Seller refurbished memory

[Muse]

Is there such a thing as refurbished memory? The listing below at ebay says that. I figure this is just used SIMMs that they maybe tested and made sure it was recognized by a machine. Is this true? I figure it either works or it doesn't, right? I don't intend to use it very intensively compared to how it could be in some environments. It will go in my HP Laserjet 4+ printer along with a used postscript module. I think it might be OEM because they didn't list the HP part number. The seller is selling some evidently HP SIMMs and they were represented as new. Maybe I should have gotten them instead, the price was almost the same.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/48MB-HP-LASERJET-MEMORY-4-4M-4V-5-5P-5M-5MP-6P-6MP-/180657315122?pt=Printer_Accessories&hash=item2a1003dd32

New SIMM:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180761012798

 

[Blain]

"Seller refurbished:
An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party not approved by the manufacturer.
This means the item has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to full working order and is in excellent condition."

The memory has been tested (hopefully) and cleaned (maybe).
The seller or the third party hasn't done any chip replacement.
"Repaired" is just the jargon used in the sales pitch.

 

[C1]

There's nothing wrong with buying and using used memory as long as it has been tested, has at least a 90 day warranty and you obtain a sufficient discount.

 

[Elixer]

And that discount should also factor in the cost to ship it back to them when you find out the RAM doesn't like your system, and you end up with tons of errors in memtest86.

 

[Muse]

And that discount should also factor in the cost to ship it back to them when you find out the RAM doesn't like your system, and you end up with tons of errors in memtest86.

Yeah, if I had it to do again I would have bought the other listing, instead of 3 refurbished SIMMs together for $15 shipped get 3 separate new SIMMs for $15 plus ~$2 postage. Probably won't matter because the refurbs will probably work.

 

[bryanl]

The vast majority of refurbished modules are just used parts that have been tested to some extent, the extent ranging from a quick check in a PC (most likely scenario) to running them in a dedicated memory testing machine (far, far, far less likely). Some companies refurbish modules by unsoldering defective RAM chips and replacing them with good chips, but that's also rare now.

 

[Muse]

I got the memory yesterday, 3 SIMMs. Haven't installed them yet.

Also received yesterday was a Postscript SIMM for the same printer. There are 4 SIMM slots, so they will all be taken up with all 4 of these SIMMs installed. Unfortunately, the Postscript SIMM is obviously damaged. I just sent the ebay seller this message:
- - - -

I received this item in yesterday's mail. I opened the envelope this morning and without removing the SIMM from the plastic ziploc bag I immediately saw that a small piece had broken off from the SIMM, evidently during shipment. I have not removed the SIMM from its pouch. It appears to be an electronic bridge that broke off, a piece about 1/16" x 1/8" x 1/32", and I'm certain that the SIMM is not functional. That bridge almost certainly has a funcion other than conductivity, it's some kind of electronic component that was attached to the circuit board. I believe you are selling more of this item and you can supply me with a working Postscript SIMM for my LJ4+. Please package the replacement more carefully as damage in shipment with unprotected packaging is risky. If you want me to return the damaged SIMM, please advise. Perhaps you can include a self addressed return envelope with postage along with a replacement SIMM. Please advise. Thank you.

 

[Muse]

I look over he damaged postscript SIMM I described in the last post here and decide to send the ebay seller this additional message:
- - - -
Looking at the SIMM and the tiny part that broke off of it, I have an idea. I think I can probably solder that part in place, I see where the solder joints that held it to the circuit board have broken. I have a fair amount of soldering experience, I used to make kits years ago, have tools, patience. I can try to fix it and if it works OK, I'm alright with keeping this one. I will try on one condition: you will replace it if the fix is not successful. What do you say?

 

[Muse]

Damn, I just tested the RAM SIMMs (3x 16MB) I received the same day (yesterday) as the postscript SIMM (different ebay sellers), and one of those is evidently defective too. It's only seen as adding 1 MB RAM to my printer, not the 16 MB indicated by the label on the SIMM. These guys, I have to think they didn't test it or it too was perhaps damaged in shipment. They didn't adequately package the SIMMs either, they just put it in a light mailing envelope, wrapped the 3 SIMMs together with a piece of paper, maybe 1/2 a letter sized sheet and put a piece of tape around it, crossed their fingers and sent it off in the Xmas rush. However, my guess is it was screwed up before they mailed it. The one that's not seen as 16 MB looks as though it wasn't handled correctly at some point. It shows evidence of stress and is a little bent. Here's the note I just sent the seller:
- - - -

One of the 3 SIMMs you sent me is only recognized as adding 1 MB RAM to my HP Laserjet 4 Plus printer. The other two SIMMs are recognized as adding 16 MB RAM each. Either the first SIMM was mislabeled or it has become defective for some reason. Looking carefully at the circuit board it looks as though it was stressed and is slightly bent. It was like this when I received it. Did you test this RAM? Please inform me how you propose to fix this situation

 

[Muse]

I got a response from the seller of the RAM SIMM within 1/2 hour, less than 10 minutes ago:
- - - -
I will send you a replacement on Tuesday.
Merry Christmas.