The Motherboard, Processor, and Memory - Installing the Memory Modules
(Page 12 of 18 )
Handle the memory modules by the edges and be sure to be static-safe at all times. Memory chips are extremely sensitive to static discharge.
Watch the Contacts: Don’t touch the metal contacts that connect one component to another, such as the contacts on a memory module on the side that slides into the motherboard slot. The oil on your fingers can impede good contact and cause all sorts of problems.
1. Memory modules have notches on the side with the metal pins that correspond to bumps in the memory sockets on a motherboard (see Figure 2-14). Look at your DIMM module. Then, locate the first socket (usually labeled DIMM1 or DIMM0) on the motherboard. Open the plastic clasps on either side of the socket.
Figure 2-14
Notice the notches on the memory module.
2. Align the memory module with the notches on the DIMM facing the bumps in the bottom of the socket. Slide the DIMM straight down into the socket (see Figure 2-15).
Figure 2-15
Seating a DIMM module
3. Apply pressure evenly across the entire module until it snaps into place; the two plastic clasps should raise and close around the DIMM of their own accord. It’s important to make sure the DIMM is firmly seated; if it’s not, your computer won’t boot up. A properly seated DIMM module is shown in Figure 2-16.
Figure 2-16
A DIMM module properly seated
 This chapter is from Build Your Own High Performance Gamers' Mod PC, by Chen and Durham (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0072229012). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now. |
Next: BIOS Tweaking and Overclocking >>
More Computer Systems Articles
More By McGraw-Hill/Osborne
