How to Install a 512K 1-GB Desktop Memory

Insert your memory stick into the motherboard using the long, gold-colored tabs.

Computer memory, also called Random Access Memory (RAM), allows a computer to quickly access a storage area of data. A 1 gigabyte (GB) memory stick has approximately 1,073,741,824 bytes of data storage. A memory stick that has 1,000,512,000 would still be classified as 1 GB and installed the same way: the memory is attached to the motherboard, which is located in the desktop tower or case. Despite the myriad setup variations for desktop computers, the process to install about a gigabyte worth of memory is very similar for most of them.

Things You'll Need

• Miniature Phillips head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off your desktop computer and unplug the tower or case from the wall. Put it into a position that is easy to work with, such as on top of a desk.

2. Turn the tower on its side so that the large side panel is facing upward. Remove the screws holding the side panel in place. Most towers have two screws holding the side panel to the tower. Use your fingers to lift the panel off the tower and place it aside.

3. Note the large circuit board facing you in the tower. This is the motherboard. Look for the long black slots that the memory stick goes in. Insert your 512K 1 GB memory stick into an empty black slot by placing the gold-colored tabs downward and lining the different tab sections to the sections of the slot. Press the memory stick firmly into the slot and then pull the two white levers on either end of the black slot over the side of the memory stick, securing it in position.

References

• "Is This Thing On?: A Late Bloomer's Computer Handbook"; Stokes, Abby; 2008
• Shelbyville Central Schools: How Big is a Gigabyte?