RAM Failure/Dissapear

[jcgwakefield@ma]

Hello,

I have a G4 Powerbook 15", that i bought with 2GB of RAM in, well six months down the line 1GB has vanished, it's still in the machine, but my machne is not recognising it. When I get the chance I will be visiting the Apple store to take advantage of my 12 month warrenty, what i would like to know is...has anyone else found this problem and how have they dealt with it, and why has it happened?
I have heard a rumour that it is a not uncommon occurance in this model of G4 powerbook.
I would be extremley grateful for any help with this one, as i would like to try and save myself a treck to the nearest apple store.

 

[WildCowboy]

Have you swapped the RAM sticks to see if it's the RAM or the slot?

There is a warranty extension on a recognized issue with RAM slots going bad. Your computer might one of those included.

 

[Shadow]

Was it "wiggled" out of place? Check by pushing the RAM in.

 

[patrick0brien]

-jcgwakefield@ma

Not to depress anyone, but please remember, it is entirely possible that the RAM did go toes-up.

It has always been true that any RAM or portion of RAM can sponaniously go useless at any time. This has been less of a problem lately due to increased quality lithography and the sheer size of the RAM footprint. But it's still there.

One further thing: "So why don't I see any funky RAM numbers from 'About My Mac' if portions are dying?" Answer, chip manufacturers make more RAM space on a given chip than advertised, only once the degradation invades the stated size will the whole board cease to function.

For obvious reasons, we don't hear about this practice too often do we?