Follow Up II--Firmware Update SNAFU (a.k.a RAM Loss)

We first noted the problem with our PowerBook 2000 (FireWire), or Pismo, last Friday night after upgrading all of our recent Macs with Apple's new Firmware Update v4.1.7/4.1.8. While we didn't recognize the problem right off as disabled RAM, it was. Our 3rd party 222 speed standard (high) profile 256 MB RAM chip that had worked fine since last July was no longer recognized. We had expected to install Mac OS X 10.0 but that was impossible with only 64 MB RAM.

We tried everything that has been posted subsequently on many web sites, i.e. resetting PRAM, turning off the startup memory test (it was already off so we tried turning it on again), pulling and reinstalling the chip in the upper and then the lower RAM slot with and without the "Apple" RAM, running the Apple Harware Test CD and running TechTool Pro. We called Apple Tech Support several times and were told each time after re-running the same tests that the RAM chip was out of spec and to contact the reseller. When we called, MemoryX was very cooperative and issued an RMA for an exchange right away. We also placed an overnight order for another 256 MB RAM chip but from Memory-To-Go (MTG) for $84 since we needed a replacement right away. When MemoryX makes good we'll have 512 MB in our Pismo for Mac OS X10.0.

The 256 MB RAM chip from Memory-To-Go arrived yesterday afternoon. It is an inexpensive, generic low profile chip that also has a 222 speed designation. We installed it and it was recognized by our Pismo. So much for the posted theories that it is 3rd party 222 speed chips and/or inexpensive RAM that have the problem. The only difference between the the MemoryX chip and the one from MTG is the size, i.e. standard versus low profile.

According to posts by Apple representatives on Apple's Discussion Forums, Apple is aware of the problem and is working on a fix.