This is my first time posting here. I want to share my experience and hopefully, no one will have to encounter the problems as I did.
I purchased a MacBook Pro and AppleCare from EpiCentre in 2012 with free RAM upgrade. A year later, the laptop couldn't be booted up. I took it down to QCD for servicing. Afte that, the technician guy called me and said the RAM causes the failure. He told me the 2 RAM modules were third party brand and incompatible. I was advised to get it replaced from reseller.
So, I went to EpiCentre@313. They didn't have the specified RAM, so they directed me to the RAM company for replacement. I headed to Paya Lebar and the Strontium guys replaced the RAM modules for me. I thought the problem was resolved and didn't think much of it.
This year (Another year later), I started to experience crashes on the laptop. Sometimes, I hear 3 beeps and my files got corrupted after a crash. So, I went down to QCD for servicing again. This time, the technician guy called and said the problem lies with the RAM. Also, one of the RAM modules is faulty. I was told that AppleCare does NOT cover third party RAM and again, I was referred to go back to the reseller. After explaining that this is not the first time I have this problem, he kindly sent me an email with Apple's hotline and my laptop's serial number to call in.
I called up Apple. The Apple advisor was really good and he empathised with me on my issue because I have no idea how to proceed with it. But ultimately, the manager stuck to the policy that RAM is not covered under AppleCare. At this point, I only have 2 options left - (1) Return to the reseller for Apple Certified RAM (which can be purchased from the online store); (2) I buy the RAM myself. Because prolong use of third party RAM can cause further problems to the laptop.
I called up EpiCentre today and told them the 2 problems I had with the RAM. My contact details and laptop's serial number were taken down. They will check and get back to me, so I'm still waiting.
I learnt that:
- EpiCentre swapped the original RAM and replaced it with 2 third party RAM modules
- Third party RAM is not covered under AppleCare
- Apple does not control their resellers from swapping hardware components - i.e. resellers can change the hard disk drive, RAM, etc.
I feel cheated by EpiCentre and disappointed that Apple's products are not truly integrated seamlessly in hardware and software. The life lesson I take from this is, 'Do not buy from resellers'.
============================================
Thank you all for your replies. Editing this to summarise the thread:
On Strontium RAM
There is a difference between Apple approved RAM and Apple certified RAM. If you have AppleCare, the best bet for Apple certified RAM is to buy from the online store. Apple approved RAM (installed DIY) does not fall under AppleCare.
Strontium RAM, like any other brands, has both good and bad reviews. I am unlucky to get bad batches twice (what's the odd?), so even though they have lifetime warranty, I no longer trust the brand.
My old non-Apple laptops still function after 5-7 years. I work and game on them, so I don't think it's a user problem.
On Apple & resellers
Apple does not control their resellers from swapping hardware components - i.e. resellers can change the hard disk drive, RAM, etc. Most likely, AppleCare will not cover the swapped components.
Although new MacBook units (with Retina) have the RAM soldered on, I wouldn't buy from resellers again. My experience has made me skeptical because I received a 'custom built' Apple laptop from a premium reseller. Save yourself the hassle so that in the event there's any hardware failure, you have AppleCare protection.
Afterthoughts
Resellers have good promotions bundled for MacBooks. But a dear cousin of mine reminded me that if it's too good to be true, it probably is - there's probably a reason why resellers can throw in freebies. Unless you have extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, want to DIY, and/or don't need AppleCare, buy from the online store.
I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro W Retina online, too frustrated with my old unit. Ta-Q-Bin delivered it within 1-2 business days but I wasn't home. Just had to reschedule with them for another delivery time slot.
I purchased a MacBook Pro and AppleCare from EpiCentre in 2012 with free RAM upgrade. A year later, the laptop couldn't be booted up. I took it down to QCD for servicing. Afte that, the technician guy called me and said the RAM causes the failure. He told me the 2 RAM modules were third party brand and incompatible. I was advised to get it replaced from reseller.
So, I went to EpiCentre@313. They didn't have the specified RAM, so they directed me to the RAM company for replacement. I headed to Paya Lebar and the Strontium guys replaced the RAM modules for me. I thought the problem was resolved and didn't think much of it.
This year (Another year later), I started to experience crashes on the laptop. Sometimes, I hear 3 beeps and my files got corrupted after a crash. So, I went down to QCD for servicing again. This time, the technician guy called and said the problem lies with the RAM. Also, one of the RAM modules is faulty. I was told that AppleCare does NOT cover third party RAM and again, I was referred to go back to the reseller. After explaining that this is not the first time I have this problem, he kindly sent me an email with Apple's hotline and my laptop's serial number to call in.
I called up Apple. The Apple advisor was really good and he empathised with me on my issue because I have no idea how to proceed with it. But ultimately, the manager stuck to the policy that RAM is not covered under AppleCare. At this point, I only have 2 options left - (1) Return to the reseller for Apple Certified RAM (which can be purchased from the online store); (2) I buy the RAM myself. Because prolong use of third party RAM can cause further problems to the laptop.
I called up EpiCentre today and told them the 2 problems I had with the RAM. My contact details and laptop's serial number were taken down. They will check and get back to me, so I'm still waiting.
I learnt that:
- EpiCentre swapped the original RAM and replaced it with 2 third party RAM modules
- Third party RAM is not covered under AppleCare
- Apple does not control their resellers from swapping hardware components - i.e. resellers can change the hard disk drive, RAM, etc.
I feel cheated by EpiCentre and disappointed that Apple's products are not truly integrated seamlessly in hardware and software. The life lesson I take from this is, 'Do not buy from resellers'.
============================================
Thank you all for your replies. Editing this to summarise the thread:
On Strontium RAM
There is a difference between Apple approved RAM and Apple certified RAM. If you have AppleCare, the best bet for Apple certified RAM is to buy from the online store. Apple approved RAM (installed DIY) does not fall under AppleCare.
Strontium RAM, like any other brands, has both good and bad reviews. I am unlucky to get bad batches twice (what's the odd?), so even though they have lifetime warranty, I no longer trust the brand.
My old non-Apple laptops still function after 5-7 years. I work and game on them, so I don't think it's a user problem.
On Apple & resellers
Apple does not control their resellers from swapping hardware components - i.e. resellers can change the hard disk drive, RAM, etc. Most likely, AppleCare will not cover the swapped components.
Although new MacBook units (with Retina) have the RAM soldered on, I wouldn't buy from resellers again. My experience has made me skeptical because I received a 'custom built' Apple laptop from a premium reseller. Save yourself the hassle so that in the event there's any hardware failure, you have AppleCare protection.
Afterthoughts
Resellers have good promotions bundled for MacBooks. But a dear cousin of mine reminded me that if it's too good to be true, it probably is - there's probably a reason why resellers can throw in freebies. Unless you have extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, want to DIY, and/or don't need AppleCare, buy from the online store.
I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro W Retina online, too frustrated with my old unit. Ta-Q-Bin delivered it within 1-2 business days but I wasn't home. Just had to reschedule with them for another delivery time slot.
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