After reading the Guide I - How to Select the Right Memory, we believe you have fully understood how to select DDR4 memory. After getting the new memory, the next step is for sure to install it!

For all the veterans, the installation of memory is easy, and if you are a novice who is doing this for the first time, and are afraid to break the computer, it’s still nothing you need to worry about, as the memory installation is quite simple. As long as you carefully follow the steps we listed, you can complete it with ease.

First of all, you can do a simple visual inspection before installing the memory, such as whether the edge connector on the memory is new (no scratches, oxidation), whether the PCB is intact (no breaks, burrs). Furthermore, for the memory stick without heat-sink, can check if there is visible defect; for memory with a heat sink, can also see if there is any damage on the chip. After preliminary checking, its’s ready to install it on the motherboard.

You can check if there is any damage on the memory stick itself before installation.

The memory is not hot-swappable like external I/O (such as a flash drive), so before replacement or installation, be sure to "shut down the computer, turn off the power supply", or even "unplug the power plug" to ensure the system is not charged, in order to avoid danger such as short circuit.

In addition to cutting off the power, static electricity in nature may also damage computer components due to discharge. Before touching the memory module, you can wear an ESD static elimination wrist strap to safely release static electricity in the body, so as to avoid damage to the components caused by electrostatic discharge during installation.

Make sure to shut down, turn off the power, and unplug the computer before touching the computer parts to ensure that the motherboard is not powered, and no potential damage the components.

And then, find the memory slot. Typically it’s located next to the CPU. Most of the time, an ATX form factor motherboard is equipped with 4 sets of DIMM memory slots, and the micro-ATX or mini-ITX form factors are mostly equipped with 2 sets of DIMM slots. The mainstream choice is using 2 sticks of 8GB, a total of 16G memory. The actual choice may vary subject to different use and needs.

Some motherboards have different colors on the DIMM slots to distinguish them. As shown in the figure, it’s a 4-DIMM design. If you use two 8GB (or two 16GB) memory sticks, you can see from the top that the slots are divided into two "black" and two "blue". The two memory sticks must be inserted in the same color slots (the order of installation also matters, which we will mention later).

After making sure the static electricity is discharged, you can install the memory module. If you are upgrading or replacing the existing one(s), remember to remove the old memory first. By simply pressing the latches at both ends of the memory, you can loosen it. The latch structure pushes the memory module upwards, and then the memory can be removed. Although the memory pretty durable most of the time, it is better not to touch the edge connector when installing/removing.

Another thing worth noting is that the latch is either single-sided or double-sided according to the motherboard design, which requires inspection before removal. Make sure you check first!

Press the latches at both ends, the memory will be pushed up, and you can pull it out at this time.

When installing the memory, keep the latch open, and the memory slot itself has a fool-proof design. As long as the groove on the memory connecting finger is aligned with the protrusion of the slot, the correct direction can be ensured.

Look closely at the memory slot and you can see the fool-proof design. Align the raised position of the slot with the memory groove and the installation can be done easily.

And then, place the two top edges of the memory module with your hands and insert the memory in the groove, and press it until the tenon is fastened. If you feel that the installation is not smooth, you can check whether it is not aligned with the grooves or the heat sink fins are too large to be stuck in the mechanism, etc.

When installing, place your hands on both ends of the memory and press in evenly.

Schematic diagram of DDR4 memory installation.

Finally, check if the latch is fully buckled, and whether the connecting finger is fully inserted, and done!

Finally, check whether the memory is installed correctly and completely.

In addition, for those who plan to install two memory modules, the dual-channel technology described in the previous article will not be activated by simply plugging in two slots randomly. For example, the MSI MAG B560 TORPEDO motherboard, memory slots are A1, A2, B1, B2 from left to right. A and B are each a set of channels, so the two-channel insertion method is A1+B1 or A2+B2, which is also most of the current 4 It also supports the common installation methods of dual-channel motherboards.

If you don’t fully understand, it’s okay. As mentioned earlier, MSI motherboards have different color markings. You only need to install the memory sticks in the DIMM slots with the same color. The blue slot installation is the combination of A2+B2. If you want to insert 4 memory modules, then all of them will be plugged in.)

Schematic diagram of respective installation method - 1, 2, and 4 memories.

The above is how you can install the memory safely, quite simple isn’t it? Though it is, the process must be carefully followed. After all, computer parts are quite fragile. You don’t want to damage the entire set of motherboard when installing the memory, so please follow the correct steps carefully and remember the precautions.

This article was originally published on http://www.pcdiy.com.tw/detail/20116 (Mandarin)