●
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.
Installing DIMMs
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.
When handling a memory module, be careful not to touch any of the contacts. Doing so may damage the
module.
1.
Prepare the computer for disassembly (
Preparation for disassembly on page 19
)
2.
Remove the access panel (
Access panel on page 20
)
Memory
25
