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Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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MacBook 3 beeps + black screen?

just got a computer in that went to grey screen + 3 beeps, found out the right ram slot was no good, so i pulled it, it started, then i put in a HD and began to install a new OS onto the new hard drive. the installation errored out twice saying it couldnt install about halfway through. after restart, the computer stopped working completely with 3 beeps plus black screen, i tried multiple ram sticks on both sides with the same result. did the good RAM slot suddenly go bad? what can i do to fix this, there is literally no explanation for why it went bad?

thanks

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I am assuming those multiple sticks were of the correct ram for your computer. That being said 3 beeps is definitely an indication of a ram problem and you have made the proper checks. At this point unless someone else has a better idea I would suggest letting a "genius" at a Apple store check it out. Be prepared for them to suggest a logic board replacement. Good luck.

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If they do suggest a logic board, get a price and then ask for the flat rate price of $280 if lower.

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just weird that it worked for 3 attempts at installing snow leopard onto a new hard drive, then it STOPPED. the guy i bought it from said it had the black screen with hte beeping ram for him too, but then i get it and it works with 1 stick. weird. ps 99% of those "geniuses" are idiots in my experience

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There is a slim chance that your ram slots are corroded / dirty. Seen that a few times on MacBooks. Blow them out with compressed air if you haven't done that already. You can also try to clean them (very carefully) with a stiff brush. I'd take the logicboard out for this operation.

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Worth a try--it might work. +

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i cleaned it with a medium toothbrush and 90% alcohol earlier, it didnt work. then when i reinstalled the motherboard, it now automatically starts when i plug in the magsafe. weird.

no effect on the ram slots though, its just weird that it went from working to not working and back a few times, now its permanently not working.

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Could you try to remove the top case, unplug it and power on the MB directly from the logic board ?

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tried that, finally got it working semi consistently, not really sure what i did because ive been playing with it for 2 days, cleaned the logic board twice etc. there is a crack right near the ram spot in the casing in the battery tray area, so that is almost definitely the issue. dont have another case for it though, i dont get 2.4s often

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Just had the same issue with a 2010 model, swapped RAM, still n/g. Sadly the battery uses a 3 blade screwdriver which we didn't have so I took a chance and disconnected what appears to be the power to the motherboard - a black connector that has several black wires not in a ribbon which is right next to the battery. Reconnected that, put the bottom case back on to satisfy the little switches that tell the cpu that the bottom case is off and it powered up. Hope it lasts, EU doesn't have a screwdriver or the patience.

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