How to Install Memory in a Desktop Computer

Precautions Before Installation!

Static electricity can damage the components in your system. To protect your system’s components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer’s frame or wear an ESD wrist strap before touching or handling internal components. Either method will safely discharge static electricity that’s naturally present in your body.

To protect your memory module, avoid touching the gold pins or components (chips). It’s best to hold the module by the top or side edges.

Steps to Install Memory in a Desktop Computer

Installing memory can be done in a matter of minutes, but there’s no need to feel rushed. Work at your own pace and consult this guide or the video as often as you need to!

Step 1 - Gathering Supplies Clear off your installation space and make sure you’re working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your workspace. Then, you’ll need the following items:

Your desktop computer
Crucial® desktop memory
Screwdriver
Owner’s manual

Memory installation supplies

Step 2 - Shut Down Your Desktop Computer Because your files, documents, and data are on your storage drive, not your Random Access Memory (RAM), they remain unaffected during this process.

Step 3 - Unplug the Power Cable

Step 4 - Hold the Power Button for Five Seconds This discharges any residual electricity still in the system.

Step 5 - Open the Case

For instructions about opening your specific system, consult its owner’s manual. You can also take pictures as you work through the process to see where cables or screws are attached to make it easier to put back together.

Open computer case

Step 6 - Ground Yourself! Touch an unpainted metal surface – this is an extra safeguard that protects your computer memory and components from static damage during the installation process.

Ground yourself

Step 7 - Remove Existing Memory Modules Press down on the clips on the sides of each module, the clip mechanism will push the memory module up. You can then pull the module completely out.

Computer memory removal

Step 8 - Install Memory Holding the modules along the edges, align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot, then apply even pressure and firmly press the module in. It usually takes about 30 pounds of pressure to fully install the module.

Note Some desktops require you to install modules in matched pairs (memory banks). If this is the case, the slots will likely be labelled for how the memory should be installed. If you only have two memory slots, don’t worry about this – proceed with the simple install.