[adeel420] INSTALLING RAM

From: "Sajid Iqbal" <sajid_cyberspace@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <"Undisclosed-Recipient:;"@smtp-2.hotpop.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Dec 2002 00:44:30 +0500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTALLING RAM
There are some things you need to watch out for when purchasing RAM:
Buy memory that fits into the sockets on your motherboard. You'll know what
kind it is because of the length of the socket.
Get memory that is the right speed for your computer so that it can use the
memory without tripping. Look on the SIMM. Somewhere, it should say how fast
the RAM is. Look for a number after a dash, like "-100" or "-70"; this is
the speed in nanoseconds. Consult your motherboard's manual to see what
kinds of memory it can handle. In general, you don't want to get memory that
is any slower than the memory currently on your computer.
Make sure you don't exceed the amount of memory your motherboard can handle.
Different boards have different limits. Again, consult your board's manual
for this information.

INSTALLATION
This is how to put RAM in. Keep in mind that some computers have oddball
chip sizes. If the instructions are Greek to you, head to the shop.
Turn off the computer, unplug it, and take off the case.
Get your memory. Make sure all guidelines are met.
Install the RAM.
Your computer organizes its SIMM sockets into groups called
banks. Some boards say that two sockets make a bank. Some say that one is a
bank. Nevertheless, a bank must be full. A half-full bank will drive your
computer bonkers. Also, you can't mix two different kinds of memory in a
single bank. For example, you can't put a 4MB SIMM and a 8MB SIMM in one
bank and expect to get 12 MB of RAM. Also, many systems require you to put
the memory in in pairs. Therefore, if you want 32 megs of RAM, you have to
use two 16's in instead of one 32.
Here's a shortcut that is almost always true. An older computer with a 386
or an early 486 chip usually has a 4 socket bank of 30-pin SIMM modules. A
later model 486 requires only one socket of 72-pin modules. Pentium machines
have two socket banks of 72 pin modules, meaning you must install RAM in
pairs. In all of these systems, the bank must be full for your system to
operate.
Many newer motherboards have the 168-pin slots for SDRAM. Each SDRAM slot is
a bank, so one SDRAM chip will work fine. Other motherboards have both SIMM
and DIMM slots. Usually, each DIMM slot is a bank, just like normal. The
SIMM slots right next to them are usually paired in a bank, just like the
normal Pentium bank setup.
Now that that is out of the way, install the RAM. First, ground yourself.
Then pick up the SIMM and look for the notched end. That notch will only go
in in one way, so if it goes in, it's right. Push the SIMM down into the
socket. Tilt the SIMM slowly until the spring snaps into place and holds it
in.

With DIMM chips, the setup is slightly different. There are little levers
that hold the DIMM in place. When installing, you open the levers. They flip
to the side. You then push the DIMM in place. The notch is off-center, so it
will only allow the chip in the right way. Once it is in all the way, close
the levers.

Consult the manual for any jumpers or DIP switches you might need. Flip the
ones you need to flip.

Put the case on and turn your computer on. Your computer should greet you
with an error message. Believe me, this is fine. Your computer has found the
memory and wants you to confirm that you did indeed put more in. This
happens in CMOS; every setup program is a little different. If your machine
doesn't seem to be working at all, go over the checklist and make sure you
put the right kind of memory in.

MEMORY PROBLEMS
There are a lot of problems out there to be had with memory. That's why it
isn't too fun. Most of the time, these errors can be traced simply to faulty
SIMMs. Nevertheless, let's look at some common memory errors, just so you
know and you can impress your friends.

Two very common memory errors are
NMI error at [address]
or
Memory parity interrupt at [address]

If you have Phoenix BIOS, it goes on:
Type (S)hut off NMI, (R)Reboot, (I)gnore
An NMI is a nonmaskable interrupt. This means that your computer isn't
allowed to mask this one while finishing another task. When an NMI occurs,
you'll know. The whole computer will lock up and will stay dead until you
fix the problem.
Most PCs reserve a chunk of memory so that it can test the rest of the
memory. Almost all modern computers use non-parity memory. These computers
will not generate an NMI if it finds only on!e bit or so bad during the
test. With these non-parity computers, then, you may get a few random errors
in your work due to these bad bits that the memory test hides.
So, what causes this parity error? Most likely you have a bad RAM chip.
Either that or the voltage to the memory dropped and your computer forgot
everything.
To find error sources, though, usually requires a software memory test;
there are several out there. Hopefully these programs can point out the bad
chip so you can replace it. If you're lucky, the SIMM just slipped out of
the socket somehow. All you have to do is snap the case off and reseat the
chip.
If a testing program doesn't find anything, you'll need to have your memory
tested at a repair shop.
If you suspect a voltage drop to the memory, as stated above, check to make
sure you have sufficient power from the outlet on your wall. Most computers
expect around 110 volts from the wall. You can test the outlet with a
voltometer and see if yo!u are indeed getting that much. Another possibility
is a temporary brown out. This is when the power in your entire house
reduces temporarily. This could be because of overloads at the power company
in your area, or possibly a major electrical appliance in your house, such
as an A/C, powering up.
Besides these, there could be a myriad of problems. You may need to replace
your power supply. The most drastic measure: replace the motherboard or all
of the SIMMs.
[adeel420] INSTALLING RAM

Other related posts:
