Hardware Installing 2GB of RAM

[MJR]

I have an extra 2GB for my house computer. The CPU is a Dimension E520. I had the instructions for it, but somehow lost it. I was wondering if any of you guys can lead me in the right direction for adding this memory module upgrade because it is highly needed.

 

[garyw]

a dell? If so, the dell web site has an excellent online support portal where you can redownload the manual

 

[MJR]

Thanks. I'll search for it.

---------- Post added at 10:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:15 AM ----------

A dumb question, do I keep it on or off during the process?

 

[MeDiCS]

off

 

[jrex53]

If you keep it on you run the very real risk of burning up your computer. You need to shutdown your computer to install the memory.

Jim

 

[the.punk]

Yes always when install hardware in your computer you must always turn off the computer.

(Off topic: I have exactly the same computer)

 

[garyw]

Yes always when install hardware in your computer you must always turn off the computer.

(Off topic: I have exactly the same computer)

Not always. SATA disks are hot swappable......

 

[the.punk]

Not always. SATA disks are hot swappable......

Yes...maybe. But I shut it always down.

 

[MJR]

Thanks gary. I found the manual and installed it correctly.

---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 AM ----------

Should I get more FPS now?

 

[Kaito]

You might. If you want more FPS, either get a new processor or GPU (I think)

 

[MJR]

I have a dual core 2.80 GHz already.

 

[RisingFury]

Thanks gary. I found the manual and installed it correctly.

---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 AM ----------

Should I get more FPS now?

Depends... if your RAM was completely filled up when running Orbiter and your hard drive begun acting as RAM, then the upgrade should help a lot. RAM is in the range of 1000 times faster then hard drives...

 

[agentgonzo]

OK, BEFORE you touch the memory with your bare hands, make sure that you know how to handle it and not zap it with static electricity. RAM is VERY sensitive to static. You can easily kill a stick with a woolen jumper if you want to.

ONLY hold the RAM around the edges, never on the flat sides and NEVER EVER on the components or pins.
It is preferable to leave the computer plugged in, but turned off at the mains/PSU if possible. This keeps the computer grounded at all times
If you have a grounding strap, wear it (and plug it in).
After disassembling the case, ground yourself on the bare metal of the case by just touching it.
ONLY THEN, take the RAM out of the antistatic bag (by the edges only).

 

[MJR]

I think it did. With level 14 textures and everything on I get 40-50 FPS now. It Used to be 10-16.

 

[agentgonzo]

Excellent. Now go and fly over flordia with the goose-extractingly-awesome textures!

 

[MJR]

Yay! I never knew how amazing and cool the inside of CPUs looked.

 

[Urwumpe]

Not always. SATA disks are hot swappable......

Still rather the exception than the rule. Especially memory modules don't like any kind of excessive voltage during installation - even the slightest bit of static electricity can ruin modern modules - so don't forget grounding yourself properly before doing such work.

 

[agentgonzo]

Yay! I never knew how amazing and cool the inside of CPUs looked.

BTW, the CPU is the small chip (about an inch and a bit square) that's under the big fan, rather than just the whole thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cpu

 

[movieman]

BTW, the CPU is the small chip (about an inch and a bit square) that's under the big fan, rather than just the whole thing

On a Core-2, yes. On my MythTV system the chip under the big fan is the north bridge, while the CPU just has a dinky little heat-sink.