MBA 2012 - replace RAM

[fold_taut]

I have an old MacBook Air 2012 that I don't want throw away (even though my newer MacBook Air is the main device for me). It was working fine all along these years, when recently it started to auto reboot without any reason and sometimes it spits out kernel panic error logs till the half of my screen during startup and then I have to restart it again.

I suspect its RAM has gone. Can anybody give me rough idea of RAM replacement cost (I know this doesn't have easily replaceable RAM slots)?

 

[Bigwaff]

Your best bet would be a logic board replacement. Might run you a couple hundred bucks on eBay.

 

[fold_taut]

Thanks Bigwaff! Well, I am a non tech/ finance guy who will have hard time even if I get it on eBay. I don't have any tool to open my MBA and let's say even if I buy for this task alone, I don't think I have confidence to handle it myself to replace the board. So, just wanted to know if I go to shop, roughly how much they will charge me for RAM replacement (or board replacement as you advised now)...

 

[tstafford]

I have to think it would be easier and maybe even cheaper just to buy a used MBA at a place like https://www.macofalltrades.com/ You get a return policy and a warranty.

You could then benefit from a few years of updates on other components than the RAM as well.

 

[fold_taut]

Yes, I know😃. Just that I am so much attached with this MBA as my long time companion and so much memories are tied up that it seems too difficult for me to discard it ! 😇

 

[tstafford]

Yes, I know😃. Just that I am so much attached with this MBA as my long time companion and so much memories are tied up that it seems too difficult for me to discard it ! 😇

Ahh. I totally understand. I wish I still had my first Mac (a Plus I bought in high school).

 

[MBAir2010]

Yes, I know😃. Just that I am so much attached with this MBA as my long time companion and so much memories are tied up that it seems too difficult for me to discard it ! 😇

Dosdude, you seek DosDude!
strong is him with the RAM and MBAs
Mmm. link you to him, I will.
(laughs)
Yes, yes. But now, me must eat. Come. Good food. Come.

 

[StoneJack]

I have an old MacBook Air 2012 that I don't want throw away (even though my newer MacBook Air is the main device for me). It was working fine all along these years, when recently it started to auto reboot without any reason and sometimes it spits out kernel panic error logs till the half of my screen during startup and then I have to restart it again.

I suspect its RAM has gone. Can anybody give me rough idea of RAM replacement cost (I know this doesn't have easily replaceable RAM slots)?

Auto reboot doesn't seem to be connected with RAM. If RAM malfunctioned, you can't boot a computer or memory stick would not appear. Probably a power unit. Either way, it is a hardware.

 

[diego.caraballo]

Thanks Bigwaff! Well, I am a non tech/ finance guy who will have hard time even if I get it on eBay. I don't have any tool to open my MBA and let's say even if I buy for this task alone, I don't think I have confidence to handle it myself to replace the board. So, just wanted to know if I go to shop, roughly how much they will charge me for RAM replacement (or board replacement as you advised now)...

The MBA 2012 doesn't have user-removable RAM. It's all soldered.
A new board runs for $200 (4GB) or $260 (8GB), assuming that you own the 13" model.
RAM is a common failure in these model, and replace the individual memory chips has proved
to be a waste of time (after replacing one, another fails a few days after).
So I will assume that a shop will likely charge you for the board replacement and labor, around $250
(using a second hand board).

 

[Fishrrman]

Time for a new MacBook...

 

[MBAir2010]

The MBA 2012 doesn't have user-removable RAM. It's all soldered.
A new board runs for $200 (4GB) or $260 (8GB), assuming that you own the 13" model.
RAM is a common failure in these model, and replace the individual memory chips has proved
to be a waste of time (after replacing one, another fails a few days after).
So I will assume that a shop will likely charge you for the board replacement and labor, around $250
(using a second hand board).


View attachment 2149512

or buy one one MBA2012 Bay for 70 bucks.....

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Just keep in mind, all the 2nd hand boards have the same propensity for RAM failures as your original. IMO, you’d be throwing good money after bad. But that’s just me.