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Installing the correct memoryJun 07 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Memory is an important part of your computer, without it, you're computer will not even turn on. The first thing to do when upgrading memory is to find out what kind of memory your computer uses. There are several different kinds of memory and more coming out every few months. The most common types are EDO RAM, Fast Page RAM, and PC66 SDRAM. Some of the newer memory types include PC100 & PC133 SDRAM as well as RAMBUS memory. Which type of memory you need depends on the processor and motherboard in your computer. If you have a Pentium III 933MHz, you can use either RAMBUS or PC133 depending on the motherboard. If you have an AMD 500MHz you can use PC100 or PC66 SDRAM. You really need to check the specifications the motherboard manual or computer users manual to find out which kind to get. Installing the memory modules is fairly easy to do but there are some precautions to take before attempting this. First go buy some static free plastic grounding wrist straps. These will keep any static discharge from your hands or body from damaging the computers motherboard. Never open your computer case unless you have done the following... 1) Remove any disks from their drives. 2) Turn off the computer. 3) Unplug the computer from the wall outlet. 4) Put on static protective wrist straps. It is also a good idea to place your new memory on a static protective mat after opening it's package and while opening the case. If you're installing EDO or Fast Page memory, you will be installing a SIMM (Single in-line memory module) that has 72 pins. This SIMM will only fit in one direction, do not force it to go in. Find the memory slots on your motherboard, they should be at least 4 slots (sometimes 6 or 8) side by side like garden rows. Line up the holes in the ends of the SIMM with the catches on each end of the memory slot on the board. Slide the SIMM in at a 45 degree angle till it is seated in the slot. Then tilt the SIMM straight up until you hear or feel a "click". DO NOT FORCE IT INTO PLACE. If it won't go in, flip the SIMM end to end and try again, you probably have it backwards. Note: EDO memory must be installed in pairs. Fast page must be installed in pairs in Pentium class computers. By "in pairs" I mean 2 of the exact same type of SIMM must be installed. For example, if you want to upgrade by adding 32MB of memory you must put in 2 16MB SIMMS. Once the SIMM is in place, put the case back on but do not screw it tight until you turn on the computer and make sure the job was done properly. If you turn on your computer and nothing happens, check this list to make sure you installed it correctly... 1) Did you plug the computer back into the wall? 2) Is the SIMM firmly seated in the slot? 3) Are you installing the correct type of memory for your computer? 4) Is there any dust or other object in between the SIMM and the slot? 5) Did you accidentally unplug any other items on the motherboard during the installation? If you are installing PC66, PC100, PC133 or RAMBUS memory, you do not have to install in pairs. These types of memory are 168 pin DIMMs (Dual in-line memory module). These DIMMs are installed by inserting them straight into the slot until they "click" into place. They only fit in one direction so do not force them into place. Some proprietary computers like Compaq and Packard Bell require specific types of pins, either gold or silver. If you aren't sure of yourself, the best thing to do is fork out the $30 to have it done as to make sure no mistakes are made. Computers are too expensive now-a-days to cause yourself this kind of aggravation and repair cost from installing improperly or the wrong type of memory. You can't really damage your computer by using the wrong memory but you can burn out the memory and they won't let you return burnt memory. I hope this helps you in your memory upgrade. Good luck.  |
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