MacBook Pro ....3 beeps, 3 beeps......

Ben Cole

Ben Cole

Ben Cole

Soldato
Joined
24 Feb 2003
Posts
3,081
Location
Porthcawl and Southampton
My much loved MacBook Pro will not turn on.

It is a 2013 with i7, 16Gb and dedicated graphics so still well up to my requirements.

Has been working with no problems for years and then yesterday would not turn on. The battery was on its way out, still held about 3 hours+ charge but would die unexpectedly when below 30%.

At first I put it down to the battery but it was the same with the power supply connected.

I cleared NV RAM and SMC but nothing. Opened it up and disconnected the battery, then tried with just power supply again.

Now it gives three beeps, 5 seconds pause, 3 beeps....on and on. Occasionally the fans spin up to maximum. Nothing comes on the screen.

Googling suggests a problem with the RAM. Surprising if the RAM has just failed after all these years.
I have left it with the battery disconnected and will try again after 2 or so days.


So the question is, anything else to try before it goes to toaster heaven?
 
Tried to startup holding D or option+D? I understand that loads diagnostics where you could confirm the likely RAM issue. RAM failure is likely terminal for your machine as its onboard memory. Sure, it could be fixed but in a universe where you can get a newer M-series for less than £800 (M1 Air) which should be vastly more performant, it makes no economical sense to fix. That said, the old MacBook may still also have some significant value as parts - particularly screen and chassis if they are in good condition.
 
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Unfortunately that didn't do anything. Just starts up with three beeps, the same as before.

I agree. It's definitely terminal for it. The only thing that would be viable is to pick one up that has bad chassis/screen damage and transfer things over. Even that would only be for the challenge as it would be a bit of a job.
 
The upside is that the challenge/work involved will mean someone will defo buy it for parts, so you can at least make a little money back to put toward something new. I actually thought 2013 would have been far back enough that RAM wasn't soldered on. RIP little MBP!
 
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