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Mid 2009 Model A1278 / 2.26 or 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo processor EMC 2326

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Ram upgrade works for a while, then MacBook freezes

I used iFixit's guide for upgrading the RAM in my 13" Macbook Pro (Mid 2009 model). I recently upgraded to OSX Mavericks. The RAM I purchased is from Other World Computing: two 4GB modules upgraded from the original two 2GB modules. Upon booting the system after the install of the new memory, the system froze up after a few minutes of use. I have tried the following fixes:

  • Rebooting the system several times: no change. the system boots and operates as normal for a few minutes, then freezes.
  • Re-installing the old RAM: the system seems to function normally. I used it for over a half hour without incident.
  • Do a PRAM reset on boot with the new RAM installed: this seems to have given me the best improvement. The system will work for a while, maybe 20 minutes or longer, but then it freezes.

The system information shows the RAM as being "OK". Usage stats via Activity Monitor start "Memory Used" at about 2.5GB upon boot; this slowly climbs over time and nudges over 4GB from time to time. Is it possible that one module is bad and when memory usage reaches a certain point the system can't handle it?

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You could try running AHT to see if it 'sees' an issue (you'll need to run it a few times).

More likely you have the wrong speed or type of module. Are you sure you got the correct ones? Look them up (what they are marked with on the chips).

If you have a matched pair of modules (same vendor and specs) then you are inter-leafing between the two so that wouldn't imply a single module was defective.

But, the address lines to the modules could be encountering a problem (dirty connector). Carefully wipe with the grain of the contacts of the modules with a new pink pencil erasure (still soft) lightly. Then wipe again with the grain with some good quality Isopropyl alcohol (85% or better) using a cotton swab (Q-Tip). You don't want to go across as you could lift or damage the contacts.

I would also make sure you have updated the systems firmware here as well.

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