Memory replacement advice

Hello Everyone,

My daughter has maxed-out the memory in her Macbook. I get the 'three beeps' memory alert. Can anyone tell me what memory manufacturers would work with her machine and approx. cost? Thanks in advance for any help.

Scott

Need a bit more info to tell you that. What model macbook, how much memory you're looking to put in there etc. In general though, I will say that it's hard to go wrong with Crucial (brandwise) IMO. The stuff installed by the factory is often Samsung

It is just a plain, silver colored, nothing fancy macbook. The original memory is filled with music
Just looking to put enough in there to re-start it to wipe off the music. Nothing fancy. I would rather not just take it to the nearest store, which is almost an hour away.

Thanks for the response, Dysfunction.

Scott

srspicer said:

It is just a plain, silver colored, nothing fancy macbook. The original memory is filled with music
Just looking to put enough in there to re-start it to wipe off the music. Nothing fancy. I would rather not just take it to the nearest store, which is almost an hour away.

Thanks for the response, Dysfunction.

Scott

Click to expand...

You're using the wrong terminology!

Memory = ram
Storage space = hard drive.

It sounds to me that you're talking about hard drive storage space...not "memory"/ram.

If you need a larger hard drive...most 2.5" SATA hard drives will work...you just need to decide which size you need. These guys are pretty good:

OWC

...but may other websites/stores sell compatible hard drives as well.

HTH,

- Nick

I think I looked up on this forum that three beeps with a blinking light means memory, not hard drive. I should just be able to install more memory like I did in my Toshiba lap top to increase speed and memory capacity. It shouldn't need a new hard drive for more memory. Right, maybe?

Thanks again.

Scott

srspicer said:

I think I looked up on this forum that three beeps with a blinking light means memory, not hard drive. I should just be able to install more memory like I did in my Toshiba lap top to increase speed and memory capacity. It shouldn't need a new hard drive for more memory. Right, maybe?

Click to expand...

You are quite severely confusing things. You seem to know there is a difference between memory (RAM) and hard drives, yet you appear to believe that the music is stored in the memory (RAM), which is NOT the case. While it's playing, technically yes it is. But not permanently stored there.

Anyway, doing a little digging and the 3 beeps you are experiencing can suggest you have incompatible RAM. Not an inadequate amount of RAM… the wrong kind. If you haven't replaced the RAM recently, and these beeps are a new problem, then the RAM is not likely the problem. The other problem may be the logic board, which is a BIG problem if it is and not user-servicable unless you are more expert at a replacement like that. One thing you can try is to reset the PRAM.
Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM

If the tips in that link fail to address your problem, you likely will need servicing.

srspicer said:

The original memory is filled with music

Click to expand...

Just like "lifeisabeach" mentioned...this is the confusing & inconsistent statement. Music DOESN'T fill the "memory" if you're talking about ram. Music can only fill the storage space of a hard drive.

Yes you are right about the 3 beeps...that has to do with ram.

So we need to get things straight...what is the main problem we are trying to solve:

1. The three beeps?
2. Or the "memory" being filled with music?

- Nick

I'm trying to solve the 'three beeps' problem. I am only going by what I found online, that the three beeps means insufficient memory. But you guys no more than me.

Thanks for the responses!

Scott

Three beeps does not mean insufficient memory it means a stick of RAM is bad or not seated correctly so dont get too mad at your daughter. If you can give us the serial number or specs we can tell you what kind of memory it needs. If it less than a year old or still under apple care take it to apple and they should fix it.

Ok,
When I open the back panel I have serial numbers on, is that the hard drive?

Ser.No.K64JT8C2LR1G Date : 2008-12

Model MHZ2160BH FFS G1

Right by the memory cards is the following number:
W88520F6AW6A M97 2.0G Better

Thanks in advance for the help.:Blushing:

Scott

Neither of those are the computers serial number but I think I am getting the idea that it is an aluminum macbook which you kind of said before. If this is the case it needs 1066 DDR3 memory which is a good thing because DDR3 is much cheaper than DDR2 now.

To find out which ram stick it bad you can remove one try to boot ect... ect.. Also switch them around cause one of the slots might be bad, that would be the worst case senario and you would be stuck using one stick of ram.

Here is a link to a 2gb stick of ram that should work as a replacement.

Thanks much, thurstmw, and everyone.

Yes it is an aluminum Macbook.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Scott

Make sure your daughter used Mac compatible memory in the MacBook. As a rule of thumb cheaper high density will not work in a Mac which require low density memory from specialist Mac dealers and not your local PC shop.

The three beeps is precisely what will occur with faulty or inappropriate memory.

Thanks Everyone for the patience & advice!

I just received and installed the Crucial memory cards, both of them, in my daughter's Mac book and no beeps, YAY! Thanks thurstmw for the link to the product. I ordered them on line from Best Buy, delivered when promised. Best Buy has quite the Apple store hidden behind their doors!

Now I just need to get into the thing to find out what version of OS X she is running to up grade the software.;D

Happy Christmas, Happy New Year to all.

Regards,

Scott