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For example, if your motherboard was designed for DDR4 RAM, the memory slots of your motherboard cannot fit other types of RAMs like DDR3. Besides, the motherboard memory slots usually are integrated into the board and cannot be changed. So, it important to make a memory compatibility check on your motherboard. How Do I Know My RAM Compatibility. RAM slot, socket, or a memory slot is a gap on your computer’s motherboard where you can insert your RAM. Depending on the motherboard type, there might be up to four memory sockets. If you have a high-tier motherboard, you can even have more. There are three most common types of RAM. And just lastly here’s a look at how the DDR4-3000 CL16 memory compares to DDR4-3200 CL14 memory. Please note the CL14 memory does pack a 32GB capacity as you can’t get 3200 CL14 4GB modules. If you've got four slots and four sticks it doesn't matter. Use the first slot first and lead on from there. It's not often, but boot looping can sometimes be cleared by reseating your RAM.

If you are installing a RAM (memory) upgrade in your computer, or you are considering it, the following tips and information may help.

Memory buying tips

If you haven't purchased the memory yet, refer to our tips to finding the right RAM for your computer.

  • Computer memory buying tips.

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Before getting started

If you've purchased the RAM and you're ready to install it, run down this checklist before beginning the installation.

  1. Ensure you are familiar with ESD and its potential dangers.
  2. When installing the memory, make sure the computer is off and unplugged.

Locate memory slots and install memory

Follow these steps to safely install RAM modules in your computer's motherboard.

DIMM (DRAM, SDRAM, and DDR) memory installation steps

Note

When handling memory, hold it by the sides at each end of the module. Be careful not to bend, flex, or drop the memory while handling it. When pushing the memory into the computer, do not apply an excessive amount of pressure. Doing so could cause damage to the memory module, and the slots on the motherboard. Finally, when installing the memory, distribute the pressure evenly by pressing on both corners of the memory module.

Once the memory is purchased, locate the memory slots on the computer motherboard. If no memory slots are available on the computer, one or more memory modules must be removed before the memory can be installed.

Note

If the computer has a small form factor, it may be difficult to access the memory slots. You may have to temporarily remove cables or expansion cards before you can access them easily. When disconnecting anything from the computer, make sure you can remember where each cable and card goes.

Each slot on a motherboard that supports a DIMM is a bank; therefore the computer works if one memory module is purchased.

Examine the memory module before installing it into the computer. At the bottom of the memory module, you should notice one or more notches at the bottom of the card. These notches look like those shown in the picture below.

Make sure that the notches match up with the memory slot you are installing the memory into. These notches allow the memory to be installed only in one direction. If the memory is incompatible, it will not physically match with the slot.

After verifying the notches and direction, the memory needs to be installed, move each memory slot tab out or away from the memory module. These tabs will snap into place as the memory module is installed.

Once these tabs are moved out, gently and firmly push the memory module into the slot. As the memory module is being pushed, the two tabs should snap and hold the memory module into place.

After the memory is installed in the computer, plug the computer back in, and turn it back on. As the computer is booting, the memory should be automatically detected and set up. If you have any difficulties with the memory detected or set up, enter the BIOS setup, and verify the memory is correctly detected by the system.

RIMM memory installation steps

What makes RIMM memory modules different from DIMM memory modules is the C-RIMM memory module. This module allows the computer to have a continuous flow of data. When installing a new RIMM, remove the C-RIMM. This module is a small circuit board and has only a few or no chips on it.

When the C-RIMM module is removed, and the two tabs are in the outward position, push the RIMM memory module to a vertical or 90-degree angle. As the memory module is being pushed, the two tabs should snap and hold the memory module into place.

Notebook (laptop) memory installation steps

Before the memory can be installed into a notebook, the memory slots must be located. If you are unfamiliar with where these slots are located, below is a listing of possible locations:

  1. On a compartment on the bottom of the laptop.
  2. Under the keyboard.
  3. In the computer.

If you cannot locate the slots after looking at each of the above recommendations, we recommend you contact the computer manufacturer for additional help and information.

Once the slots are located, the next step is to install the computer memory. Today, most laptops follow the same memory installation.

Because laptops are thin compared to a desktop computer, the memory banks are horizontal with the laptop. The memory must be inserted at an angle (approximately 75 degrees). Once it's in the slot, press down on the memory to snap it into place. The memory should also lay horizontally with the computer.

SIMM memory installation steps

30 and 72-pin SIMM memory modules must occupy a bank. Computers that use 72-pin SIMMs have two sockets as one bank. Therefore, two memory modules of equal value must be installed in pairs, unless instructed otherwise by the computer or motherboard manufacturer.

The installation of most SIMM memory is the same. The memory is placed into the slot at a 75-degree angle and while still in the memory slot, moved to a vertical (90-degree) angle. As the memory module is moved to a vertical position, it should snap into place. When installed, ensure that both sides of the memory module are snapped into place. If a memory module is not installed properly, it could cause damage to the computer.

We recommend the larger memory modules be installed in the lowest available banks. For example, if the computer has two 4 MB memory modules and you're installing two 32 MB memory modules, place the 32 MB memory modules either in banks 0 and 1, or 1 and 2.

Note

Some computer manufacturers may require SIMM modules be installed in a certain order. So, if your new computer memory installation does not work, consider switching the location of the memory.

Set memory in BIOS

Once the memory appears is installed into the computer, test it. Put the case back on the computer. Connect the keyboard, monitor, and power to the computer. Turn on the computer.

Tip

We recommend you do not connect the rest of the cables yet. If you experience problems, you may have to disconnect all the cables again.

As the computer is booting, enter the BIOS setup, verify that the memory is detected, and if necessary, adjust the settings to match your memory specifications. When verification and configuration is complete, save the settings, exit BIOS, and reboot the computer.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any problems when installing the RAM, refer to our Computer memory help and support.

Additional information

  • See our memory definition for further information and related links.

Summary :

It is extremely important to make a RAM compatibility check when purchasing a new RAM, right? If the RAM is not compatible with your motherboard, your computer won’t run as normal. How to check RAM compatibility? Let’s explore this question together with MiniTool.

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Why Check RAM Compatibility

Does RAM matter? RAM is an integral component of your system. Once your RAM gets damaged or incompatible, your computer will not operate properly. It is necessary for your processor to run an operating system and different programs on the computer.

Usually, the more RAM you have installed, the faster your processor can handle and the more process your computer can run at a time. However, the RAM storage capacity depends on your motherboard specs can support.

So, it is necessary to make a RAM compatibility check before upgrading RAM. How to check RAM compatibility? Is my RAM compatible with any motherboard? Please keep reading to get the answers.

Is My RAM Compatible with Any Motherboard

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When it comes to RAM compatibility, it is inevitable to discuss the motherboard. In fact, the RAM compatibility checking depends on what motherboard you have installed. As is well known to us, there are all types of RAM memories such as DDR3, DDR4, and so on. Not all RAM chips can mix and match the memory slot of your motherboard.

For example, if your motherboard was designed for DDR4 RAM, the memory slots of your motherboard cannot fit other types of RAMs like DDR3. Besides, the motherboard memory slots usually are integrated into the board and cannot be changed.

So, it important to make a memory compatibility check on your motherboard.

How Do I Know My RAM Compatibility

How to check RAM compatibility for your computers? Your operating systems and motherboard are 2 important components that have great significance on the RAM compatibility. So, you need to know your system information first. After that, you can refer to the following information to make a RAM compatibility check.

Here’s a way to check your Windows 10 system information.

Step 1. Press Win + E keys to open the File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click This PC on the left side and select Properties to open the system information window. Then you will see the current Windows edition as well as the system type.

The operating systems will affect the maximum capacity of RAM you can use on your computer. Compared to the consumer editions, a typical server Windows version can support several times the maximum RAM.

Usually, the Windows 8 Enterprise and Professional editions can support a maximum of 512GB RAM, while the consumer version only supports up to 128GB. Windows 10 operating systems have similar RAM limits. You can refer to the information from Microsoft.

It is different between a 32-bit and 64-bit processor as well. Without considering the Windows editions, a 32-bit system has the limitation of 4GB physical memory, while a 64-bit system can be able to handle a 128GB RAM physical memory.

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In addition, your motherboard also determines how much RAM your computer can support. This is because your motherboard has a memory module slot limit. If you don’t know how to check the motherboard model, please read this post.

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Here are several common memory types that you can refer to:

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  • DDR 2 SDRAM: This technology is commonly found in those computers that are made after 2003.
  • DDR3 SDRAM: It is suitable for those computers made after 2007.
  • DDR4 SDRAM: It is the newest RAM type. So, please make sure you are using a modern PC with the latest builds.