Next, you will need to install your RAM (random access memory). Find
the RAM slots on your motherboard; they will look something like the picture
above. To install the RAM modules, first push on the levers (white plastic in
the picture) on either side of the DIMM socket, so that they move to the sides.
Do not force them, they should move fairly easily.
Put the RAM module in the socket. Line up the notch in the center of the
module with the small bump in the center of the RAM socket, making sure to
insert it the right way. Push down on the module until both levers move up into
the notches on the sides of the module. There should be a small “snap” when
the module is fully seated. Although this does require a fair bit of force, don’t
over do it or you may break the RAM module.
Take a good look at your seated RAM, if one side seems to be higher than
the other, odds are it’s improperly seated—take it out and try again. As you
handle the RAM, try not to touch the copper stripes you can see along the
bottom edge, as doing so is the best way to damage the part.
Start adding RAM at the slot labeled “Bank 0” or “DIMM 1”. If you don’t
have a stick in “Bank 0” or “DIMM 1” the system will think there is no RAM
and won't boot.
On newer motherboards with 4 slots, you’ll see alternating colours. For
example, slot 1 is blue, slot 2 is black, slot 3 is blue, slot 4 is black.
If you were to put 1 gigabyte of RAM in your PC, it’s best to use dual
channel 512MBx2 sticks. Put the first 512MB stick in slot 1, and put the 2nd
stick in slot 3 (the two slots that are blue)—leaving slot 2 empty. This will
give you better performance, vs. putting 1GB in slot 1, or two 512MB sticks in
slot 1 and 2.