How to Install RAM in Your Dell Desktop PC

Installing new RAM in your Dell desktop PC is one of the quickest ways to speed up its performance. It may also be necessary if you intend to run Windows Vista on it. If your Dell desktop PC needs a RAM upgrade before you can install Windows Vista, or you just want to speed it up, you can save yourself a chunk of money by doing it yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• One or two sticks of compatible RAM
• Dell Desktop
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• ESD wrist strap for electro static discharge protection

Install RAM in Your Dell Desktop

1. Unplug the power cord from the back of your computer, unless you're using the metal case as a grounding source (see Tips below for more on being grounded).

2. Open the case as shown in your computer manual. In most cases, you don't even need the manual to show you how to do this. It's simply a matter of unscrewing one or two screws on the back or bottom of the computer and removing the computer cover.

3. Locate an empty RAM slot.

4. Press out the securing clips on either end of the RAM slot.

5. Line up the notched edge of the RAM module with the tab on the bottom of the RAM slot. The RAM only fits if you line it up correctly so you don't have to worry about installing it backwards.

6. Press the module straight down into the slot, applying firm but gentle pressure on both ends of the RAM module until it clicks into place. The securing clips will snap into place.

7. Replace the cover to your computer and reattach power cords and cables.

8. Power up the computer. The system should automatically recognize the new memory.

No Empty RAM Slot?

1. If all of your memory banks are full, you may need to replace RAM rather than just install more. In that case, see the tips and warnings below about using paired RAM.

2. Ground yourself before touching the memory modules.

3. Gently press apart the securing clips that hold the RAM modules in place. The module will pop up slightly.

4. Lift the RAM module straight up out of the memory slot.

5. Proceed as above to install new RAM.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have an ESD wrist strap, you can ground yourself by touching a metal part of the computer to discharge any static before touching anything inside the computer. Leave the power cord plugged in, but the power turned off and keep one hand on a metal part of the computer at all times while working.

• Always take measures to ground yourself when working inside your computer to avoid damaging the chips and electronics.

• Use only the memory types supported by your computer. For a list of those, see the manufacturer specifications in your computer manual.

• Install paired memory in the order shown on the system board.

• Always install a single memory module in the DIMM connector 1 before installing memory modules in any other connectors.

• Do not mix old and new memory modules if possible.