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Mid 2006 / Model Number: A1181 / black or white case / 1.83 or 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo processor

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Why does the RAM work in one MacBook and not the other?

I have two Core Duo 2 Macbooks, one with upgraded RAM to 2GB, and the other with the standard RAM cards the Macbook came with.

The second one is in better condition, so I'm transferring parts between the two, but when I put the 2GB of RAM in the better condition Macbook it doesn't work! It turns on, but nothing happens, it stays black.

The one that likes the RAM's serial number: 4H70367MWGL

The one that doesn't like the RAM: W87421ZAZ5V

Please help! Many thanks!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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RAM problems will give you beeps on start up. Both machines use the same RAM, PC2-5300 DDR2.

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What is the OS version these systems are running? If you are swapping the HD as well here you could have a driver issue as these are not the exact same models (very close though).

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I would also check the firmware versions. It sounds like one has a newer release.

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Isn't that on the hard drive though? Forgive me if I'm very wrong. But I am using the same HD for both computers!

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I really jammed them in too!

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Check out this Apple TN EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs on the firmware which sits on a EEROM chip on your logic board not on the HD.

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Are you certain that the RAM clicked in all the way (sometimes it seems to take an extraordinarily hard push - and that the RAM slots in the better machine are not corroded.

You should try testing one RAM chip at a time, and switch between slots to see it that can point to a bad chip. You could also try one of the 256MB chips in place of the (if identified) 1GB ones.

Just a thought … are the HDs the same size, is there at least 20% free space for VMEM on the one you're moving the 2GB RAM to. More RAM requires more VMEM

If this answer is acceptable please remember to return and mark it.

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I not only swapped my RAM, but my hard drive too, so it was the same setup for both. On the better machine, when I put the old RAM in, it booted up with that hard drive, so it is definitely the RAM. I'm using the 1GB RAM now, and under system profiler it says they're fine. They work in my battered machine. Thanks for your reply!

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Oliver Revolta will be eternally grateful.
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