0 How To Install Computer Memory?

It is very easy to install computer memory. Save your money by using this step by step guide.

Did You Know?
By installing RAM memory
all by yourself you may
save up to 40$.

Along the guide, you will learn not only how to install RAM memory, but also you will understand why it is imperative to use the same RAM modules on a dual-channel architecture as how to find out what your motherboard supports.
Part of this guide uses content you can find in the desktop computer memory introduction page. If you know very little about RAM modules, I suggest you first read the introduction page. It will help you understand what I am talking about throughout this page.
Before we start to install computer memory, I want you to go at the end of this page to read the disclaimer, so you are familiar with the terms.

What RAM Memory And Architechture Your Motherboard supports?

Modern motherboards have a dual-channel architecture technology instead of single channel architecture found on older motherboards. It means you have to install computer memory modules in pairs.
It is important to know what your motherboard supports to get the most of it. An easy way to do it is to look in your motherboard book that comes with when you bought your computer. You should be able to find a table with every type of RAM modules supported by your motherboard and how to use them.
If you do not have the book but you know the code name for your motherboard model, then you can do a search on Internet at the manufacturer site. In the case you do not know the code name for your model, there is a good chance it is written on your buying bill, assuming you still have it.
I organized some links for the most popular brands to help you find it. Look at your motherboard model and try to find what it is supported by your motherboard.

• Asus North America
• Universal Abit USA
• Gigabyte USA
• MSI Micro-Star Internationannal
• ASRock
• Intel

Installing RAM For Single Or Dual-Channel Architecture?

Single channel:

Installing computer memory with a motherboard which uses single channel architecture makes things easier. You can use almost any combination of modules without affecting the RAM modules' overall performance.

Dual-Channel:

In the other hand, if your motherboard uses dual-channel architecture, you will need a pair of RAM modules. If you want a total of 1 GB, you then need 2 RAM modules of 512 MB. It is imperative to install computer memory modules from the same manufacturer with the same clock rating from the same standard.
Otherwise, as I am explaining in the motherboard parts introduction at the memory slots section, odd results may happen.

Step 1

Preparation
Now that we know what the motherboard supports, we are ready to prepare our working area. Find a suitable place to work and then open your computer case by removing the left panel.

Note: If you have to break a seal to open your case, be advice that you will no longer be able to reclaim your insurance in the case something would happen to your computer in the future. Merchants put seals on the case to ensure clients will not attempt the repair themselves and then try to reclaim their insurance.

Clean your hands and be sure they are perfectly dry before touching any piece of hardware. As I like to say in all my installation guides, if you ask why, then take a look at my friend's bad story.

Step 2

Field recognition
Find the RAM memory socket #1 or A. If you are unable to find which one it is by looking at the motherboard, then look in your motherboard book. When you found the slots order, open the side brackets for the memory slots you will use. When the brackets are closed, you cannot install computer memory modules.
It is better to start installing the modules in order, that is why we try to find the order on the motherboard.

Step 3

Installation

Caution: Do not touch the module's contacts; a fingerprint there could render your module useless.

RAM Module Schema

Take the module by its thin side without putting pressure on the chips, then look at the bottom notch to figure out which side your module must be inserted in the memory socket.
Gently sit the module in the memory socket until it stay in place, then with your thumbs, press on the module from its points of pressure as shown on the image until the socket's brackets come close to the side notches. When the brackets are close, hook them in the side notches.
Now repeat the process for all the modules you have to install.

Congratulation, you just installed your memory modules by yourself.

[I hope you appreciated the install computer memory
guide and I invite you to take a look at the other guides.]