Installing Memory
By Stephen Bucaro
The most important part of installing memory is to make sure you are using the correct
type of memory for your motherboard. Its important to study the manual that came with
your motherboard to determine exactly what type and speed of memory is required.
It is also important to avoid creating an Electro-static discharge (ESD) while handling
the memory module. ESD is a spark of static electricity that can damage the memory
module. The proper way to handle static sensitive eletronic components is to use
a grounded wrist strap. If you don't have a wrist strap, you can discharge any
static electricity from your body to ground by placing one hand on an unpained part
of the metal chasis while you work.
If your motherboard is an older design, it may use Synchronous Dynmaic Random
Access Memory (SDRAM) in a 168-pin Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM). SDRAM comes in
two speeds, 100 MHz (PC100) and 133 MHz (PC133). It comes in 3.3 volt and 5.0 volt
versions, with Error Checking and Correction (ECC) or non-ECC.
New motherboards usually use Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) packaged in a 168-pin
DIMM. DDR SDRAM comes in two speeds, 266 MHz (PC2100) and 333 MHz (PC2700). If your
motherboard has more than one slot, and you have only one memory module, you might be
required to install a single DIMM in slot 1.
To install a DIMM, note how the module is keyed. It can be plugged in only one way.
Push open the ejector tabs on both ends of the memory socket. Firmly press the module
into the socket until the ejector tabs snap into locked position.
Some Intel motherboards may use RAMBUS packaged in a 184-pin RIMM. RAMBUS comes in
speeds from 300 MNhz (PC300) to 1.066 MHz (PC10660). It may be ECC or non-ECC.
There are two connectors on the motherboard, each must contain either a RIMM or a
C-RIMM. A C-RIMM (continuity RIMM) does not contain memory, it is a module that
provides a path pass-through for the signal.
More Maintain and Upgrade Your PC Articles:
• Installing an Internal Hard Drive
• How to Set Up a Wireless Printer Connection
• Free TweakUI User Interface Configuration Utility
• FREE Software - My Control Panel
• Partitioning Your Hard Disk
• Graphic Cards - How to Choose the Best
• Upgrading Your Memory to Improve Performance
• Free Registry Cleaner to Speed Up Windows
• Webcam Basics
• Laptop Batteries 101 - A Buyer's Guide
| 
About BTH
User Agreement
Privacy
Site Map
Contact
News Feeds
RSS Feed
Follow @Stephen Bucaro
Windows Troubleshooting
