Desktop memory installation guide

Press down on the clips on the sides of each module, the clip mechanism will push the memory module up. You can then pull the module completely out. Holding the modules along the edges, align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot, then apply even pressure and firmly press the module in.

It usually takes about 30 pounds of pressure to fully install the module. Note Some desktops require you to install modules in matched pairs memory banks. If this is the case, the slots will likely be labelled for how the memory should be installed.

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Back to memory articles. Precautions Before Installation! Step 1 - Gathering Supplies. Memory installation supplies. Step 3 - Unplug the Power Cable. This includes any cables and accessories plugged into the computer. This discharges any residual electricity still in the system. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your workspace. Shut down your system. Once your system has been powered off, unplug the power cable. Discharge residual power by pressing and holding the power button for seconds.

Remove your computer's case cover. Refer to your owner's manual for how to do this. To protect your new memory modules and your system's components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer's frame or use an ESD wrist strap before handling memory and internal components. Locate the memory slots on your desktop using your owner's manual.

Remove existing modules as needed. Maximize the performance of your system by filling each slot with high density modules. Align the notches on the module with the ridges in the memory slot.

Note: It can take up to 30 pounds of pressure to install a module. If you have more than one open memory slot, fill the lowest numbered slot first. Be careful not to bend, flex, or drop the memory while handling it. When pushing the memory into the computer, do not apply an excessive amount of pressure.

Doing so could cause damage to the memory module, and the slots on the motherboard. Finally, when installing the memory, distribute the pressure evenly by pressing on both corners of the memory module. Once the memory is purchased, locate the memory slots on the computer motherboard. If no memory slots are available on the computer, one or more memory modules must be removed before the memory can be installed.

If the computer has a small form factor , it may be difficult to access the memory slots. You may have to temporarily remove cables or expansion cards before you can access them easily. When disconnecting anything from the computer, make sure you can remember where each cable and card goes.

Each slot on a motherboard that supports a DIMM is a bank ; therefore the computer works if one memory module is purchased. Examine the memory module before installing it into the computer. At the bottom of the memory module, you should notice one or more notches at the bottom of the card. These notches look like those shown in the picture below.

Make sure that the notches match up with the memory slot you are installing the memory into. These notches allow the memory to be installed only in one direction. If the memory is incompatible, it will not physically match with the slot. After verifying the notches and direction, the memory needs to be installed, move each memory slot tab out or away from the memory module. These tabs will snap into place as the memory module is installed. Once these tabs are moved out, gently and firmly push the memory module into the slot.

As the memory module is being pushed, the two tabs should snap and hold the memory module into place. After the memory is installed in the computer, plug the computer back in, and turn it back on.

As the computer is booting, the memory should be automatically detected and set up. If you have any difficulties with the memory detected or set up, enter the BIOS setup, and verify the memory is correctly detected by the system.