Memory installation Guide
First Lets introduce some important terms that you need to know in order to upgrade your machine:
Minimum Memory: This is the amount of Memory RAM included with the system (as stated by the manufacturer). It does not take into account upgrades installed at the time of purchase or later.
Maximum Memory: The is the maximum amount of Memory RAM supported by the system when it was originally released. Due to advances in DRAM (i.e. memory) technology this may be increased over time by the computer's manufacturer.
Memory Slots: This is the total number of Memory upgrade slots (sockets)
followed by their configuration. Banks are the way a system addresses Memory. A bank must be completely
filled with Memory modules of the same size and type in order for the system to recognize and address the
Memory. i.e. Memory slots: 3 (3 banks of 1). This indicates that there are 3 Memory slots. These are
divided into 3 banks, and each bank consists of one Memory slot. So you can add Memory one piece at a
time for the system to use.
Memory slots: 4 (2 banks of 2). This indicates that there are 4 Memory slots. These are
divided into 2 banks, and each bank consists of two Memory slots. So you must add
Memory two pieces at a time (they must be the same size and type of Memory) in order
for the system to benefit from the upgrade.
12 (3 banks of 4) This indicates that there are 12 Memory slots. These are divided
into 3 banks, and each bank consists of four Memory slots. So, you must add Memory
four pieces at a time (and they must be the same size and type of Memory) in order for
the system to benefit from the upgrade.
Memory Capacity: Memory capacity indicates that this much Memory can be installed per slot of a system. Memory Capacity: 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB indicates that Memory modules of these capacities can be installed on each Memory slot of the system.
Memory Types & Installation Procedures
Memory installation is a pretty easy upgrade to perform. Most of the work, if you could call it that, comes before you actually do the upgrade - in being sure you get the right kind of Memory for your system.
In this tutorial on installing Memory RAM will provide some background information about memory and will explain the procedure to install Memory SIMMs and DIMMs.
SIMMs (EDO):
Let's have some background info first, though. Your computer, if it uses 30-pin or 72-pin SIMMs, organizes its SIMM sockets into groups called banks. Some boards say that two sockets make a bank. Some say that one is a bank. Nevertheless, a bank must be full. A half full bank will drive your computer nuts. Also, you can't mix two different kinds of Memory in a single bank. For example, you can't put a 4MB SIMM and an 8MB SIMM in one bank and expect to get 12 MB of RAM. Also, many systems require you to put the Memory in pairs. Therefore, if you want 32 Megs of RAM, you have to stick 2 16's in instead of one 32. Here's a shortcut which is almost always true. An older computer with a 386 or an early 486 chip usually has a 4 socket bank of 30-pin SIMM modules. A later model 486 requires only one socket of 72-pin modules. Pentium machines have two socket banks of 72 pin modules, meaning you must install RAM in pairs. In all of these systems, the bank must be full for your system to operate. Following these guidelines, let's say you want to add 16 Mega of RAM to your Pentium machine. You could buy one 16MB SIMM, but this won't work because you will have a partially filled bank. You must buy two 8MB SIMMS instead, and install them in a pair.
Installation Procedure:
- Turn off the computer, unplug it, and take off the case cover.
- Locate the Memory slots.
- Remove the old Memory (if applicable). This will entail loosening the little retainer springs on each end of the Memory socket until the Memory stick can be removed.
- Install the RAM. To do this, first locate the little notch on the pin-side of the module. This notch will line up with a notch on the Memory socket itself, to ensure proper alignment. Position the module over the slot at a 45-degree angle with the module pins in the slot. Gently rotate the SIMM until it is in an upright position. When it is in an upright position, the retainer springs will snap into place and secure the SIMM.
- Repeat previous step for all remaining SIMMs you wish to install.
- Test it. Before you put your case back on, power on your system and make sure it correctly tallies the RAM.
- Close up the case.
DIMMs (SDRAM, DDR-DRAM, DDR2, DDR3):
It's really important that SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, DDR3 came out, or we'd all have to decipher all that bank stuff in order to upgrade Memory RAM. DIMMs are much simpler. Most motherboards have the 168-pin slots for SDRAM or 184-pin slots for DDR-DRAM. Each DIMM slot is a bank, so one can install these types of Memory in any combination they want. It is best, if you have several open DIMM slots, to use the lowest number slots first. The slots are numbered, such as DIMM 0, DIMM 1, and DIMM 2. Choose the lesser, unused number. If this is the only module in the system, use DIMM 0. Some older motherboards have both SIMM and DIMM slots. On these, each DIMM slot is a bank, just like normal. The SIMM slots right next to them are usually paired in a bank, just like the normal Pentium bank setup.
Installation Procedure:
- Turn off the computer, UnPlug it, and take off the case cover.
- Locate the Memory slots.
- Remove the old Memory (if applicable). This will entail pressing down on the little ejector clips on each end of the Memory socket until the Memory stick pops out of the socket. Then you just lift it out.
- Install the Memory RAM. To do this, first locate the little notches on the pin-side of the module. These notches (usually two) will line up with keys on the memory socket itself, to ensure proper alignment. With the eJector clips in the open position, position the module over the slot and begin pressing the module down into the slot. You will need to press down pretty hard. As you press down, the module will sink into place and the ejector clips will close themselves to lock the module into place.
- Repeat previous step for all remaining DIMMs you wish to install.
- Test it. Before you put your case back on, power on your system and make sure it correctly tallies the RAM.
- Close up the case.
Rambus DRAM (RIMMs):
Some modern motherboards that don't use DIMMs use Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) with 184-pin slots. RDRAM is very similar to DIMMs RAM, but the pin configuration is a bit different. Nevertheless, the same installation procedure for DIMMs applies for RIMMs (note that Dual-Channel operation is not supported).
Note: The Memory module contain electronic components that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Improper handling could damage your computer. Leave the module in its protective anti-static bag until ready to install, and handle it only as instructed by your Computer Manufacturer. If you have reservations about installing the module, ask for assistance from a qualified technician.