DDR memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. 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 memory module installed in connector DIMM_1
or
A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2
or
A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 and another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4
NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.
If you install mixed pairs of PC2700 (DDR 333-MHz) and PC3200 (DDR 400-MHz) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM_1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.
The actual speed of the SDRAM memory channel will depend on the speed of the processor's front side bus.
Installing Memory in the Small Desktop and Small Mini-Tower Computers
NOTE: The small form-factor computer has two memory module connectors: DIMM_1 (channel
A) and DIMM_2 (channel B).
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
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. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new
memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.
Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and Windows XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is slightly 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.
The following components require memory address space:
System ROM
APIC(s)
Integrated PCI devices, such as network connectors
PCI and AGP cards
The AGP aperture size specified in system setup
At start-up, the BIOS identifies the components that require address space. The BIOS dynamically calculates the amount of reserved address space required. The BIOS then subtracts the reserved address space from 4 GB to determine the amount of usable space.
If the total installed computer memory is less than the usable space, all installed computer memory is available for use only by the operating system.
If the total installed computer memory is equal to or greater than the usable address space, a small portion of installed memory is available for use by the operating system.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in "Safety Instructions."
CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
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.
Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and
then press the power button to ground the system board.
Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Open the computer cover.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an
unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work,
periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm
internal components.
Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the
connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module.
Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.
If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
Close the computer cover.
Attach the computer stand (optional).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then
plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
After you open and close the cover, the chassis intrusion detector, if enabled, causes the following message to appear on the screen at the next computer start-up:
NOTE: If a setup password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network
administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.
The computer detects that the new memory does not match the existing
configuration information and generates the following message:
The amount of system memory has changed.
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
Press <F2> to enter system setup and check the value for System Memory.
The computer should have changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory capacity, speed, and mode (single or dual). Verify that the information is correct. If it is correct, skip to step 17.
If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and devices
from their electrical outlets. Open the computer cover and check the installed
memory modules to ensure that they are seated properly in their sockets. Then repeat
steps 10, 11, and 12.
When the System Memory total is correct, press <Esc> to exit system setup.
Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in "Safety Instructions."
CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
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.
Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and
then press the power button to ground the system board.
Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
Open the computer cover.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an
unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work,
periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm
internal components.
Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
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.
