INSTALLING RAM
by Ray DeCosta
Here are some pointers to remember when installing RAM in a
desktop computer:
If possible, have a helper ready with a flashlight.
Unplug the power cord and then hold in the On button on the
front of the computer for several seconds. This will get rid of
any residual electricity that may be stored in the power supply.
EACH TIME before you go poking around inside the computer, make
sure you touch a bare metal part of it to discharge any static
electricity.
You will probably find that things will go easier if you lay the
open computer down on its right side, assuming you opened the
left side.
If you must remove cables to the motherboard to access the RAM
slots, look for release clips which (as you probably suspect)
have to be released. Not all cables have such clips and, if
you're lucky, you won't have to take this step anyway.
Try not to touch the contacts on the RAM modules as you handle
them.
Make sure the cut-outs on the bottom of the RAM modules match up
to the corresponding "bumps" in the RAM slots. Because of this
keying factor, it's almost impossible to put them in backwards.
Make sure the RAM clips on the ends of the slots fully engage
when you push the RAM modules into place. It's fairly hard to
get them all the way to the bottom of the slot and that's the
main reason for having the computer on its side. It's also
easier to see what you're doing in that orientation. While you
shouldn't force the RAM modules into place, you may have to
"push very hard." :)
When the RAM modules are installed properly, they will be level
all the way across and both side clips will be fully engaged.
If you removed any cables, make sure to plug them back in. Most
connectors will only go in one way, so there's little risk of
cross-connecting something. It's a good idea at this point to
see if you knocked anything else loose and fix it now.
Turn the computer right-side up, plug the power cord back in and
start it up without putting the cover back on. This way you'll
have less work to do if something has gone wrong. See if the
Operating System (OS) recognizes the new RAM by going to Control
Panel -- System. If you're installing 4 GB, the OS may only
recognize 3 + something GB (such as 3.3, 3.5, etc.). This is
normal and no cause for concern - the OS will use the "missing"
RAM even if it doesn't appear to see it.
Check to see that My Computer (Computer in Vista) recognizes any
CD/DVD burners. It's easy to unknowingly disconnect these items
while rooting around inside the case.
Check to see that all case ventilation fans are running.
Shut down the computer.
This is probably a good time to get all those dust bunnies out
of the case. The safest way is to reverse a vacuum cleaner so it
blows the dust out - vacuuming the inside doesn't work very
well. Or you might use a few cans of compressed air instead.
Good luck with your computer project! |
