Memory must be upgraded in matched pairs, so that two connectors in a pair contain modules of identical capacity with the same number of components and the same speed. See the label in the upper-right corner of the module to determine the module's capacity.
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 you install
mixed pairs of ECC and non-ECC, the modules function as non-ECC.
NOTE: Memory
purchased from Dell is
covered under your
computer warranty.
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, SCSI controllers, and IEEE 1394 controllers
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 safety instructions in your System Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
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.
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.
Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the
connector.
Insert the module into the connector, ensuring that it fits into the
guides at each end of the connector. Carefully press each end of the
module into place.
The memory module socket has alignment keys that allow the memory module to be installed in the socket only one way.
Pull up on the securing clips to lock the modules into place.
If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.
When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the securing clips on the memory module socket should align with the securing clips on the other sockets with memory modules installed.
The computer should have changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to step 15.
If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your
computer and devices from electrical outlets.
Open the computer cover and check the installed memory modules to
ensure that they are seated properly in their sockets, and repeat step 9
through step 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 safety instructions in your System Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
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.
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.
