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With 16 GB SO-DIMM RAM modules, it is possible to double the RAM in notebooks, miniature servers, and small form factor PCs, but many processors are not compatible with the tech.
Adding additional RAM memory to computer had been always one of the easiest and efficient upgrades. Over years with baggage of hardware generations and new technologies it can get tricky.
When installing memory it’s not important what to do, but more important to do it right
First, answer this question: How many physical slots do I have per ram channel? This will probably depend on your processor, although sometimes, a further limitation may be placed by your motherboard. Just built a PC and unsure whether or not it makes a difference if I use 2 adjacent slots or 2 alternating slots. MB: Asus m5a97 evo r2 RAM: Corsair vengeance 1600mhz DDR3 8gb (x2) If I use adjacent slots (not colour coded) then will it run slower or will windows read each stick separately.
Choose memory
There are two main factors in memory: type and speed.
By type most of it is one of DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 (unless you are looking at really old computer). Memory of different types is not compatible mechanically or electronically. Motherboards usually have slots for one specific kind of memory, some rare models can support memory of two types (but not at the same time).
Speed of memory is faster for newer types, but also differs in margins of every type. Motherboards might only support slower speed than memory can come with. Memory of different speeds will in general work with any motherboard of required type. Slow memory will work at its speed even if motherboard can go faster. Fast memory will slow down to match motherboard if needed.
So you need memory that matches motherboard in type and (best case) speed. If adding memory it is also good idea that new modules match old ones in parameters and brand.
Manufacturers always provide (in manual and online) information on what memory motherboard supports and larger brands even offer lists of practically tested modules for each motherboard.
Choose slots
I remember times when you just had to stick modules in, but those are gone.
Currently most of motherboards/processor combos support at least two memory channels. I think there are already rare (for now) configurations with three channels.
Different channels correspond to different physical slots on board. The idea is that memory must be balanced between channels and that requires them to be filled in specific order.
Motherboard manual has diagram of slot channels and numbers. For example like this one:
Letter commonly refer to channel, numbers commonly refer to order inside channel. In usual case (when manual doesn’t have other explicit instructions) slots must be filled in following order:
- First slot of first channel (A1 in example)
- First slot of second channel (B1)
- Second slot of first channel (A2)
- Second slot of second channel (B2)
- And so on.
If you need to install multiply modules it is best to add them one by one.
Overall
Installing memory is not hard, but my advice is to have motherboard manual open and ready. Those slots rarely come in any kind of sane order. I had recently upgraded computer for a friend and it took me five attempts to get kit of 3x2GB memory modules working correctly.
Related Posts
If you are installing a RAM (memory) upgrade in your computer, or you are considering it, the following tips and information may help.
Memory buying tips
If you haven't purchased the memory yet, refer to our tips to finding the right RAM for your computer.
- Computer memory buying tips.
Before getting started
If you've purchased the RAM and you're ready to install it, run down this checklist before beginning the installation.
- Ensure you are familiar with ESD and its potential dangers.
- When installing the memory, make sure the computer is off and unplugged.
Locate memory slots and install memory
Follow these steps to safely install RAM modules in your computer's motherboard.
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DIMM (DRAM, SDRAM, and DDR) memory installation steps
NoteWhen handling memory, hold it by the sides at each end of the module. Be careful not to bend, flex, or drop the memory while handling it. When pushing the memory into the computer, do not apply an excessive amount of pressure. Doing so could cause damage to the memory module, and the slots on the motherboard. Finally, when installing the memory, distribute the pressure evenly by pressing on both corners of the memory module.
Once the memory is purchased, locate the memory slots on the computer motherboard. If no memory slots are available on the computer, one or more memory modules must be removed before the memory can be installed.
NoteIf the computer has a small form factor, it may be difficult to access the memory slots. You may have to temporarily remove cables or expansion cards before you can access them easily. When disconnecting anything from the computer, make sure you can remember where each cable and card goes.
Each slot on a motherboard that supports a DIMM is a bank; therefore the computer works if one memory module is purchased.
Examine the memory module before installing it into the computer. At the bottom of the memory module, you should notice one or more notches at the bottom of the card. These notches look like those shown in the picture below.
Make sure that the notches match up with the memory slot you are installing the memory into. These notches allow the memory to be installed only in one direction. If the memory is incompatible, it will not physically match with the slot.
After verifying the notches and direction, the memory needs to be installed, move each memory slot tab out or away from the memory module. These tabs will snap into place as the memory module is installed.
Once these tabs are moved out, gently and firmly push the memory module into the slot. As the memory module is being pushed, the two tabs should snap and hold the memory module into place.
After the memory is installed in the computer, plug the computer back in, and turn it back on. As the computer is booting, the memory should be automatically detected and set up. If you have any difficulties with the memory detected or set up, enter the BIOS setup, and verify the memory is correctly detected by the system.
RIMM memory installation steps
What makes RIMM memory modules different from DIMM memory modules is the C-RIMM memory module. This module allows the computer to have a continuous flow of data. When installing a new RIMM, remove the C-RIMM. This module is a small circuit board and has only a few or no chips on it.
When the C-RIMM module is removed, and the two tabs are in the outward position, push the RIMM memory module to a vertical or 90-degree angle. As the memory module is being pushed, the two tabs should snap and hold the memory module into place.
Notebook (laptop) memory installation steps
Before the memory can be installed into a notebook, the memory slots must be located. If you are unfamiliar with where these slots are located, below is a listing of possible locations:
- On a compartment on the bottom of the laptop.
- Under the keyboard.
- In the computer.
If you cannot locate the slots after looking at each of the above recommendations, we recommend you contact the computer manufacturer for additional help and information.
Once the slots are located, the next step is to install the computer memory. Today, most laptops follow the same memory installation.
Because laptops are thin compared to a desktop computer, the memory banks are horizontal with the laptop. The memory must be inserted at an angle (approximately 75 degrees). Once it's in the slot, press down on the memory to snap it into place. The memory should also lay horizontally with the computer.
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SIMM memory installation steps
30 and 72-pin SIMM memory modules must occupy a bank. Computers that use 72-pin SIMMs have two sockets as one bank. Therefore, two memory modules of equal value must be installed in pairs, unless instructed otherwise by the computer or motherboard manufacturer.
The installation of most SIMM memory is the same. The memory is placed into the slot at a 75-degree angle and while still in the memory slot, moved to a vertical (90-degree) angle. As the memory module is moved to a vertical position, it should snap into place. When installed, ensure that both sides of the memory module are snapped into place. If a memory module is not installed properly, it could cause damage to the computer.
We recommend the larger memory modules be installed in the lowest available banks. For example, if the computer has two 4 MB memory modules and you're installing two 32 MB memory modules, place the 32 MB memory modules either in banks 0 and 1, or 1 and 2.
NoteSome computer manufacturers may require SIMM modules be installed in a certain order. So, if your new computer memory installation does not work, consider switching the location of the memory.
Set memory in BIOS
Once the memory appears is installed into the computer, test it. Put the case back on the computer. Connect the keyboard, monitor, and power to the computer. Turn on the computer.
Tip
We recommend you do not connect the rest of the cables yet. If you experience problems, you may have to disconnect all the cables again.
As the computer is booting, enter the BIOS setup, verify that the memory is detected, and if necessary, adjust the settings to match your memory specifications. When verification and configuration is complete, save the settings, exit BIOS, and reboot the computer.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems when installing the RAM, refer to our Computer memory help and support.
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Additional information
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- See our memory definition for further information and related links.