MacBook Pro doesn't boot after RAM module failure.

My Macbook Pro (Early 2011, Sierra) won't boot anymore. The logo appears, the loadingbar appears but as soon as it's nearly completed, the screen goes white.

I've tried all boot key options, no success. A fresh install with an USB stick doesn't work either. After doing the Apple Hardware test it turned out to be a faulty RAM module. Found out which one, removed it and checked the RAM slots. No more errors.

When I try to boot with one RAM module, it doesn't do anything. The same problem as before. Also a fresh install via USB doesn't work.

Is it possible to boot a Macbook with only one RAM module? Does anyone have tips what I can try?

Many Apple computer models require RAM be installed in pairs. If your 2011 MacBook Pro will not boot with only one RAM module installed...it sounds like a model that requires RAM be installed in pairs.

Maybe a great time for a RAM upgrade (if not maxed out previously)!

- Nick

Thanks Nick, I ordered 2x8GB Ram modules yesterday. Hope that helps!

Good deal. Please let us know how things turn out.

- Nick

Is the Macbook a 15" model? If yes, it could be a faulty graphics chip causing the white screen.

Audit13 said:

Is the Macbook a 15" model? If yes, it could be a faulty graphics chip causing the white screen.

Click to expand...

Shouldn't that show up in the Apple Hardware Test?

I would expect it to fail the VST but I'm not 100% sure.

I had a late 2011 and, every time I boot the machine, it would flip to a white screen just before finishing the boot.

I had the gpu replaced by a local repair shop and it's been fine since.

Audit13 said:

I had the gpu replaced by a local repair shop and it's been fine since.

Click to expand...

You were very fortunate to have this option locally. Not many places do this...not even Apple...since Apple usually replaces the whole logic board.

- Nick

I purchased the MBP from kijiji. The unit was in excellent condition as was the battery and oem Magsafe charger. I knew about the gpu problem before buying the unit but, for $65 CAD, I could not resist. A used charger sells for around $60 CAD on it's own.

The repair shop replaced the gpu with an updated revision of the existing chip which, he said, doesn't suffer from the heat problems that the original revision did.

I gave the laptop to my brother for his use.

Well, the new RAM modules are installed and the problem persists.

I am trying to boot only on the integrated graphics chips by following this tutorial:
https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/267581/gpu-problem-boot-hangs-on-grey-screen/295805#295805

But I run into a problem. I can't get make the disk writable to temporary move the files.
mount root partition writeable
/sbin/mount -uw /

It just tells me the disk is locked and booted in read-only. I can't boot in Recovery mode to disable SIP.

The stupid thing is, I just need to be able to boot once to be able to install gfxCardStatus or a fork of this patch.

Any ideas?

I got it working!
For others with the same problem, this is what fixed the write lock issue:

In order to disable or enable SIP (System Integrity Protection) without being able to see recovery mode and launch the terminal, you can use single-user recovery mode which takes you right into a command prompt.

Reboot Mac holding down COMMAND R S

Wait 30-60 seconds depending on how fast your boot disk is.

Then hit ENTER a few times to get to the command prompt

To DISABLE SIP: type csrutil disable Wait 10 seconds type reboot

To ENABLE SIP: type csrutil enable Wait 10 seconds type reboot

Looks like I managed to save my Macbook. It's running fine on the integrated chip only.

Happy!

Hey, nice one! Thanks for the tip.