Installing Memory

Now that you have your CPU, heatsink and cooling fan installed correctly to your motherboard, it's time to install the memory. This should be the easiest step of the whole process, but as usual, care is required. Don't handle the memory without first discharging static electricity from your body by touching a grounded metal object.

You should already have ensured that you have the correct type of memory for your motherboard. The two basic types of desktop computer memory are DIMMs and SIMMs.

DIMMs

DIMMs are easier to install than SIMMs and come in two varieties: SDRAM and DDR-DRAM. The former, SDRAM, has 168 pins to fit into a 168-pin slot whereas DDR-DRAM has 184 pins. The DIMM slots on your motherboard are numbered starting at DIMM 0, DIMM 1 etc. and you should use up the lower-numbered slots first. Open the two clips at the ends of the memory slot by pressing down on them. The memory will only fit in one of the two possible orientations, and should slide easily down into the slot; if it doesn't, turn it around the other way. When it slides down, press firmly on the top of the memory and the clips should automatically clip into place; if they don't you may need to clip them on yourself. Repeat this process for each of your memory modules. That's all there is to it. Easy, wasn't it?

SIMMs

Installing SIMMs is a bit more complicated than installing DIMMs. The memory slots are organized into banks, and a bank must be full in order for the RAM to function correctly. Determine how many sockets comprise a bank by examining the sockets visually or consulting your motherboard's manual. To install the RAM, make sure the retainer springs are loosened, then determine the correct orientation by ligning up the notches on the memory module with the notches on the memory slot. The SIMM must first be inserted at a 45-degree angle and then rotated down until the memory snaps into place. The retainer springs should automatically close, securing the memory to the motherboard. Repeat the process for each memory module, ensuring that each memory bank is either full or empty; if you have a partially-full memory bank, your computer won't like it.

Now that you have your memory installed, you are ready to install the motherboard to your computer case.