Short guide: Installing correctly DIMM and SO-DIMM

Installing a memory module or replacing an old component in a computer isn’t rocket science. Find here step-by-step instructions – highly recommended by our customers.

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| Tom Bauer | 32 Replies
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CompuRAM ESD PackingInstalling a new memory module or replacing an old component isn’t rocket science. As long as you understand the theory behind installing new RAM, actually doing it becomes a simple exercise in system maintenance.

Preparing your workspace

Memory modules are highly sensitive technical components. Prepare yourself and your workspace accordingly:

  • Ensure that your workspace is clean, dust free and uncluttered. Remove anything that isn’t required for the procedure, especially magnets or any other object that can carry an electrostatic charge.
  • We recommend ESD compatible tools when working with hardware.

CompuRAM modules in secure ESD box

Electrostatic discharges during RAM installation can be best avoided by wearing ESD gloves or an ESD wristband. These will ensure that any electrostatic build-up is harmlessly discharged from your body to earth. In organisations where working with highly sensitive items is the order of the day, special floor coverings and protective clothing are required. At home though, the use of ESD tools and anti-static gloves or wristband is perfectly adequate.

Installing the memory module

Open the housing of your PC and locate the RAM slots – consult your motherboard manual if you’re unsure!

CompuRAM Memory

Once you’ve made sure that no electrostatic discharge can affect the module, you may remove it from the packaging. If you’ve purchased more than one module, remove and install them one at a time. Always hold the modules by the sides; never touch the components on the modules or the golden contact plates.

Furthermore, you should never stack the memory modules. This can damage them and render them unusable.

The installation of memory modules into laptops is different to the installation into desktops, workstations and servers. Please consult an appropriate guide if you’re planning to install memory!

Installing SO-DIMM-Modules into mobile devices/laptops, NAS

Hold the SO-DIMM-module by the sides and slide it into the correct slot at the appropriate angle, golden contacts first. Insert the module carefully until you can no longer see the golden contacts and the module is snug in its slot. Ensure that the notches on the sides line up with the rest of the locking mechanism and then gently push the module flat until the clips lock it into place.

If the module will not seat correctly without the use of force, remove it and start again.

Installing DIMMs into desktop PCs, workstations and servers

Open both of the holding clips, at either end of the RAM slot, by pushing them outwards until they are fully extended away from the RAM module.

Installing RAM modules from CompuRAM

Hold the sides of the new memory module in both hands, gently place it into the slot. Ensure that the notches on the sides and bottom (where the contacts are) line up with the slot layout. Now gently press down until the module slides into the slot. When it is properly seated, the holding clips will automatically close and lock the RAM in place.

Finally, close up your computer and ensure the housing is properly secured.

Installation of memory modules from CompuRAM

A short review of the most salient points

  • Only perform hardware installation in a clean, dust-free environment, shielded from electrostatic discharge. Never place memory modules on the floor or use the floor as your workspace.

Do not place memory modules on the floor

  • Wear an ESD wristband or gloves to avoid passing any electrostatic build-up to the module.

ESD wristband

  • Don’t stack modules. Remove them from their packaging and install them individually!

Do not stack memory modules

  • Do not expose modules to electrical charges, do not bend or twist them.

Do not bend memory modules

  • Handle each module by its sides; do not touch the components or the contacts.
    Never stack or handle multiple modules.

Do not touch memory module pins

  • Always store modules in their protective packaging.

Handle memory modules properly

More information on these subjects can be found here:

The correct handling and installation of DIMMs and SO-DIMMs (PDF) Micron

The Do’s and Don’ts of installing memory modules (PDF) Samsung

Wikipedia-Article on electrostatic discharges



32 thoughts on “Short guide: Installing correctly DIMM and SO-DIMM

  1. Raeyaan

    Are the 2*16 GB suggested to me for my G5 5500 the original rams that dell sells on it website or do they only have same specifications ?

    Reply
  2. Gabby

    Hello, I have an Asus x507ua – br385t. Is it upgradable to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Samer Rasheed

    hi! i am wondering what the max ram i can have to v3-571-53216g75makkmfg? can i upgrade something more than ram and hard disk on that laptop?
    thanks for helping

    Reply
  4. Hervé Chouteau

    good day, i have tried to install 2 X 32Go on my Z4G4 XEON W 2125 CPU today…. not working… red light and bipper on….. all is compatible regaring the specificity f the RAM board and the computer…………… what i should do ? Thanks.

    Reply
  5. kYANSH

    wHAT IS THE MAXIMUM ram CAPACITY FOR acer VERITON M200 Q-77 WITH BASEBOARD VERITON M6620G??. ALSO PLS SUGGEST IF RAM CAN BE CHANGED TO DDR4 FROM DDR3.

    Reply
  6. Harish Ramayanam

    P-Serie P2420LA it’s 4 GB Ram, what’s best RAM upgrade available for it?

    Reply
  7. James

    Have DELL INSPIRON 1525 and wish to upgrade.
    Is it possible to go to 64B at8GB?

    Currently I use W10 64B on my other Laptop and would like to keep common standard.

    Can you help please.

    Thanks.

    James

    Reply
  8. David

    Hi,
    I have an HP Probook x360 435 G8 Ryzen5850u processor, with 32GB (2x16GB) RAM, therefore, it is possible to upgrade to 64GB RAM? because accordingly with the AMD portal this processor supports up to 32GB RAM but accodingly with both the RAMminator Crucial softwares, it is possible to upgrade to 64GB ram (2X32).

    Thankyou very much for your help

    Reply
  9. GILBERT LAX

    I HAVE ASPIRE ES ES1-432-C651 WITH 2GB INTERNAL MEMORY….CAN I UPGRADE THE RAM TO 8GB DDR3L 1600MHZ?
    THNX…

    Reply
  10. Emmanuel Zingapeta

    greetings
    I need recommendations for the ram i can buy for HP Pro 3500 Core i5 3450 3.1 GHz up to its max memory.

    Reply
  11. nadim hossain

    what is the max ram capacity of one slot of toshiba satellite c850 c909 laptop

    Reply
  12. MUHAMMAD TOUSEEF

    hello
    i have Dell laptop model inpiron 15 R-5537
    intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4200U CPU @ 1.60GHz 2.30 GHz
    4.00 GB (3.89 GB usable)
    1 of 2 slots

    i need to ORDER and upgrade with 8 gb Ram for my other laptop slot
    kindly tell me the model of Ram and price for 8gb Ram of RELATED WITH this system specification and model

    thanks&regards
    Muhammad

    Reply
  13. N D

    Hi, can i put 2 different RAM, one 4gb in first slot and one 8gb in the other slot (12GB), instead of 2×4 or 2×8 gb. I mean Toshiba LB 50 B-1KG , laptop.
    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  14. Lalo Mato

    Why sometimes when you plug the DIMM for the first time (brand new) they won’t work or throw an error when tested and simply disconnecting it and plugging back on works just fine?

    Reply

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