Did a RAM Module Just Fail?

[FluJunkie]

So, I've not been restarting my Mac Pro for at least a few weeks, because...well, why bother? But, I returned from a trip and the 10.6.7 upgrade was out, so I ran software update, restarted and...

The memory configuration utility cheerfully informed me my RAM was in the suggested configuration. Odd I thought, since I hadn't changed it. Then when I went to System Profiler...I have 6 gigs of RAM.

Except there's supposed to be 10.

Slot 1 and 2 are occupied by 4 GB modules from OWC, and 3 and 4 are occupied by 2 of the stock 1 GB modules from Apple. Slot 1 is currently being reported by System Profiler as Empty. I booted from the Install CD to make sure it wasn't the new update - same thing, as it is in Windows 7.

So...did I just have a RAM module fail?

 

[S.B.G]

Is there any chance it was knocked loose? Try reseating all the modules.

Then run this RAM utility:

Download Rember for Mac - GUI wrapper for Memtest. MacUpdate.com

 

[FluJunkie]

Memtest ran fine, and everything checked out - save that it too cannot see the missing module. Time to unplug, cool off, reseat, and then call OWC I suppose.

 

[scottsjack]

I had that happen on my 2010 quad with 3 x 4GB OWC memory. After a few warnings the red LED on slot #2 came on. I switched the RAM cards between slots 1 and 2. Everything has worked fine since.

 

[FluJunkie]

Swapped two of the modules, and sure enough, one of them is dead - and failed silently, which is odd.