Sun City Anthem Computer Club

I discovered some interesting things when one of my memory chip went bad on my iMac. First, the limited lifetime warranty claims on memory chips really are true as the chip failed after almost a year of service. Second, the return to manufacturer mechanisms are really easy to follow and DO NOT require one to submit their original sales slip. This last fact really worried me as I judiciously save electronics receipts but the one for this memory chip seemed to somehow slip through the cracks.

Not to worry though, as all the Patriot Memory company requires end users to do is access their RMA request site, describe the problem and any testing done, and then a technician responds back via email within 48 hours. In my case they issued a case number, sent me a link to their RMA submission site where I submitted my name and address, then sent me an email with complete information on how to return the faulty chip for an exchange. All in all a very simple process. Of course the proof will be when I actually receive the replacement.

You may also be wondering why I went this route rather than exercise my AppleCare Protection Plan. The answer's quite simple. Apple, while providing info on how to upgrade ones memory, seems to frown on users adding things to their products and in this case off-brand memory. Apple seems to like Samsung (China) and Hynix (Korea) memory and Patriot doesn't seem to be on their vendor's list.

I should also point out that Fry's, where I originally bought the chip, makes itself very clear about its return policy on memory and microprocessors. Devices come with a sticker which notifies buyers that there's a 15-day return policy in effect. Not actually a bad thing, since in my experience electronics making it through the first 72-hours of service usually provide a lifetime of service. The exception of course is anything I personally buy.

Update 8/30/11

After some trials and tribulations I finally received the correct replacement memory chip! Initially I was sent the wrong chip but after contacting the manufacturer about the error Patriot Memory cheerfully sent me a postpaid mailer so I could return it. They then sent the correct item. I'm happy to report that lifetime warrantees actually do work.

Best,
Harry

After dropping back to the 32-bit version of Handbrake and VLC and still encountering the same problem I decided to run the internal Apple Diagnostic Test. Sure enough the system identified a repeatable internal memory fault. Interestingly, TechTool Deluxe, another Apple-based diagnostic, failed to discover any anomalies.

Turned out that one of the two Patriot 4GB memory modules installed in my Mac had a fault. Removed the offending chip and I'm back in business. Somewhat less robust but definitely in full operation.

24" iMac w/2.93 Ghz Dual Core
4GB Mem, 500GB HD
NVidia GeoForce 120
OSX 10.6.7