MacBook Kernal Panics - Help!

[Caitlyn]

Hey guys!
So, for the past say...60 hours I've owned this computer (2 and half days) everything has been running smoothly. Today, I got my Omni Technologies 2GB RAM and installed them. All was well until about an hour ago. I had three kernal panics in a half hour. The third one was literally 5 minutes after I had just restarted from the second one. So, I was thinking it might be bad RAM. I switched back to the stock 512MB and things seem fine so far. However, it's only been about 20 minutes since I brought back the 512.

So, what do you think: bad RAM or is the problem somewhere else?

ANY input is helpful!
Thanks!
-Caitlyn

 

[EricNau]

Bad RAM.

 

[FullmetalZ26]

Bad RAM, definitely. Or *perhaps* one or both of them weren't quite seated properly. If you want to be sure, reinstall them, push them both down hard, and run MemTest a few times through.

 

[Caitlyn]

Well, today, I continue to have no problem with the stock 512, so I am going to reinstalled the 2GB and see if I have a problem again. I heard good things about Omni Technologies; what's up? Maybe it's just a "lemon"...meaning one unit out of a hundreds that just happen to go bad.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I'd install one of the sticks at a time, and see if you can find out which piece is bad from that. It's definitely the RAM though...at least one of them.

 

[alnikopol]

Bad RAM. Install the modules one a the time, run memtest.

 

[Caitlyn]

Alright, so I installed the first chip (making it 1.25GB). The test passed. I then put in the second chip (making it 1.25GB again). It passed. I then put the two chips together (making it 2GB) and it failed. So, what does this mean? The chips are defective, then, yes? Should I contact Omni Technologies? Would you reccomend getting a replacement or a complete refund and buying from someone else?

Thanks for all the help thus far.

EDIT: I've been using the machine for about 20 minutes and I have yet to have a kernal panic. We'll have to wait and see. Advice is helpful.

 

[MikeNemat]

From past experience building and fixing PCs for the last few years, this issue is known as dual-channel incompatibility.

Sometimes, certain memory combined with certain chipsets will not operate properly in a dual-channel configuration, but both sticks will still work fine when used individually.

On PCs, this can be solved with the same memory by setting the memory controller to Single-Channel in the BIOS, however this is not a practical solution on a PC (as it is slower) and is impossible on a mac, because this option is not accessible.

I have never heard of Omni Technologies before in my life (and I've installed hundreds of sticks of memory). I would suggest returning your 2GB omni technologies memory and purchasing some confirmed, manufacturer assured Macbook-compatbile memory.

Here are some 2GB (2x1GB) kits that are confirmed working by the manufacturer and by users on the macbook:

Crucial:
http://www.crucial.com/store/MParts...+Intel+Core+Duo+(13-inch+White)&WSPN=CT541623

Here is some 1GB sticks that you can buy two of that will also work fine:

Mushkin:
http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=358

G-Skill (VERY GOOD PRICE!)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231091

Corsair: Not yet avaliable but will be avaliable soon with the part number CMSS1GB-667SOD

 

[Caitlyn]

Okay, so, my MacBook had another kernal panic yesterday, so I'm done. I'm calling Omni Technologies today and returning. I think I will be buying G.Skill or Patriot. Which would you reccomend over the other?

 

[beloved84]

Okay, so, my MacBook had another kernal panic yesterday, so I'm done. I'm calling Omni Technologies today and returning. I think I will be buying G.Skill or Patriot. Which would you reccomend over the other?

what do you mean by kernal panic?

 

[Caitlyn]

Means the computer crashes.

 

[iJem]

Argh!

I wish I'd seen this thread... well, I guess it would've made no difference as I only ordered 2 x 1GB Hyperformance RAM for my Intel iMac on 17th August.

I'm getting the same issue - running MacPAR deLuxe on a large par2 set seems to result in random kernel panics

These people claim to be Certified 100% compliant. They also claim to be a Registered Apple Developer. They also carry a lifetime instant replacement guarantee.

Only thing is I'm in the UK and ordered direct so now I have all the hassle of trying to ship the stuff back... if I can prove the fault. Not at all happy at the moment.