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
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 a module in the other connector.
The actual speed of the SDRAM memory channel will depend on the speed of the processor's front side bus.
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.
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.
1
cutouts (2)
2
connector
3
memory module
4
notch
5
securing clips (2)
6
memory connectors on system board
Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the 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: 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.