How to change RAM?
Posted by RoutineWhole1623@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Kind of a dumb question but, should I take out the motherboard when I change my RAM or can I just remove the ram in the case and insert the new ones? I'm a new builder sry
gypsythefrenchie@reddit
Is my pc dead? I did everything correctly to replace them, now the old one won’t even work. I have red lights on both gpu and ram.
carlbandit@reddit
For actually replacing the RAM.
Turn PC off, remove power cable and hold power button on case a few seconds to discharge any capacitors (PC might turn on then go straight off if there was some charge).
There will be a little lever at the top and bottom of each stick of RAM you need to press down to be able to remove the RAM, some motherboard might just have the 1.
When you put you new RAM in, pay attention to the notch on the bottom (missing pin and board), the notch isn't dead in the centre, make sure you line the bump on your motherboard RAM slot up with the notch on the RAM stick (this makes sure it's installed the right way).
Once you have it lined up correct, apply a little pressure until you hear the levers you opened to remove the old RAM click into place.
Don't forget to plug your power cable back in otherwise you'll be wondering why it no longer turns on.
Stellawasadiver34@reddit
Is it recommended to turn off xmp/docp before installing new RAM? And then re-enabling it?
carlbandit@reddit
Personally, I'd just shut down the PC, install the new RAM and then load into BIOS on the first boot to check the XMP settings are correct for the new RAM installed.
Worst case if the XMP settings are too fast for the new RAM, PC will only boot into BIOS so it's not like you're going to brick your PC or anything.
In the event the XMP settings did somehow stop you accessing BIOS (very unlikely) you'd just need to pop the BIOS battery out with the PC unplugged for 30 seconds or if your motherboard has it press the BIOS reset button / use BIOS reset header.
Shadow-The-Edgelord@reddit
I know this was years ago, but what if your monitor is getting no signal after putting in the new ram? It clicked when I put mine in, they're the exact same, but when I try to go into bios my monitor doesn't detect a signal... My computer powers on, or so it seems - the fans spin and my RGB fan lights are on, but no signal. I'm not sure what it could be
carlbandit@reddit
Have you put your old RAM back in to test?
If old RAM works, try 1 stick of the new RAM in all the slots, then try the other. That way you'll know if it's just 1 of the sticks that's broken or possibly another issue.
You could always try resetting your BIOS in case speed, timing and voltage are still set for your old RAM. If it works with a reset bios then you can start looking at overclocking the new RAM.
To get a better idea of the fault, plug the little motherboard speaker in if you have one and then google the beeps it does. Such as 'Asus motherboards, 1 short beep, 2 long'.
Shadow-The-Edgelord@reddit
Yup, it works fine with the old ram by itself. If I put the new ram on it's own, or if I put it with the other ram (which is the exact same, except for the brand) the PC "turns on" without displaying anything.
I've tried both slots with the new ram and they do the same thing, but with the old ram the display and everything works as if nothing happened. I'm gonna try and return the one I have and get a different one to see if that one will work after resetting the bios, in case that one's faulty. I appreciate your advice, thank you!
carlbandit@reddit
No problem. I'd try a bios reset first and check to see if there's a bios update as well. If it doesn't work after a bios update and reset then return ti as faulty.
AlchemyIndex7@reddit
This, but a word of warning: "a little pressure" might mean "a lot of pressure". The first time I installed RAM, I was shocked at how much force it required to go in! :)
Of course, if it doesn't go in at first, stop and make sure the latches on the motherboard are all the way depressed and that the notches on the RAM sticks are aligned correctly. But you may have to push harder than you were expecting.
Fantastic advice though!
OverlanderEisenhorn@reddit
Yeah.
To me, it sounded like the ram was covered in sand when I pressed it in. I genuinely felt like I was breaking it.
If I wasn't building with an experienced buddy who assured me it was fine, I probably would have stopped. It just didn't sound right.
Still works fine 6 months later.
carlbandit@reddit
Same. I thought the RAM was faulty and went out to buy a cheap stick the next day to test.
Worked first time with the new stick, realised I used a bit more force that time and figured I’d try my original RAM again, worked straight away when I pushed it in a bit harder.
Apprehensive-Coat284@reddit
PC's require Force to insert RAM properly. Just don't go too far and crack the mother board. Following installation look to see they are seated properly. To use Microsoft RAM test simply press the Windows key and R, type "mdsched" Press enter, select Restart now and check for problems. Allow PC to run 2 passes. Reply with any questions. GrandNationalMike
Apprehensive-Coat284@reddit
I have seen this in the case of OEM Acer and Asus Micron memory. The OEM is thicker than any aftermarket period. I installed 32GB of Micron (2×16 in my i5-8300H Acer Nitro 5. The Non-OEM is about 20% thinner causing blue screens ( occasionally) when RAM socket reaches operating temperature connections (contacts) actually lost connection and blue screens. I know from hours of testing. But don't Worry! Nothing Better than hearing RAM Snap into place. P.s. purchased and ran Vengeance 32GB. It IS FAST..... But thinnest RAM of all I tested. Made it through Microsoft and 3rd party RAM test no problem, but would have to actually position the RAM with a pick or proper tools. Following a few weeks use, they are out of position from simply transporting/using PC. I installed 32GB on my Dell 5675 desktop, Asus A15 TUF, and Acer Nitro 5. All run Great with the Micron. An Excellent equivalent part is Samsung RAM. Durability compared to Micron. Same appearance, performance and compatibility just seems to last forever.. GrandNationalMike
icawalo88@reddit
I currently have a x2 16GB RAMs (inserted in 2nd and 4th slot if you count it from left to right) on my ddr4 MOBO and i still have 2 extra slot for RAMs which is 1st and 3rd slot. I wanted to add x2 32GB RAM. does it matter where i place it??
should I put the new ones to 2nd and 4th or 1st and 3rd?
carlbandit@reddit
It probably won’t make much difference which goes in which, just be aware that while it might work, RAM can get funny about mixing different sticks and you might find you need to lower the speed of both. It could also slightly lower performance since your motherboard is most likely duel channel meaning there’s 2 lanes for your RAM to send data, when you have 4 sticks in each lane has to be shared by 2 sticks, opposed to each having their own.
If you find you’re struggling with 32GB (should be sufficient if your mainly gaming) then I’d probably try running just the 2x32GB initially and only add the 2x16 back in if you find you still need more RAM, but again 64GB should be overkill for most uses.
As for which 2 slots to use if you do try 2x32 by itself, you’d need to check your motherboard manual and it will tell you the optimal slots to use.
T_WREKX@reddit
This is dead on lol XD
People forget to plug in the power cable in start panicking about the pc not starting up
I once knew a dude who started panicking after his monitor failed to show any signal. He opened up the case ram, tried every slot, google , the motherboard manual until it was discovered that the issue was simply a loose monitor cable to the cpu. He used a vga which was not screwed in, so it got loose over time.
Katsudon1996@reddit
Old post but I had the power connected and and PC switched on... I pressed the power and it would flicker and nothing. Had to remove the cord and put it back in just to get it work again.
Electrical-Bottle-98@reddit
is it okay to run pc with less ram
ConfidentRound4308@reddit
Should be easy