Adding memory to G3 causing crashes

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Last seen: 18 years 7 months ago
Joined: Jan 27 2005 - 19:01
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Adding memory to G3 causing crashes

Hi Gentleman:
I'm fairly new to screwing around with my Blue and White G3. I've upgraded to a G4 Encore/Zif 800 processor from OWC and ordered thier 256 sdram (4). This is to do editing with iMovie with a newly installed DVD burner. However, when I installed it it would run fine for awhile, then my computer would crash ordering me to shut it down. Often this will happen while the computer is idle. Then, sometimes it would not reboot properly and I'd get the apple on my screen with lines running through it horizontally.
I then noticed on their (OWC) website that this particular (cheaper) sdram may not work on all G3's because of a certain memory controller issue and that a more expensive sdram would be required. So I returned my four and upgraded to two of these 256 sdram.
I recieved them today and am experiencing the same problem after installing two strips on their own. When I use the original (192) my computer does not crash, ever.
I have reset the NVRAM, Zapped the PRAM and reset the Cuda per OWC instructions.
Any suggestions? Am I stuck with using the original memory?
Thanks,
Lloyd

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Last seen: 18 years 11 months ago
Joined: Aug 15 2004 - 19:24
Posts: 359
RAM problem

Hey,

The first question is: Does the RAM you bought match the RAM that was already in the B&W? Mismatched RAM is a special small place in hell . . .

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Last seen: 18 years 7 months ago
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Ram problem

I removed the original 192 and replaced it with the two new strips. Only two of the four slots are being used. The first two. As an aside, if I do get the news ram to cooperate with my G3, could I try the original 192 along with them? If my G3 doesn't crash with all four will I achieve effective results with all four? Or do they all have to be the same size?

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Last seen: 18 years 11 months ago
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More Ram Problem

Let me preface this with the disclosure that I have never personally owned or worked on a B&W and that the information is general to RAM use and not necessarily specific to B&Ws. However, AF being what it is, I will be corrected if I'm wrong. The specs for B&W are: PC100 SDRAM (3.3V,unbuffered, 64-bit, 168-pin, 100 MHz). Is this what you got from OWC? Or, does the Mac boot with the new RAM -- OR -- the old RAM -- but has problems when they're mixed? That will clear up a lot.

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Last seen: 18 years 7 months ago
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Ram Problem

I have the ram specified for my computer. The B & W will boot with only the old ram and run fine.
When I remove that ram and install only the new ram it will boot, but eventually crash. It does run faster before it crashes, however.
I haven't tried mixing, I expect it will crash. Right now it is running fine with one new strip if 256, however, I expect it will crash over night, while idle.
I am having a difficult time understanding why I seem to be stuck with using the original ram that was purchased with the computer. I just doesn't seem right.
Thanks

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