Cpu And Memory Installation

When installing the memory into the proper DIMM(dual inline memory module) slots you must make sure you have the right replacement specifications for your motherboard.You want to also remember the reason for installing memory is for more RAM(random access memory).Each motherboard requires a certain amount of memory and it wouldn’t be beneficial to add more than what is needed.However,the more memory you have installed, the faster the system.DIMMs can have chips on one side or on both sides and most address memory 64 bits a time. When you go to buy a DIMM, an ID that identifies the date the chip was manufactured will be stamped on it.Look for dates that are relatively close together and less than a year old. Try buying memory from a reliable source.

“When setting up dual channeling, know that the pair of DIMMs in a channel must be equally matched in size, speed, and features, and it is recommended they come from the same manufacturer” (Andrews). If you happen to install memories with different speeds, the motherboard will run at the lesser of the two. “For a triple-channel installation, three DIMM slots must be populated with three matching DDR3 DIMMs” (Andrews).Most motherboards now are setup to allow dual channeling. Make sure to look at the motherboard documentation before installing. Most of the time the memory slots will be color coded for dual channeling. Dual channeling readies the DIMMs to receive 128 bits of information sequentially instead of filling the memories up one at a time.

Always use a ground bracelet, turn off the power, unplug cords, and remove the cover on the case before installing the modules. Don’t touch the metal contacts on the memory and do not stack them because you can loosen a chip. They usually have spring catches on the outside where they are utilized to pop open and lock the memory into place. Look for the notches of the memory on one side or in the middle to fit into the slot in the motherboard. Go straight down into the slot and the supporting side clips should pop into place. When the computer powers on it will count whatever memory is there. If it does not recognize the memory, shut it down and check to see if it is in the slots right.

When installing a new cpu (central processing unit) make sure that the one selected is because the previous one was bad, you wanted to increase speed and frequency, or it is compatible with your motherboard, or you can afford the upgrade.

You want to make sure the Front Side Bus speed of the processor runs as high as the motherboard can support it without overclocking. Check the L1 cache and L2 and L3 combined cache for how much temporary memory the processor and die can hold. Make sure that the cores are what you want and are compatible with the processor. The cores represent the ALU (arithmetic logic) design and overall interpretation and disbursement of the data and the frequencies and speed that the data travels. Power consumption specifications should be considered with the motherboard and power supply when selecting a cpu.Most fans and heat sinks that have the same socket requirement can be used with AMD processors that require the same socket, but it is recommended to buy processors that come with their own heat sink and fan assembly. Check the construction and compatibility of your heat sink with your motherboard socket.

Use a ground bracelet to protect the processor, motherboard, and against electrostatic discharge. With Intel processors open the socket by pushing down on the socket lever and gently pushing it away from the socket to lift the lever. Lift up the socket load plate. Remove the protective cover from the processor and make sure that you do not touch the bottom of the processor when you handle it.Pick it up from the edges. When you install the replacement processor gently lower the processer into the motherboard socket. Orient the processor over the socket so that the notches on each side of the processor match the posts on each side of the socket. Be very careful and do not use any force when installing the cpu.If it does not feel right or look right, it probably isn’t. Take your time and recheck your steps and look for damaged or bent pins.I have had bad luck with installing some AMD cpus, so I know from experience that you can mess them up easily. (Make sure the pins are not offset from the holes. If you try to use the lever to put pressure on these pins and they are not aligned correctly, you can destroy the processor. You can actually feel the pins settle into place when you’re lowering the processor into the socket correctly).Close the load plate and return the socket lever to its position. Put the thermal compound on the processor, align the cooler with its heat sink and screw in the cooler. Push down on each locking pin until you hear it pop into the hole. If it does not recheck the installation. To help keep the cooler balanced and in position, push down two opposite pins and then push the remaining two pins in place. Using a flathead screwdriver, turn the locking pin clockwise to secure it.Connect the power cord from the cooler to the motherboard power connector. After the system is powered up, check the system BIOS.

9781133726890, A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Jean Andrews - © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. No distribution allowed without express authorization

Richard L. Meade rlmeade@cox.net Eastern Standard Time