Failure to Launch :-( What to try next? RAM Slot #2 DNR'd

[Buzz]

Per previous thread, re RAM Slot #2's Phantom Emptiness...

Pulled the proc drawer, pulled the heat sink, cleaned proc and the heat sink, pulled the proc, checked proc and seat for dirt/damage/etc.; when none found, cleaned both, re-seated proc, applied new thermal paste, re-installed heat sink, meticulously tightened heat sink, pulled, cleaned, and re-seated all RAM and slots, put proc drawer back in ye olde 5,1....

Only to find that slot #2 did not resuscitate.
Dang.
Nothing changed, except 5,1's innards may be a bit cleaner.
Dang.

Any suggestions for what comes next?

I guess I should try another proc first, since I do have a couple "in the drawer", so that's the lowest cost option at this point, y/n?
If swapped proc works OK, then odds are good there's something wrong with current proc?
If RAM slot(s) still act up, it's likely bad drawer, y/n?
Then replace either proc or drawer as indicated?
Other plan(s) of attack/solution searching?

Thanks.
Signed, Disappointed in Los Angeles
==

[hal]

I assume that you swapped ram all around. I found that some pairs (of cheap non-Apple ram) didn't work with other pairs when I had an MP. Also assume that you don't have another drawer around to test. It's great that you're getting old hardware to work, but it's certainly a challenge.

[MrNoBody]

Dear Disappointed in Los Angeles,

Try another X5680 ??

miley-signs003:

[Buzz]

Yes, swapped RAM all around... this is single proc, four slot/single bank MP, our dual proc, eight slot/dual bank MP not having RAM issues (only occasional heat issues).

RAM being used in/out is all 8GB's & 4GB's from OWC, though do have a bunch of APPL 2GB's & 1GB's available, but since the "empty" stays in slot #2 no matter what (8GB or 4GB) is used there, or in the other slots, it's not the RAM sticks...; AFAICT, it's gotta be something w/ the proc, or the drawer. I would've thought yesterday's work would've identified any issues w/ connectivity and/or heat sink tension.

Gotta figure this crud out ASAP.
==

[anonymouse1]

If it's a single processor, it would be weird for the proc to affect one bank of RAM and not the other.

My money would be on some kind of flaw in the slot or the leads from the slot....

[MrNoBody]

If it's a single processor, it would be weird for the proc to affect one bank of RAM and not the other.
Not really. The X56xx series have an integrated memory controller. Each bank has
its own set of pathways (the socket has 1366 contacts). One contact out could
affect one RAM stick and not the others.
:thumbsup:

[Buzz]

anonymouse1 wrote:
If it's a single processor, it would be weird for the proc to affect one bank of RAM and not the other.

My money would be on some kind of flaw in the slot or the leads from the slot....

Yes, single proc model, so only the one RAM bank.... while we do have a dual proc tower (sitting next to this one, sharing monitors) that has two RAM banks,