Installing RAM requires acquiring the correct type, grounding oneself, and ensuring the computer is powered off and unplugged. RAM sticks fit easily into memory banks or sockets and come in different configurations. The installer should consult the computer manual or an online search engine to determine the correct type. Memory chips are prone to damage from static discharges, so grounding oneself is important. The installer should remove old memory before installing new RAM and fill the memory banks in order. The RAM stick should be inserted firmly into the slot, and the clips should snap into place to lock the stick. After installation, replace any covers and the battery pack if necessary, and the system should count the new RAM on the next boot.
Installing random access memory (RAM) is a straightforward process, provided you take a few preliminary steps. The installer must acquire the correct RAM for the computer in the correct configuration, ground it before startup, and ensure that the computer is powered off and unplugged before installing. With these few ducks in a row, the RAM should fit easily into memory banks or sockets, and the computer should count it faithfully the next time it starts up.
RAM comes in the form of a circuit board about the size of a stick of gum. A RAM stick features several memory chips and a series of gold pins along the bottom edge, carved in different configurations depending on the model and type. This gold edge fits into the memory bank or slot of your computer by applying gentle pressure. The bank is designed to accept the correct type of memory stick. Installing RAM should always be easy, with the installer never having to brute force it.
The installer should consult the computer manual to find out what kind of RAM the system requires. If it doesn’t have the manual, chances are one can be found online using any search engine. If this is a desktop, you may be asked for your motherboard model number. Major online memory retailers also have search engines on their sites that will allow someone to enter a laptop model to see what type of memory it requires. This should be cross-referenced with the manual or other retailers to ensure correctness, as RAM may not be returnable.
In many cases, the RAM already present on the system will need to be removed to make way for larger capacity sticks. Before purchasing memory for a RAM installation, the installer should determine whether or not he will be able to use the old RAM.
Note that some computers use dual channel RAM which work in pairs. In this case, the most benefit from installing new RAM can be obtained if the total amount of RAM is purchased in two sticks, rather than a single stick. For example, if you want a total of 2 Gigabytes (GB), it would be better to get two 1GB dual channel sticks, rather than a single 2GB stick.
The motherboard memory banks must be filled in order, as indicated in the manual. There might be four banks total, for example, and if the installer will only be using two banks, banks one and two should be used rather than banks three and four. Check the documentation that came with your motherboard or laptop to see how the banks are numbered.
Memory chips are prone to damage from static discharges built up in the body. Before starting the RAM installation, it is important that the installer ground himself. This can be done in a number of ways, but wearing a grounded wrist strap is recommended. These are widely available and quite cheap.
Once grounded, the installer should shut down the computer and unplug it. If a laptop, remove the battery. Memory banks can be accessed by opening the computer case or removing the protective plate on the underside of the laptop.
Apply slow, gentle pressure to the metal or plastic clips at either end of the bank or slot to push them outward, away from the stick. The RAM should go out of the bank. In some cases, the RAM will need to be gently pulled out. Make sure the clips at both ends are free and gently lift both ends to pull out the stick evenly. In laptops, RAM is installed at an angle and must be removed at the same angle.
Whether removing old memory or handling new memory, avoid touching the gold pins on the bottom of the thumbsticks. Also avoid touching the memory chips. Whenever possible, hold a memory stick by the edges.
Once the memory banks are free, install new RAM by filling bank number one first, then two, and so on. Make sure the RAM stick is pressed firmly into the slot, gold pins facing down, by applying even pressure along the entire top edge of the stick using several evenly spaced fingertips. When the stick is inserted correctly, very little gold should be visible along the top edge of the slot or bank, and the RAM should be inserted evenly. The clips should snap into place to lock the stick, although in some cases it may be necessary to push the clips up and into the locking notch on the edge of the stick.
For specific directions on your exact model, consult the manual. After installing the RAM, replace any covers and the battery pack if necessary. Plug in your computer. The system should count the new RAM without a problem on the next boot.
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