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Mid 2012 model, A1278 / 2.5 GHz i5 or 2.9 GHz i7 processor.

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Why does my MacBook randomly crash after RAM upgrade

I have recently upgraded my MacBook Pro mid 2012 RAM from 4GB to 16GB - it initially works fine however if left unused for c24/48hrs when I go to start it I get 3 beeps - reinstalling the RAM seems to work but then it left unused for a few days it reverts to 3 beeps when I try to turn it on ….🤷🏻‍♂️ - not sure why it works sometimes then stops working (I don’t want to keep taking it apart to reseat the RAM) #frustrating

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I would check your battery as it sounds like the settings are being lost. Install this gem of an app CoconutBattery. Take a snapshot of the apps main window and post it here for us to see.

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MacBooks are notoriously fussy about the installed RAM. Additionally, these only officially support 8 GB. I know it's possible for them to accept more, but it could definitely be related to your issue.

According to Apple, the officially supported specs for RAM replacement on this model is DDR3 1600 MHz in either 2 GB or 4GB modules. If you're using RAM rated at slower speeds, this may be the issue. It may also be that one of the replacement modules has a minor flaw. You can use memtest86 on a bootable USB to test the RAM sticks just in case.

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Many thanks for the swift revert Alisha much appreciated. The 8GB RAM I’m using is the same speed as the ‘original’ modules 1600mhz - tbh my IT skills aren’t the best what is meant by ….use memtest86 on a bootable USB ?

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@ianshort2003 That's a fair question. I meant to elaborate, but it's been a day here and I hit post in the interest of getting you the information first. Memtest86 is a pretty well used Memory testing program. If you have a flash drive, you can put the test on the flash drive using the macOS directions to make it a bootable drive. Then turn off your MacBook and press and hold the option the option key when you power it back on and it will give you a menu to select the startup disk. Instead of selecting your Mac's hard drive, select the flash drive and it will run some pretty thorough tests.

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