FAST PC How To Build A PC - A Comprehensive Guide Matt Totten -
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RAM Installation Now, here comes the RAM installation. This is by far one of the easiest steps (and upgrades) you can do to your computer. Even a blindfolded, drunk sailor could do this easily. First, look at the image on the right. This is what your typical RAM looks like. Notice the notch in the 'middle'. I deliberately put quotation marks around 'middle' as, if you look a little closer, the notch is actually off-center. This makes sure that the RAM is installed only one (the proper) way.

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Before trying to install the RAM in any slot, though, you should locate the appropriately numbered 'DIMM' slot (as shown on the left), as it can make a fair difference in your computer's eventual performance (this is inconsequential if you plan on filling all your RAM slots, of course).

 

Align the memory so that the notch is in the 'middle' and the rest of the memory is keyed for the appropriate sized slot.

       

After aligning the RAM appropriately with the slot, simply push it in firmly. The levers will lock the RAM into place by themselves, and you're now ready to move onto the next step.

 

Coming up, we're going to go back to the motherboard itself to do a little bit of detail work.

Next: Assemble a Computer: Let's Configure the Motherboard

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Assembly Supplies   The Case   Mounting the Motherboard   Installing the Processor   Mounting the CPU Cooler   Installing the RAM   Configuring the Motherboard   Installing the Video Card & PCI Cards   CD & DVD Drives   Hard Drive   Installing the Case Fan   Post-Assembly Guide   How Fast Is It?   System Benchmark Results   Video Card Drivers Settings   BIOS Settings   Free Software   BIOS Flash Updates And Driver Updates   Help and Support