Problem installing new RAM in my iMac - blank screen and bright blinking light.?

Question

Hello, I was trying to install 4 GB of Ram into my iMac (white shell, 2.0, 20"). Yes, I know only 3 GB is officially supported, but it said on the Mac forums that 4 was fine, and gives a little performance boost. However, when I start my computer, all I get is a blank/black screen and the status light blinking very brightly. I grounded myself before I touched the RAM. What could be wrong?

Answer 1

how much memory did you have before the upgrade? what type of ram modules are installed now - 4x1GB or 2x2GB?



added

i don't know what the Mac OS is doing if the maximum ram has been installed. normally the last gigabyte of ram will be disabled because of double use of ram addresses with addresses of system components. but, if the ram will be added after the installation of the OS it is questionable what will happen. probably the OS is confused of the double addresses and denies the start up.



the only idea i have atm - try once to start your PC with only one 2GB ram module (insert it in the slot denoted with Dimm A1 or Slot 0 or the like).



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what is the model number of your iMac?

how many ram slots does it have, 2 or 4?

if it has 4 ram slots then it's very likely that 2GB modules are not supported. the maximum ram has to be achieved using all 4 slots, this means 4x1GB.



however, i can't explain why it doesn't work anymore if the old ram modules have been reinserted.

Answer 2

Did you check compatibility? Some types of RAM, or non matching memory sticks, could cause the Mac to fail to recognise it.



If that fails, then you'd probably better send it to Apple and pay some exorbitant price to have it added on top of the exorbitant price you paid for it in the first place.



Moral: Apple stuff is completely proprietary. Even if you own it, tampering with whatever's inside probably voids warranty and dooms you to a bricked machine. Use a different OS, or at the very least, build yourself a Hackintosh.

Answer 3

carry the flexibility button even as turning it on till it beeps...if that doesnt artwork the guy taking about the hard drive it precise and certain you could restore this with out sending it to sony even if it truly is