Late 2011 MacBook Pro RAM issues

[19birel]

Hey everyone, I have a late 2011 13.3" Macbook Pro 2.4Ghz i5 with 16gb of RAM. A while ago it developed an issue whereby it would randomly die and make a beeping noise; after some research I determined that it was a RAM related issue so I would remove the RAM from the bays and then reinstall, that would typically fix it (temporarily of course). Eventually, after a particularly crippling episode that the machine seemingly wouldn't recover from, I replaced the RAM with the original 4gb cards, which did nothing, and then (after reinstalling the aftermarket RAM) loosened the screws on the RAM bay and then made them snug again (I was told that the logic board may be warped from overheating causing the connection to go bad so loosening the screws relieves the pressure and allows you to restore the connection). This seemed to cure the computer's issues, but a couple of weeks later (now) they have returned. No matter what I do the computer won't stay on for more than 25minutes or so without freezing up and beeping indicating a RAM error.

Has anyone else experienced this issue and/or know how to remedy it permanently? My Apple Care has expired so I either need to fix it myself or completely replace the entire computer. Repair wise I'm still thinking that I'll need to source another logic board unless I'm unaware of some serviceable issue on mine that I could potentially repair with a soldering iron and some patience.

Any and all help and advice is appreciated, thanks!

EDIT: Would you guys at all advise me to take it to the Genius Bar to get a concrete diagnosis? Are those free typically? I have only had to take this computer in for a repair once, and at that time it was still covered under AppleCare extended warranty so I'm not sure how the process differs once the warranty has expired. I figured that, besides telling me what I already know, they might be able to tell me exactly what is causing the issue which may help determine if it's fixable.

 

[ferrarr]

I would say make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store. Yes, they will look at it for free, but they may need to keep it overnight for a complete diagnosis.

 

[19birel]

I would say make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store. Yes, they will look at it for free, but they may need to keep it overnight for a complete diagnosis.

Alrighty, I guess I'll do that then if it's free. The computer doesn't really stay on long enough for me to be able to use it so if it has to have an overnight visit then it won't be much inconvenience at this point.

 

[19birel]

Run a Hardware Test to see if your actual RAM is failing. (see link below) If test fails the RAM section, then replace them. or try to remove your RAM and clean the RAM slots, hold the power button for 20 seconds and re-insert your original RAM into the slot and then see if that makes any difference.

I ran an Apple Hardware test (didn't see your link until I quoted your post) and it found no faults, currently running an Apple extended test to see if that unearths any issues.

I did swap between two different sets of RAM though with no improvement with the issue. Based on that and the the computer working after loosening/tightening the RAM bay I think it's a bad connection which I think will ultimately go undetected by the diagnostic test. I'll report back with the results of this last test though and go from there.

 

[19birel]

Extended test failed to complete, it takes a long time to complete and the issue came back mid test and the computer died. I've been advised to check for weak solder joints on the logic board so I'll do so and report back.

 

[pigoo3]

No matter what I do the computer won't stay on for more than 25minutes or so without freezing up and beeping indicating a RAM error.

Do you have any reason to believe that this problem would be something else other than ram? For example…what about temperature (heat)?

- Nick

 

[19birel]

Do you have any reason to believe that this problem would be something else other than ram? For example…what about temperature (heat)?

- Nick

Not really, I'm told that heat could've caused the issue over time by warping the logic board, but other than that the issues often occurs when the fan isn't running and the CPU is under very little load. Sudden movements also seem to upset it as of late.

Is it possibly that too much dust has gotten in there and fouled the connection? I have access to some compressed air so I could lightly blow the dust off, though I imagine it likely won't do much.

 

[pigoo3]

...I'm told that heat could've caused the issue over time by warping the logic board…

This seems like a long shot possibility. When I'm gaming on my 13" MBP for hours & hours…temps are 190°F & fans at 5500 rpm's. I've been doing this for years on this specific 13" MBP…with no logic board warping issues (and don't think I've ever heard anyone else on Mac-Forums mention a verifiable case of this).

...but other than that the issues often occurs when the fan isn't running and the CPU is under very little load. Sudden movements also seem to upset it as of late.

Ok…was just checking to see of heat might be a factor.

Is it possibly that too much dust has gotten in there and fouled the connection? I have access to some compressed air so I could lightly blow the dust off, though I imagine it likely won't do much.

I doubt it. And since you've swapped out the RAM a couple times…even if there was some in there…it might have gotten dislodged by all of the mechanical movement. Of course it never hurts to blow our computers out once & a while to clear out the "dust bunnies"!

Something you could try. Run the computer with only one stick of RAM installed. First RAM slot A…then RAM slot B. See if this makes any stability differences. Maybe there's a single bad RAM slot issue. And to be more through. You could try different sticks of RAM in each slot.

For example:

- RAM slot A + RAM stick A
- RAM slot A + RAM stick B
- RAM slot B + RAM stick A
- RAM slot B + RAM stick B

Etc...etc.

Only one stick of RAM installed at a time.

- Nick

 

[19birel]

Something you could try. Run the computer with only one stick of RAM installed. First RAM slot A…then RAM slot B. See if this makes any stability differences. Maybe there's a single bad RAM slot issue. And to be more through. You could try different sticks of RAM in each slot.

For example:

- RAM slot A + RAM stick A
- RAM slot A + RAM stick B
- RAM slot B + RAM stick A
- RAM slot B + RAM stick B

Etc...etc.

Only one stick of RAM installed at a time.

- Nick

Thanks! I'll give that a try. In the event of there being an issue with one of the slots, is it possible to replace just the RAM bay, or would I still be stuck purchasing a new logic board?

 

[pigoo3]

Thanks! I'll give that a try. In the event of there being an issue with one of the slots, is it possible to replace just the RAM bay, or would I still be stuck purchasing a new logic board?

There is no separate "ram bay". The ram slots are part of the logic board.

And just like when folks have liquid spill issues (where a replacement logic board is almost always the only solution)…replacement logic boards are usually too expensive to make replacement a viable option. Unless you can find a replacement logic board really cheap.

For example… a 2011 13" MacBook Pro if it was 100% working is probably worth about $350. If a replacement logic board costs anywhere near that…then it's not worth it…since you could purchase a 2nd 100% working 2011 13" MBP for the same amount.

Of course what someone considers a reasonable price for a replacement logic board (compared to the current value of the computer) can vary depending on the person. To me…if I needed to replace the logic board on a computer. I would not want it to cost more than 50-60% of the used computers current value.

AND…this assumes that the user does the logic board replacement themselves. If a professional needs to do it. This of course will add labor costs on top of the already expensive replacement logic board. Usually Apple quotes $400+ to replace a logic board. And this is if the computer is new enough…to not be considered "vintage". Apple doesn't work on "vintage" computers.

- Nick

 

[19birel]

Okay, so I figured I'd update here as I have some information that may not be widely known and could prove helpful to someone else in a similar situation.

After messing around with the RAM cards some more, I decided that before I take the computer apart and look for any broken solder joints or anything, that I'd have Apple look at it. Although my computer's Apple Care extended warranty has long since expired, I was told that I could have it sent to the Apple Care Repair Facility and for a flat rate of $280 they would replace any parts that they felt were necessary to fix the issue with that work being warrantied for 90 days after the repair. This is the solution I have ultimately gone with, to my knowledge it applies to any MacBook model as long as it's not considered "vintage" I guess. I'll update you guys once I get the machine back in 3-5 business days. So far it seems that I have lucked out!

 

[harryb2448]

Sounds to me like wonky modules. Suggest buying from only Crucial or OWC who have a lifetime guarantee on their modules. Never buy from PC shops or eBay. Macs are extremely fussy about memory and must have low density modules.

Sorry to tell you anything prior to 2012, and soon to be 2013, is vintage under Apple's formula for these things.

 

[19birel]

Sounds to me like wonky modules. Suggest buying from only Crucial or OWC who have a lifetime guarantee on their modules. Never buy from PC shops or eBay. Macs are extremely fussy about memory and must have low density modules.

Sorry to tell you anything prior to 2012, and soon to be 2013, is vintage under Apple's formula for these things.

I swapped out my upgraded RAM with my OEM modules a couple of times and the issue remained. Further more, I've been using the upgraded modules for about 4 years now so unless they went bad somehow I doubt they would just start acting up now. The computer became heavily effected by sudden motion, that coupled with the fact that messing with the screws on the RAM bay made the greatest difference in effecting the issue leads me to believe that the issue is with a connection with the logic board and RAM bay, not the RAM modules. Of course this is all hypothesis, we'll see what they actually replace when the computer returns.

If prior to 2012 is vintage then maybe they don't have as tight a restriction for age on these repairs. My computer is a Late-2011 and they gave me no fuss about repairing it, it was purchased in February of 2012 though, maybe that's the difference.

EDIT: I also ran a diagnostic and the results came up clean, they indicated the RAM was perfectly fine.

 

[pigoo3]

...I was told that I could have it sent to the Apple Care Repair Facility and for a flat rate of $280 they would replace any parts that they felt were necessary to fix the issue with that work being warrantied for 90 days after the repair.

Yes this is an option that is available…but not often mentioned/discussed. Thanks for mentioning it.

I've seen slightly different prices for this repair…but not significantly different from what you mentioned.

- Nick

 

[pigoo3]

Also wanted to mention that from what I understand the flat rate repair service has two categories…accidental damage & no accidental damage. And the accidental damage has 4 repair/pricing tiers. And different pricing for 13" and 15" MacBook Pro's.

The "low" price of $280 is for non-damaged computers. For the worst case scenario (a liquid damaged computer…tier 4 repair)…prices can be upwards of $750 to over $1000.

Thus for an accidental damaged computer…the flat rate repair may not be a financially viable option.

- Nick