Mini 1.66 - 2GB in 1 RAM socket? (2nd ram socket is faulty)

[rmwebs]

Hi all,

I bought a mini from ebay a month or two ago, and when it arrived I found that the top RAM module was faulty. The seller sent me a 1GB stick to use in the lower slot.

I kept a 512 in the upper slot. Sometimes it would work, sometimes I would get the blinking light on boot.

I want to stop this problem once and for all. Is it possible to place a 2GB RAM stick into a single ram socket on the Mini 1.66? I know the systems limit is 2GB but since one of my sockets is broken, I would like to put 2GB into the working slot.

Thanks for your time.

Rick

 

[Muncher]

I think there's a good chance it would work. No guarantees, but 2GB sticks are $20, so you won't be down a lot if you try.

 

[losierp]

Hi all,

I bought a mini from ebay a month or two ago, and when it arrived I found that the top RAM module was faulty. The seller sent me a 1GB stick to use in the lower slot.

I kept a 512 in the upper slot. Sometimes it would work, sometimes I would get the blinking light on boot.

I want to stop this problem once and for all. Is it possible to place a 2GB RAM stick into a single ram socket on the Mini 1.66? I know the systems limit is 2GB but since one of my sockets is broken, I would like to put 2GB into the working slot.

Thanks for your time.

Rick

I would probably work, the only the is that the GMA in that machine runs much better with a matched pair of SODIMMs than not. If you have Applecare, I would give that a try. If not, you'll probably have to replace the logic board to resolves the issues.

 

[saulinpa]

I've done it in mine (just to prove that 2x2G doesn't work). As long as it is just the slot that is bad and not a memory controller issue with addressing over 1G. Verify by removing the 512 and putting the 1G in the top slot for a while.

 

[noodle654]

This reminds me of the famous Lower RAM slot failure on the PB G4...Does the computer have AppleCare on it? Can you return it to the seller?

 

[CanadaRAM]

The 1.66 is a CoreDuo - officially the memory controller of this machine does not recognize 2 GB modules, as opposed to Core2Duos with can. IIRC someone posted that they tried with a MacBook CoreDuo and it would only run with a 533 MHz 2 GB module. Saulipa, can you confirm whether your Mini is a CoreDuo or a Core2Duo?

2 GB modules are normally priced closer to US$40 - $50, not $20

 

[rmwebs]

Unfortunately I checked and its not got AppleCare regged

Its a nice little computer, I use it for my local (web) development server as well as an iTunes and VLC server to stream music and movies to my iPhone/MacBook. I also recently got a MiniTT2 to watch Freeview on it

I just would like to get it up to 2GB as it can be a bit laggy at times!

 

[saulinpa]

The 1.66 is a CoreDuo - officially the memory controller of this machine does not recognize 2 GB modules, as opposed to Core2Duos with can. IIRC someone posted that they tried with a MacBook CoreDuo and it would only run with a 533 MHz 2 GB module. Saulipa, can you confirm whether your Mini is a CoreDuo or a Core2Duo?

2 GB modules are normally priced closer to US$40 - $50, not $20

I actually have one of each; that's how I could try it. I tested putting in two 667mhz 2G sticks from the C2D into the CD but it didn't work. One stick by itself worked.

 

[rmwebs]

I actually have one of each; that's how I could try it. I tested putting in two 667mhz 2G sticks from the C2D into the CD but it didn't work. One stick by itself worked.

thats given me an idea. My MacBooks got 2 2gb sticks....I could try one of them in the mini

Will have a go tomorrow as I'm just off to work for the night!

 

[kmarketing]

Hi,

Were you able to get it to work?

Thanks!

 

[rmwebs]

I've honestly not tried. Been busy!

The MacBooks going in for repair this afternoon so I may try it this weekend.

Edit: 9th Jan 2013 Was board and looking through my old posts and noticed I never updated on this back in 2008.

1x2GB ram socket works. Since this post the macmini was upgraded to a 2.2Ghz Core 2Duo processor and still works! I gave it to a family member who uses it exclusively to play the sims 2 on.

 

[RealaT]

I did this exact thing with my Mac Mini 1.66CD

Had a 2GB module in a single ram slot and it worked perfectly

 

[Muncher]

The 1.66 is a CoreDuo - officially the memory controller of this machine does not recognize 2 GB modules, as opposed to Core2Duos with can. IIRC someone posted that they tried with a MacBook CoreDuo and it would only run with a 533 MHz 2 GB module. Saulipa, can you confirm whether your Mini is a CoreDuo or a Core2Duo?

2 GB modules are normally priced closer to US$40 - $50, not $20

I got a 2GB stick for $20 from frys. You really have to look. Even without looking for deals, nowadays you can easily find a 667 SODIMM 2GB stick for $25 - 30.