At 8:06 PM -0800 1/14/05, Eric Dannewitz wrote:
In my existance with computers, which has been 20 of my 30 years, I have had FOUR Ram chips die. And they were dead before I put them in a computer (probably my fault, but I doubt it).
The DOA vs. non-DOA RAM ratio isn't a valid criterion for selecting memory for Apple computers under OSX. The only useful criterion is _absolute_ adherence to (and usually surpassing of) required specifications.
Apple has been running the RAM sticks close to their timing tolerances (and heat tolerances) since OSX was introduced, and continually ramping up the timing requirement. Every major iteration of the OS seems to bring out a new set of people complaining on MacFixIt that it "killed" their RAM. Invariably these complaints are resolved when the RAM is replaced with better quality stuff.
We only use RAM directly from Apple or from one of Apple's OEM suppliers. I would _never_ consider sticking generic RAM in one of our machines: Timing and heat related failures are just too time consuming to diagnose.
Spending 20, or even 40%, more for a RAM stick is a lot cheaper than paying me to spend a week trying to figure out why the computer "works perfectly" except when doing some processor-intensive task like repairing a directory (and destroying an entire HD -- "What? It hadn't been backed up since Wednesday?) or running a PhotoShop filter. Even if I guess that it's the RAM I still have to rip out all the cords, move the machine, pop it open, etc. etc.; a major pain.
To be fair to Apple, running at the edge of the specs and having problems with generic memory is nothing new:
Back in the mid 80s we had a Dell in the accounting department that was covered by an on-site repair contract. I added some fairly reputable third-party memory to it and it seemed to work fine. Then it got flakier and flakier. I called Dell and they sent out a tech from DEC. (No kidding! Apparently the on-site was sub-contracted to Digital Equipment Corporation at the time.) He spent two full days futzing with the thing using all sorts of diagnostic equipment. In the end he popped a couple of Dell memory modules in it and it worked fine. I'm glad I had the contract -- I figure Dell paid about four times, at least, what I paid for the three-year service contract for his work.
-=-Dennis _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
