises and discoloration rather than people having problems with the RAM slots.

barnardeep · Jul 1, 2006, 04:36 AM

i actually had to push pretty damn hard with it and could not get the computer to start up by just using my fingers to push it. i had to use a pen and push it in till it didn't go with a lot more force than i've ever used when installing ram and then the computer started.

ahintz · Jul 2, 2006, 11:34 PM

Well, I ended up installing the Fry's RAM (Patriot - two 1GB sticks) on the replacement MacBook I received and it has been perfect. But I agree - the RAM slots are horrible. Way too sensitive for a "user upgradeable" option. I've installed RAM in dozens upon dozens of desktops and laptops, and this is the first computer I ever had trouble with! Now that my MacBook is working with 2GB, I don't plan to ever remove the RAM again!

--Andrew

kentuckyfried · Jul 5, 2006, 05:37 AM

It's really hard to apply enough force to force the memory modules in...I ended up using a plastic pen to gradually "see-saw" the sticks into place...the macbook saw them fine.

Only thing is that I never heard a "click" when the ram seated...and trust me...I've been plenty sure to make sure the seating of the ram bottomed out. I applied much more force than would be possible with my fingers in such an awkward position. it's alot easier to do this on a desktop. I too, have upped it to 2 GB just so I don't have to screw around with these slots EVER again.

As for the people who have the DOA memory...this's why I have been avoiding memory purchases online like the plague. I've found that sometimes these generic brand occasionally won't work with Macs (this should be less and less of a problem hopefully now that it's all intel hardware, but who knows? My friend, a geeky coder, could never explain why I ran into these memory issues in the past).

The $75 Fry's "jetram" sticks work fine on my Macbook...I'm a happy camper...now I just want to have time to do stuff with it now.

Originally Posted by barnardeep

i actually had to push pretty damn hard with it and could not get the computer to start up by just using my fingers to push it. i had to use a pen and push it in till it didn't go with a lot more force than i've ever used when installing ram and then the computer started.

logickal · Jul 5, 2006, 11:32 AM

This happened to me - I received my Macbook on Monday (7/3/06) and booted it to make sure it wasn't DOA. Did the registration bit, then shut it down to swap the RAM and HD out with upgrades I purchased at Newegg. The ram was the G.Skill 1gb that seems to be quite popular with the Macbook crowd.

On removing the stock memory, I noticed that the levers were not popping the RAM out in a way that I felt was normal - the lever would "stick" just after about 1/2 through its travel, and the chip would not unseat easily. Pushed the lever through the sticky area and chip unseated just enough for me to grip it with my fingernails. The other slot was even worse. Installed the new 1gb chips, knowing that some people had problems with the amount of insertion force.

Long story short, put it back together (to test RAM before installing HD) and the machine was dead - no chime, no lights, no sleep indication - just dead. So, try to put the stock memory back in to see if it would rectify the problem and the levers now will not eject the Took it to Apple Store, Genius wouldn't attempt to remove the ram and advised us to use pliers, which "may destroy the ram" while also trying to sell us Apple's 1gb upgrade.

So, not having a chip puller but wanting to get to the bottom of things, I pull the ram out with the pliers, managing not to cause any obvious damage to the chips, reinstall the stock memory, and... Still have a dead macbook. I've opened a ticket with Applecare, but am seriously considering sending my wife back down to the Applestore (although I ordered online) to do some sweet talking since the machine is 3 days old. Can't decide on whether to get a replacement on the RAM from Newegg - probably the safest thing to do.

kentuckyfried · Jul 5, 2006, 11:55 AM

^ what a mess!

I'm just fortunate that the memory I purchase worked the first run through...I ran into the same issue.
When trying to pop the memory module out, I was applying a great deal of force on that little lever, and I didn't want to risk breaking off either the lever or destroying the ram.

Was anybody successful in using the tiny levers to pop the memory out without destroying anything (in the event that your memory got "stuck" and wasn't wanting to come out)?

logickal · Jul 5, 2006, 12:12 PM

Hey, KF - can you explain your pen method to us? Am I interpreting you right that you're levering the pen against the battery bay to press down on one side of the chip at a time?

kentuckyfried · Jul 5, 2006, 02:53 PM

What I'm doing is what one of the other girls suggested in a different thread...I was actually using the end of a plastic felt tip pen and firmly but gently pushing in the ram on one end, then on the other end of the ram, very gradually "see-sawing" it into place.

It's probably better to use a wooden or plastic ruler (if you've got an old wooden pasta spoon that's ideal)...some sort of material softer than the so-dimm board...to help push it in. That way the applied force is distributed along more of the edge and less likely to do any damage. I admittedly got a little worried trying to push it in with a pen but I handled it gingerly enough, so it worked out.

Originally Posted by logickal

Hey, KF - can you explain your pen method to us? Am I interpreting you right that you're levering the pen against the battery bay to press down on one side of the chip at a time?

HouseSold · Jul 5, 2006, 04:09 PM

I posted this at the beginning of June here on another thread

Old 06-09-2006, 05:25 PM
Edit/Delete Message Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
Quote:
Originally Posted by masugu
So HouseSold....you never had any problem getting your Mushkin RAM into your MacBook??? I am hoping my new two 1 gig sticks slide right in tomorrow when I get home...

Thanks

I had posted much more detail on installation in my post, but when I posted it after previously logging in, got a "you are not authorized to post" alert and didn't go through the 15 minutes again preparing the post.

Basically, I discovered:
1) There are varying memory circuit board thicknesses throughout the industry. (Samsung and Hynix, Apple's OEMs barring disputes and price wars, being the slimmest and easiest to install-we have 2 MacBooks here)

2) Technique and patience is everything. (We are not stuffing a suitcase for a trip)

3) Terry cloth towel on a flat generous table surface and the right, not rushed, Phillips head screwdriver with a long (preferably 5" shaft to clear the battery compartment and not scratch the case)

4) Before removing existing factory RAM and after removing the 'L' bracket by pulling its longer side away from the corner gently, carefully study the edges and distance the existing RAM sits in the socket. Notice the visual line between the compartment edge and the memory board edge for refitting your RAM (from Mushkin, in this case).
Note: Try only replacing one RAM chip 1st, for example the right side, so you can compare the installed one with your replacement one.

5) I used the long handle of a wooden cooking spoon ( the handle looks like a larger pencil shaft and is blunt on the end and non conductive and is softer than the circuit card itself) for seating the RAM.
Your MacBook can sit on its' front edge on your lap (perpendicularly with the open battery compartment facing you) while you use both hands (thumbs) and initially press your RAM in as far as possible. Finish with (in my case the spoon) pressing the center of the RAM chip as far as possible; then each side edge once firmly remembering or studing the remaining other original RAM chip for comparison. Remember it is a snug fit when seated, but don't use excessive force or get riled.

6) Repeat for the second RAM chip. Keep in mind, the removal levers may be hidden inside the RAM area (get happy) with the RAM chips before, after or during installation or removal.
Use a matchbook cover or business card folded to bring them outside (unless you're comfortable with a open paper clip)

7) Finally reboot (I always do FSCK on a reboot other than routine startup)
A) Look in system profile and click on memory to see if your RAM is 667 etc.
B) Run memtest ( for those unfamiliar- http://memtestosx.org/download/ ) a couple of times and/or Apple's Hardware diagnostic (extended) to really check the memory. Sometimes bad memory won't show up and can cause errors or worse yet , loss of data and go undetected for some time.

I hope this helps; post back with your experiences.

R0CK3TM4NN · Jul 5, 2006, 10:23 PM

Just put 2 GB of ram in here and I will say it took some force but not as much as I thought some of you guys made it out to be. Like a previous poster said, if you give it a little extra pressure on one side of the SODIMM (the right-hand side) it will slide in a lot easier. Also I installed like said poster described by putting the Macbook on my lap and looking down into the slot. Just be really careful I supposed It seemed like no more extra force than installing RAM in a desktop. Definately look at how far deep the original sticks are before digging in there. It'll give you a good idea of how far you gotta go.

FYI 2GB of ram absolutely flies.

HouseSold · Jul 5, 2006, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by R0CK3TM4NN

Just put 2 GB of ram in here and I will say it took some force but not as much as I thought some of you guys made it out to be. Like a previous poster said, if you give it a little extra pressure on one side of the SODIMM (the right-hand side) it will slide in a lot easier. Also I installed like said poster described by putting the Macbook on my lap and looking down into the slot. Just be really careful I supposed It seemed like no more extra force than installing RAM in a desktop. Definately look at how far deep the original sticks are before digging in there. It'll give you a good idea of how far you gotta go.

FYI 2GB of ram absolutely flies.

The advice of looking at how what's in there 1st from Apple is installed, before proceeding, is right on.
That's why I suggested doing one side and comparing it to the other side before it is removed, as a comparison.

logickal · Jul 6, 2006, 03:54 PM

Well, I sent my poor new Macbook off to the depot to be serviced yesterday after my wife had absolutely no luck at the Applestore (Genius took it back, came back a few minutes later and blamed us for the problem and told us we'd have to pay $600 for a new logic board)... I've been reassured by a few folks that Applecare should take care of the whole thing, but needless to say, I'm a bit on the worried side. I'm glad to hear that most of the people around here had their machines replaced with little to no fuss... I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and returning the RAM for a replacement today!

greenamp · Jul 6, 2006, 04:40 PM

I don't understand all this mess about wooden spoons and ballpoint pens. I've installed ram in 2 MacBooks, and although firm, the installation hardly required the use of specialty tools.

Simply slide the ram gently in the slot until it stops under gentle pressure, then with both hands use your index fingers to gently see-saw the module into place until you feel it snap in. Works best if you place the MacBook on a kitchen bar or table ( on a cloth or something of course), with the battery enclosure facing away from you.

Guy Kuo · Jul 6, 2006, 04:46 PM

Some of the memory modules are definitely thicker and require a fair amount of force. I could not do it comfortably with just my fingertips or even my thumbnails. The orininal Hynix memory slides in just as you describe. My 3rd party memory took considerably more force. I found a great tool for doing it with good control - my USB flash drive was just the right thickenss and length. With a larger pushing area, it was easier to apply CONTROLLED force and feel the memory seat into position.

greenamp · Jul 6, 2006, 04:51 PM

Well, I've only experience with Apple branded RAM and JetRam branded 3rd party RAM from NewEgg. The JetRam actually went in easier than the Apple ram. But neither required anything drastic. The see-saw method works quite well. Maybe I just have strong fingers

logickal · Jul 6, 2006, 05:15 PM

Thanks for all of the RAM installation tips - I think though that the bigger issue here is that somehow our Macbooks are getting zapped in this process. The first time I inserted my new RAM, I used what I felt to be a reasonable amount of force, and they looked to be inserted fully, although I will admit to not swapping one at a time to look at any height differential. When booting the machine after the RAM change, the machine was completely dead. Now, it may be possible that the new ram wasn't seated and caused some kind of short, or the difficulty in removing the stock ram somehow damaged something, but... Anyway, here's hoping I get my new machine back soon!

greenamp · Jul 6, 2006, 05:35 PM

At any rate, if you're machine does die after you installed 3rd party ram, put the stock ram back in, and make no mention of having installed any ram.

If you tell them it worked fine until you tried to install ram, then it died afterwards, a giant red "warranty voided" buzzer goes off and then you're screwed.

chrisx · Jul 6, 2006, 07:49 PM

I just had to chime in here cause I was just a few seconds away from returning my RAM back to NewEgg when I decided to try one last time. I figured I was using enough force cause the two 1GB RAM modules were leaving imprints on my fingers after each try.

I basically did what "Hi I'm Ben" mentioned and thought I was going to break either the RAM or MacBook and the RAM actually did go in a bit further. Now my machine has 2GB. I hope to never have to touch the damn RAM ever again, lol

R0CK3TM4NN · Jul 6, 2006, 08:34 PM

Could be worse! Installing a brand new processor in a desktop PC which you find out all too late that it has bent pins...thats the epitome of sweaty-palmned-nervousness.

Now I wish the core duo in this thing was soldered in...hehehe.

lean · Jul 10, 2006, 02:51 PM

This thread contains ample evidence that even if you're a highly technical user, there is a small chance that you'll destroy your MacBook if you try to upgrade its RAM. So, wanting more memory and not wanting to destroy a second MacBook, I wonder--what to do?

I phoned a local Apple Store and asked if I could have an Apple Genius install 3rd party RAM for me. The answer: absolutely not; no exceptions. The reason: "There is no way for us to verify what kind of RAM you're bringing in, so we can only install Apple-branded chips." Even if you bring in pages of documentation on your chips' pedigree, they won't touch it. Your only option is to spend $600 USD on Apple's 2 GB chips (vs. around $200 for 3rd party.) The extra $400 you spend I guess goes into a massive RAM background check to make sure their chips don't have a shady past.

I tried to explain the situation to the Genius on the phone, telling him that I've had a problem with the MacBook's RAM slots in the past and other people on the Internet have reported the same findings, to which I was told "I'm a Mac Genius, if there was a problem I'd know about it."

Good luck all!

Guy Kuo · Jul 10, 2006, 06:17 PM

I just calipered the thickness of the Apple supplied Hynix memory and my Corsair memory. I measured at the edge connector including the thickness of the gold contacts. The Apple memory of course goes in and out of the slots easily. The Corsair memory takes about 5 pounds of force back and forth on the ends of the memory to install correctly.

It's a shockingly small difference in thickness that makes such a large change in insertion force.

Apple/Hynix: 40.03 mils thick
Corsair: 40.20 mils thick

Just 0.17 mils difference, but you can SURE feel the difference in the socket. The difference is so small I doubt you can feel the different by comparing the memory sticks to each other manually. WIth a caliper, it's easy to measure.

Ciber · Jul 11, 2006, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by lean

This thread contains ample evidence that even if you're a highly technical user, there is a small chance that you'll destroy your MacBook if you try to upgrade its RAM. So, wanting more memory and not wanting to destroy a second MacBook, I wonder--what to do?

I phoned a local Apple Store and asked if I could have an Apple Genius install 3rd party RAM for me. The answer: absolutely not; no exceptions. The reason: "There is no way for us to verify what kind of RAM you're bringing in, so we can only install Apple-branded chips." Even if you bring in pages of documentation on your chips' pedigree, they won't touch it. Your only option is to spend $600 USD on Apple's 2 GB chips (vs. around $200 for 3rd party.) The extra $400 you spend I guess goes into a massive RAM background check to make sure their chips don't have a shady past.

I tried to explain the situation to the Genius on the phone, telling him that I've had a problem with the MacBook's RAM slots in the past and other people on the Internet have reported the same findings, to which I was told "I'm a Mac Genius, if there was a problem I'd know about it."

Good luck all!

I've had two different "Mac Genius" cause massive scratches on laptops i've brought in, so i don't exactly trust those idiots with my machines anymore, specially since it's IMPOSSIBLE to prove to management that one of these morons caused the damage and they'll both absolutely deny it.

First incident was at the SOHO store like a year ago with a 12" PB and the second one was about two weeks ago at the 5th Ave store.

I'll be taking the creaking Black Macbook into the apple store today and hopefully they won't do the same crap again. You'd think they'd be a bit more careful with people's laptops...