How to Install Additional Memory in a Dell Dimension 3000 Desktop

Adding additional memory to your Dell computer speeds up the system.

System memory, often called RAM (random access memory), is temporary memory used to run processes while the computer is on. You can often speed up your computer by adding more RAM to the system, allowing the computer to run more processes at once. The Dell Dimension 3000 is a desktop computer manufactured with 128, 256 or 512MB of memory, depending on the system specifications. The system can support up to 2GB (2048MB) of RAM. Adding additional memory to your Dell Dimension 3000 desktop is a straightforward process.

Things You'll Need

• PC2700 or PC3200 memory modules

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer if it's currently running. Unplug the power cable from the back of the system. Unplug all connected peripherals and cables from the system, including the mouse, keyboard, printer and monitor.

2. Lift up the Dimension 3000 tower and place it on its right side on a cleared-off work space.

3. Pull the black latch along the back-left edge of the computer tower downward and hold it. Slide the left side panel toward the rear of the tower and lift upward to remove it.

4. Locate the two memory slots on the motherboard, to the right of the large square metal heatsink on the motherboard. Press outward on the two white securing clips on the free memory slot to open them. If no memory slots are free, press outward on the securing clips and lift directly up on one of the old memory modules to remove it. Remove both memory modules if you plan on replacing both with larger memory modules. You can install a 1GB stick of RAM in each slot.

5. Insert the new memory module into the empty memory slot, lining up the notch along the side of the memory module with the crossbar in the slot and lining up the two ends of the memory module with the vertical guides on each side. Note that the memory module only fits in one way; do not try to force it.

6. Press downward on the memory module to lock it in place. The security clips automatically secure the module in place.

7. Place the cover back over the left side of the tower, lining up the notches on the cover with the slots on the tower. Slide it forward to lock it in place.

8. Reconnect all peripherals and start your computer.

References

• Dell: Removing and Installing Parts
• Keep Your Computer Clean; Quick and Dirty; April 2011