How to Install RAM in Your HP Desktop PC

You can dramatically improve the speed and performance of your HP desktop PC by upgrading or increasing the amount of RAM installed in your computer. Installing RAM is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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

Install Memory in Your HP Desktop

1. Disconnect the power cable before removing cables and connectors.
2. Open the case following the instructions in the product manual. Use an ESD wrist strap or other method to prevent static electricity from damaging your system board while working inside the computer.
3. Locate the RAM banks inside the computer. The PC architecture varies from model to model, but they should be easy to identify. If not, consult your computer manual (see Resources section to find manuals).
4. Gently press apart the plastic securing clips on an open memory slot until they click.
5. Line up the notched edge of your new RAM stick with the tab on the bottom of an empty RAM connector.
6. Press RAM module straight down into slot using firm, steady pressure on both ends of the module until side securing clips snap into place.
7. Reassemble the computer and close the case.
8. Reattach power cord and power up the computer. The system should recognize the change to memory configuration.
9. If you're running an older model, when the system powers back on, a message will appear stating that the system has detected a change in system memory and asking if you want to use the new configuration. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the new configuration.

Tips & Warnings

• Find your current RAM configuration with a third party utility like Everest Home Edition.
• The instructions above are generic instructions that will work with most HP desktop systems, however system architecture varies widely. See the product’s Reference Guide (available on the HP Web site) for specific instructions to open cases and access the RAM modules for your specific model.
• 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.

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