Michael Emrys Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 I have had a curious experience recently. I noticed that Civ IV starts to slow down and move a little jerkily about halfway through the game and a lot is going on in my fantasy world on the screen. Since this was especially true if I have a couple of apps open (but not active), I suspected that it might be inadequate memory even though I had 1.5GB mounted. So I bought another 1GB and put it in. Now here comes the odd part. Everything runs okay so far, but when I opened System Profiler, it doesn't show the new memory. Instead it shows slots 4 and 5 as empty. Now, I am pretty sure the store sold me what I ordered, which was according to spec, and I don't believe I damaged it on installation. It fit the slots and the ejectors closed properly. I used the same procedure as when I installed the first GB of memory three years ago. But maybe I was forgetting something. I recall in older Macs there was a reset button inside the case that you had to push, but I think that might have only been if you were changing the battery (it was a long time ago and memory dims). Anyone have any advice? Machine Name: Power Mac G5 Quad Machine Model: PowerMac11,2 CPU Type: PowerPC G5 (1.1) Number Of CPUs: 4 CPU Speed: 2.5 GHz L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB Memory: 1.5 GB Bus Speed: 1.25 GHz Boot ROM Version: 5.2.7f1 Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wicky Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Was the memory in matched pairs , 1GB = 2 x 512mb DDR2 ECC or did you get a single 1GB module, plus are they installed in the matching top n bottom slots? No need to reset anything - should be plug & play 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 Was the memory in matched pairs , 1GB = 2 x 512mb DDR2 ECC or did you get a single 1GB module, plus are they installed in the matching top n bottom slots? Matched pair and yep, did all that. That's why it's so puzzling. When I bought the Mac, it came with an extra pair of sticks installed to bring it up to 1.5GB, but one of the pair was unfunctional. As a consequence, the bloody computer wouldn't even complete startup. It took me a couple of months just to figure out what the problem was. Once I pulled the broken pair out and replaced them, everything was dandy. From that experience I know that there isn't anything functionally wrong with the new pair. But somehow they aren't doing anything, which seems like a contradiction in terms. Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wicky Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 mmmm have you tried leaving/restoring the known working memory in slots 4 & 5 (3 & 6), and installing the new memory in the remaining empty slots. So it's something like: S1: S2: 512 (new) S3: 256 S4: 512 S5: 512 S6: 256 S7: 512 (new) S8: and if not successful try moving them around systematically in matching variations to try and rule out if there is compounding the problem a possible broken slot somewhere. Could you describe what size memory modules you had working to make your 1.5GB and where they were installed. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 Could you describe what size memory modules you had working to make your 1.5GB and where they were installed. Sure. This is the current set up: DIMM0/J6700: Size: 256 MB Type: DDR2 SDRAM Speed: PC2-4200U-444 Status: OK DIMM1/J6800: Size: 256 MB Type: DDR2 SDRAM Speed: PC2-4200U-444 Status: OK DIMM2/J6900: Size: 512 MB Type: DDR2 SDRAM Speed: PC2-4200U-444 Status: OK DIMM3/J7000: Size: 512 MB Type: DDR2 SDRAM Speed: PC2-4200U-444 Status: OK DIMM4/J7100: Size: Empty Type: Empty Speed: Empty Status: Empty DIMM5/J7200: Size: Empty Type: Empty Speed: Empty Status: Empty DIMM6/J7300: Size: Empty Type: Empty Speed: Empty Status: Empty DIMM7/J7400: Size: Empty Type: Empty Speed: Empty Status: Empty Slots 4 and 5 are where I put the new sticks. Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 BTW, this is what I bought. It appears to meet all the specs. I may try moving it into a different pair of slots as you suggest although for reasons I won't go into just now that's more of a hassle than you might expect. So I may save that for later until I've heard more ideas on what the problem might be. Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wicky Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 The new memory is non-ecc - and if your existing memory is ecc that could explain the problem as the two different types shouldn't be mixed. This machine can take ECC or non-ECC memory. Please check which type you have and choose the from the correct ECC or non-ECC section. Do not mix ECC with non-ECC memory. There are three primary methods for identifying and eliminating problematic RAM modules: Run the Apple Hardware Test This is the simplest method and should be used first. To run the Apple Hardware Test on PowerPC-based Macs, insert the Apple Hardware Test disc, then shut down the system. Restart your Mac then immeidately hold down the C key until the "Loading..." icon appears. Once the program hardware test program has loaded, select the Perform extended testing checkbox then press the Test button. If the test discovers faulty modules, it will display an explicit message indicating which slot harbors it. Use a third-party RAM testing utility If the Apple Hardware Test does not discover faulty modules but you still suspect that bad RAM is the cause f your issue(s), you can try a third-party RAM testing utility. The most popular tool for this procedure is Memtest -- a command line utility. There is also a graphical interface application driven by Memtest called Rember. here's an relevant link http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1567141 which leads to http://www.kelleycomputing.net/rember/ where you can d/l rember and a few other links 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 The new memory is non-ecc - and if your existing memory is ecc that could explain the problem as the two different types shouldn't be mixed. Not absolutely certain yet, but I don't think that's the problem. I was very careful both times I bought RAM for this machine to order exactly what was specified in the manual. There are three primary methods for identifying and eliminating problematic RAM modules: Run the Apple Hardware Test This is the simplest method and should be used first. Did that. Right away it came up with this error message: post/0/2048/DIMM4/J700 I have contacted the vendor and await a reply. Thanks for your help, Wicky. This is not the first time you have come through with good and timely advice in time of need and I appreciate it. Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wicky Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 One day in the future if the Quad starts p!ssing itself then you might be lucky and get a brand spanking new intel mac from Apple http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/G5_coolant_leaks.html If you can try the Crucial brand - never had a bad un 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 Wow, that's a bit scary. I didn't even know Apple had used an LCS. Well, one more thing to keep an eye on. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kettler Posted December 28, 2009 Share Posted December 28, 2009 Wicky, A most useful link, seeing as how a friend of mine has one of those. SOFAIK, it's not leaking, but it's good to know that help is available should it go West World on him. That rig, you see, is his livelihood. Regards, John Kettler 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kugel Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 You think you got problems? I can't even figure out how to play Civ 4 on my mac. I know I have enough memory and stuff, but I get messages saying I have to free up space, which is total bull****. I totally have enough memory. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted January 1, 2010 Author Share Posted January 1, 2010 I totally have enough memory. How much do you have? Are you running any other apps at the same time? What kind of Mac are you using? Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kugel Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 I got it to work. The problem was that I was dragging the folder into the HD icon instead of the desktop. The game itself isn't running that great, especially on Beyond the Sword, because I can't get past the 1900s due to my computer's limitations. The original Civ 4 plays just fine all the way to the end, so I don't know what the deal is. My guess is that the software wasn't coded right for Beyond the Sword. My machine is an iMac and it's only 3-4 months old. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted January 5, 2010 Author Share Posted January 5, 2010 I got it to work. The problem was that I was dragging the folder into the HD icon instead of the desktop. Eh? My copy loaded itself onto my hard drive. I then made an alias of the icon to put on my desktop, but that was just as a convenience for myself. I could have put it in the dock instead, but that is already pretty full. The game itself isn't running that great, especially on Beyond the Sword, because I can't get past the 1900s due to my computer's limitations. The original Civ 4 plays just fine all the way to the end, so I don't know what the deal is. My guess is that the software wasn't coded right for Beyond the Sword. There is quite a bit more stuff in BtS, so there is more for your computer to do. The size of your world has an enormous effect on how will it runs on a marginal machine too. If you are playing in a large or huge world with maybe 4 or 5 AI controlled opponents, you might think about slimming down a bit. Michael 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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