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Memory

Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual

  DDR Memory Overview

  Installing Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see "Memory" in "Technical Specifications."

DDR Memory Overview

DDR memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size. This means that if you purchased your computer with 256 MB of memory installed and you want to add another 256 MB of memory, you must install it in the appropriate connector. If the DDR memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance.

NOTE: Always install DDR memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

• A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2
  

or

• A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2 and another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4
  
  

Additional memory recommendations include:

• Do not install ECC memory modules.
  
  
• If you install mixed pairs PC2700 (DDR 333-MHz) and PC3200 (DDR 400-MHz) of memory modules, they function at the slowest speed of the modules you install.
  
  
• Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM 1 or the connector closest to the processor before you install modules in the other connectors.
  
  

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2 or connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not function at optimal performance.

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

Addressing Memory with 4-GB Configurations

Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory. 

Installing Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

1. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
   
   
2. Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

3. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
   
   
4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

5. Open the computer cover.
   
   
6. Lay the computer on its side so that the system board is on the bottom of the inside of the computer.
   
   
7. If necessary, remove a memory module:
   
   
   1. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
      
      
   2. Grasp the module and pull up.
      
      

If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.

8. To insert a module, press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
   
   

9. Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.
   
   

NOTICE: To avoid breaking the memory module, do not press near the middle of the module.

10. Insert the module straight down into the connector, ensuring that it fits into the vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly on the ends of the module until it snaps into place.
    
    

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

11. Close the computer cover.
    
    

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

12. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
    
    
13. Click the Start button, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
    
    
14. Click the General tab.
    
    
15. To verify that the memory is installed correctly, check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.
    
    

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