Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
10 Posts
0
22501
August 14th, 2008 19:00
Safety when installing memory.
I am about to install another 512 mb of memory into my computer. Please remind me of the safety precautions I should take to avoid electric shock. I seem to recall something about touching the inside metal part of the casing along with something else, but I can't remember exactly and I figure its better to be safe than sorry. Any other tips someone may think would be useful to me would also be appreciated. Are there common pitfalls for first-timers? Thanks in advance for any advice.
~Christine
System Info:
Dell Dimension 4600
Pentium 4 CPU 2.8 GHz
512MB RAM
Windows XP, Home Edition
Service Pack 3
Enjoys mystery novels, 90's soft rock, and long walks on the beach.
No Events found!
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
August 14th, 2008 19:00
I would:
1. touch the metal case before touching the memory or any other components to discharge any static buildup
2. power down and pull the power cord
3. press the power button for 15 seconds to drain the PSU
4. put the memory in
Peter
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
August 14th, 2008 20:00
One reason for unplugging is that the motherboard has power even when the machine is off and the power cord is connected to the 110. They won't get a shock, but it is possible to damage the motherboard. I know of one case in which the motherboard was destroyed during a memory install.
Peter
x_lab rat
2K Posts
0
August 14th, 2008 20:00
See above. But you don't need to unplug, I never did in the lab. In fact, the plug provides an absolute ground to the board and chassis, and the RAM sockets are completely unpowered with the system off.
Keep a forearm on the bare metal of the chassis while you open the RAM antistatic bag and install it. Electrically, that's all you need to do. Mechanically, it is important to press the module straight down into the socket, as any torsion on the module can break the ball-grid soldering.
Auriga93
10 Posts
0
August 14th, 2008 21:00
I just finished installing it and everything went fine. I noticed an improvement in the performance of my computer right away! Thanks again for everyone's advice.
~Christine
x_lab rat
2K Posts
0
August 15th, 2008 14:00
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
August 15th, 2008 14:00
x_lab rat
2K Posts
0
August 15th, 2008 14:00
Glad it went well.
There is no power to the memory in "off". I've even gotten away with plugging memory in with power "ON" (absentmindedly) without hurting anything, except grossly confusing BIOS, then you have to power off and start over anyway.
My procedure for memory swaps--hundreds of times, with no consequences--was power off but still plugged in.