Installing DIMMs

The system will automatically operate in single channel mode, dual channel mode, or flex mode, depending on how the DIMMs are installed.

NOTE: Single channel and unbalanced dual channel memory configurations will result in inferior graphics performance.

●The system will operate in single channel mode if the DIMM sockets are populated in one channel only.

●The system will operate in a higher-performing dual channel mode if the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel A is equal to the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel B. The technology and device width can vary between the channels. For example, if Channel A is populated with two 1-GB DIMMs and Channel B is populated with one 2-GB DIMM, the system will operate in dual channel mode.

●The system will operate in flex mode if the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel A is not equal to the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel B. In flex mode, the channel populated with the least amount of memory describes the total amount of memory assigned to dual channel and the remainder is assigned to single channel. For optimal speed, the channels should be balanced so that the largest amount of memory is spread between the two channels. If one channel will have more memory than the other, the larger amount should be assigned to Channel A. For example, if you are populating the sockets with one 2-GB DIMM, and three 1-GB DIMMs, Channel A should be populated with the 2-GB DIMM and one 1-GB DIMM, and Channel B should be populated with the other two 1-GB DIMMs. With this configuration, 4-GB will run as dual channel and 1-GB will run as single channel.

●In any mode, the maximum operational speed is determined by the slowest DIMM in the system.

CAUTION: You must disconnect the power cord and wait approximately 30 seconds for the power to drain before adding or removing memory modules. Regardless of the power-on state, voltage is always supplied to the memory modules as long as the computer is plugged into an active AC outlet. Adding or removing memory modules while voltage is present may cause irreparable damage to the memory modules or system board.

The memory module sockets have gold-plated metal contacts. When upgrading the memory, it is important to use memory modules with gold-plated metal contacts to prevent corrosion and/or oxidation resulting from having incompatible metals in contact with each other.

Static electricity can damage the electronic components of the computer or optional cards. Before beginning these procedures, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity by briefly touching a grounded metal object. For more information, refer to Electrostatic Discharge on page 93.

When handling a memory module, be careful not to touch any of the contacts. Doing so may damage the module.

1.Remove/disengage any security devices that prohibit opening the computer.

2.Remove all removable media, such as compact discs or USB flash drives, from the computer.

3.Turn off the computer properly through the operating system, then turn off any external devices.

52 Chapter 3 Small Form Factor (SFF) Hardware Upgrades