2006

BOOT CAMP ARCHIVE 2006

BOOT CAMP 411 (14/02/06)

Upgrading your PCs memory, part 3

In the final part of this short series on upgrading your PC’s memory we turn or attention to removing and installing memory modules. It is not a difficult or dangerous job (for you or your PC) but if you have any qualms about opening up your PC then please leave it to the professionals.

You may have heard horror stories about how a static electric charge can destroying electronic devices; well, it’s true, sort of… I have to say that in more than 35 years of handing static-sensitive devices, and in spite of my best efforts, I cannot recall destroying a single chip. The point is modern chips are very well protected against static discharge but that’s not to say you won’t be unlucky.

Immediately before you handle any PC components just touch a metal radiator and the metal case of your PC to dissipate any static charge that may have built up on your clothing or body. Only touch the modules when necessary and leave them in their protective anti-static bags or wrapping until needed. If you are ultra-cautious you should buy an anti-static wristband, they’re available from PC suppliers and component specialists like Maplin for a few pounds.

Now for the great plug or unplug debate. To effectively dissipate a static charge the PC needs to be plugged in to the mains, to ensure the metal chassis is earthed. Obviously the socket should be switched off, though these days there is very little chance of you coming into contact with any exposed mains-carrying connectors as they are all safely tucked away inside the metal boxed power supply module. The counter argument is that you cannot be sure that your mains sockets are wired correctly, so even if the socket is switched off there is still a small chance that a live mains connection could still be present inside the PC.

My advice is to play safe, unplug the PC from the mains and rely on the fact that static is not a major problem and if you touch a metal radiator before you begin the chances of static damage are practically nil.

So now it is time to do the deed. We’ll begin with removing a memory module, for those who need free up space. If you need to extract a module to determine the speed then have a look at this week’s Top Tip first.

It’s very straightforward. Locate the bank of memory sockets on your motherboard. If you have trouble getting to the modules gently move any cables out of the way. Don’t be afraid to unplug any ribbon cable just make sure you remember where they came from (all PC plugs are ‘keyed so they cannot be inserted the wrong way around), and remember to put it back when you have finished.

At the end of each socket there is a small plastic clip, usually white in colour. To remove a module just press down and slightly outwards on the top of one clip and the end of the module will rise up out of its socket. You may need to press quite firmly but it shouldn’t require any real force, if it does you are doing something wrong or pressing the wrong thing.

Press to open the clips at the other end of the socket, the module will be released and you can remove it. It’s best to grip it by the chips and avoid touching the exposed row of contacts along the bottom of the module.

Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure but before you begin make a mental note of the position of the notch (or notches) in the contact strip. This has to align with a raised ‘key’ in the middle of the socket, to make sure it goes in the right way around.

Position the module gently so that it sits in the grooves at either end of the socket, if it won’t seat check the orientation and the end clips are in the ‘open’ position. Press down firmly on one end of the module, the clip should rise into the ‘latch’ position and there should be a small click to confirm that it is secure. Do the same at the other end and just give the module a little wiggle, to make sure it is locked in place. Repeat as necessary for any additional modules.

Before you close the lid check that you haven’t disturbed any cables and replace any that you may have removed for access. Boot up the PC, when Windows has finished loading press Winkey + Break to display System Properties and check the new memory has been correctly installed. All being well your PC should now be a good bit livelier than it was the last time you switched it on.

NEXT WEEK - Dual monitor display

JARGON FILTER

MOTHERBOARD

Large printed circuit board inside a PC, with sockets for the processor chip, memory modules, expansion cards, disc drives etc.

RIBBON CABLE

Flat cables, used to carry data between the motherboard and the PC’s hard, floppy and optical disc drives

TOP TIP

Thanks to computer tech James Housley for recommending CPU-Z. It’s an unusually versatile freeware tool that tells you everything you need to know about you PC’s motherboard, CPU and memory. The latter is rather unusual; it identifies memory module type and speed and in most cases it will also tell you the name of the manufacturer and the date it was made. It doesn’t work for all RAM modules but it is definitely worth trying, before you go to the bother of removing a module to check the speed. You will find a complete list of the freeware and shareware programs mentioned in Boot Camp in the Software section at: www.rickmaybury.com