Install memory guide

Where you install it matters. On the motherboard in the image below, the paired slots are different colors—black for one pair, and gray for the other pair. Note : Some motherboards use different indicators for slot pairs. To install the new RAM align the electrical contacts with the memory slot, making sure the notch in the connector is positioned correctly—they can only fit in in one orientation. Then press the memory module into place gently until you hear the plastic tabs on either end of the slot click into place, securing the module.

If you unplugged any of the power or data cords on your machine to get better access to the RAM slots, plug them back in now. Replace the access panel and screw it back down on the rear of the machine.

Take your machine back to its usual spot and plug everything back in. Ultralight laptops almost never have user-accessible memory. Most laptops that allow user-accessible memory upgrades to do so either through a small access panel on the bottom of the case, or by performing some level of disassembly sometimes by removing the entire bottom, sometimes by removing the keyboard, sometimes a combination. My ThinkPad Ts is pretty middle-of-the-road here: it requires me to remove the battery, take out eight different screws, and pop off the metal bottom to access the RAM.

Other designs only require you to remove a single screw, then take off a sectional cover. I only have access to one DIMM slot, the other is soldered to the motherboard. In this position, simply grip the card gently and pull it out of the slot. Be careful not to touch the electrical contacts, and set the module aside. To insert the new module, go in at the same angle. The module should sit in the slot evenly, with no electrical contacts still visible.

The pressure should make the clips clamp down on the module automatically, locking it into place. Then, you put everything back together. To solve this, simply go back and double-check that all the modules are fully inserted into their slots. Use Google Fonts in Word. Customize the Taskbar in Windows What Is svchost. Best Home Theater Systems. Best Smartwatches. Best Gaming Laptops. Best Smart Displays. Best Home Security Systems. Best External Solid State Drives.

Best Portable Chargers. Best Phone Chargers. Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders. Best Oculus Quest 2 Accessories. Awesome PC Accessories. Best Linux Laptops. Best Wireless iPhone Earbuds. Best Bluetooth Trackers. Best eReaders. Best VPN. Both retaining clips will snap into place once the RAM memory has been fully inserted:.

While installing RAM memory requires you to apply moderate pressure, avoid excessive force or you may end damaging it. If both retaining clips don't snap in, check if the RAM memory has been inserted in the correct direction. Like and Share. Contact Us. Privacy Policy. You can then pull the module completely out. Holding the modules along the edges, align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot, then apply even pressure and firmly press the module in.

It usually takes about 30 pounds of pressure to fully install the module. Note Some desktops require you to install modules in matched pairs memory banks. If this is the case, the slots will likely be labelled for how the memory should be installed. Trusted for over 24 years by millions of customers to offer compatible memory and storage upgrades. Find out how to build a gaming PC with Crucial. From the parts you need, to building a gaming PC on a budget, check it out now on our website.

Shop now at Crucial. Find a product Part no. Your search did not match any active Crucial part numbers or configuration IDs. Find articles and site content Enter keywords. Back to memory articles. Precautions Before Installation!

Step 1 - Gathering Supplies. Memory installation supplies. Step 3 - Unplug the Power Cable. This includes any cables and accessories plugged into the computer.

This discharges any residual electricity still in the system. Step 5 - Open the Case.