Desktop Memory Installation
These instructions are intended to be used in conjunction with your model specific
owner's manual. 
Note: Before touching electronic components, make sure you are properly grounded.
By wearing a wrist strap (or using some other type of static control device),
you can prevent static electricity stored on your body or clothing from damaging
your installation. Anti-static straps are available for purchase from our Web
site, alternatively please contact our sales department.
- The first thing to do is make sure the computer is shut down.
- Note that it may seem sensible to unplug the computer before installing
the RAM, but we don't recommend it. Keeping the machine plugged in will ground
it, and this is important because that way any static electricity built up
in your body will be discharged before handling the RAM chips. You can do
this by touching any metal part of the case. Frying a chip with static electricity
is a rare occurrence, but still possible.
- Remove the computer's cover following the instructions in the model-specific
owner's manual.
- Locate the memory expansion sockets on the computer's motherboard. If all
the sockets are full, remove smaller capacity modules to allow room for higher
capacity modules.
- Once you've discharged your static electricity, pick up the memory chip
by its top or sides. Don't touch the silver or gold contacts at the bottom,
because even a little oil from your finger can eventually interfere with the
connection. Regardless of the type of memory you have, it will only go into
the empty memory slot one way, so look at the notches in the contacts and
line them up so the partitions in the RAM sockets fit in the grooves.
- Insert the module into an available expansion socket. Press the module into
position, making certain the module is completely seated in the socket. The
ejector tabs at each end of the socket will automatically snap into the locked
position. Repeat this procedure for any additional modules you are installing.
The ejector tabs shown in the illustration are used to remove a module. By
pushing outward on the ejector tabs, the module will pop-up from the socket
and it can then be removed.
- For most installations, DDR modules can be installed in any available expansion
slot. Other installations may require the memory to be installed in a particular
sequence based on the modules capacity. Check your owner's manual to determine
the correct installation sequence for your configuration.
- Turn on the computer and follow the instructions in your computer owner's
manual that describe the steps necessary to allow your computer to recognise
the newly installed memory. (Most computers will automatically recognize the
additional memory installed).
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These instructions are intended to be used in conjunction with your model specific
owner's manual.
Note: Before touching electronic components, make sure you are properly grounded.
By wearing a wrist strap (or using some other type of static control device),
you can prevent static electricity stored on your body or clothing from damaging
your installation. Anti-static straps are available for purchase from our Web
site, alternatively please contact our sales department.
- If the SODIMM is being installed into a notebook or hand-held computer that
has a battery installed, then ensure that the battery is removed and the power
cord is unplugged before beginning installation.
- The memory slot for installation is typically accessed via a door on the
bottom of the machine or it may be located under the keyboard. Refer to your
computer's manual on how to accomplish this step.
- 200 Pin SODIMMs have a cutout along the gold pins which again only allow
the module to be inserted one way.
- Once you've discharged your static electricity, pick up the memory chip
by its top or sides. Don't touch the gold contacts at the bottom, because
even a little oil from your finger can eventually interfere with the connection.
- Insert the module at a 30 degree angle and push the module firmly but gently
into the slot until the security latches on the sockets have locked into place
on each side of the module.
- For most installations, SODIMM modules can be installed in any available
expansion slot. Other installations may require the memory to be installed
in a particular sequence based on the modules capacity. Check your owner's
manual to determine the correct installation sequence for your configuration.
- Turn on the computer and follow the instructions in your computer owner's
manual that describe the steps necessary to allow your computer to recognise
the newly installed memory. (Most computers will automatically recognize the
additional memory installed). When restarting your computer you may get a
message prompting you to update the configuration settings. Refer to your
computer's manual on how to accomplish this step.
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Are you having trouble installing your new RAM? Is your new memory not working?
Relax, here's some good news! Most of the time, when customers have trouble
with their new memory, we find their problems can be easily solved by one of
the following solutions.
Plug it in. Please double-check and make sure all your power cords are
plugged in. You wouldn't be the first person this has happened to.
Press harder. Make sure the notches on your module are lined up with
the keys in the slot, and then press down firmly. Don't be afraid that you are
going to break it. It can sometimes take 20 to 30 pounds of pressure to install
a module. The clips on the side of the module should snap into place on their
own. If you have to move the clips into place by hand, your module isn't installed
properly.
Install again. Even if you have inserted the module correctly and the
clips are locked in place there is a chance the module may not be seated fully.
Remove the memory module and try reinserting it. If a problem persists, remove
all memory and try just the new memory by itself. If you have purchased more
than one stick of memory make sure you try just one at a time, unless your machine
requires them to be installed in pairs. Check the cables. It is possible
that you accidentally bump one of the internal cables or wires inside your computer
when you were installing your memory? A loose hard drive cable can actually
prevent your computer from booting up entirely. All the cables should be firmly
in their sockets.
Update your BIOS. Some older machines just don't like to work with today's
newer technology. If you have an older system, it may need a BIOS (Basic Input
Output System) update. It's ok, this is much easier than it sounds. All you
need to know is the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard and typically
you can download the free bios software from their Web site. BIOS Update location.
Below are links to BIOS updates for the most common manufacturers. You may need
to contact your manufacturer if you are unable to locate a BIOS update for your
system.
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