Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > Can Generic or "Incompatible" RAM cause overheating or long-term damage?

Can Generic or "Incompatible" RAM cause overheating or long-term damage?
Thread Tools
pippiwong
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Join Date: Feb 2004
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
May 14, 2004, 11:02 PM
 
So, I installed a gig of generic Ram on my 15.2 Powerbook (OSX 10.3.3) that passed Apple hardware testing and hasn't crashed my computer or anything. It wasn't specifically being sold as Apple-compatible memory, but did have the same specs. I believe the brand is called Nanya, bought through 800-4memory. Shortly after buying it, the company put up text on the site saying the memory was "Not for Apple Computers".

I haven't really noticed too significant of a speed from when i had 512 ram to what i have now 1.25 gigs. It does seem a bit smoother, but it's hard for me to be certain. However, my computer does seem a lot hotter. Just doing basic internet explorer right now puts my temperature at 129 degrees F. Is this normal? All I have open are IE and IChat.

I guess another more significant question is, despite the RAM not conflicting and seeming to work on my computer, could it possibly be damaging or harming my computer in the long-run?

any info or advice would be much appreciated, guys.

thanks.
     
Detrius
Professional Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Asheville, NC
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
May 15, 2004, 02:22 PM
 
Incompatible RAM can damage a computer. However, this is along the lines of EDO vs. non EDO on the Power Mac 7200.

Bad RAM will crash a computer and corrupt data.

It wouldn't hurt to call and ask why they changed that note. It's entirely possible that whoever changed it was just a moron and didn't realize there is a difference between PC2700 and PC133. You never know.
ACSA 10.4/10.3, ACTC 10.3, ACHDS 10.3
     
ibook_steve
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Jose, CA
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
May 17, 2004, 07:20 PM
 
Strange, since Apple does use Nanya for some of their CTO (configure to order) configurations. I'm sure you shouldn't have a problem with it.

Steve
     
crouchingtiger
Forum Regular
Join Date: Nov 2002
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
May 17, 2004, 11:55 PM
 
Originally posted by pippiwong:
I guess another more significant question is, despite the RAM not conflicting and seeming to work on my computer, could it possibly be damaging or harming my computer in the long-run?

No. (short and sweet answer)
     
   
 
Forum Links
Forum Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Top
Privacy Policy
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:04 AM.
All contents of these forums © 1995-2017 MacNN. All rights reserved.
Branding + Design: www.gesamtbild.com
vBulletin v.3.8.8 © 2000-2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.,