Populating memory modules
Refer to the following table to identify the memory module channel locations.
Location
System board label
Channel
Lower Socket
SODIMM1
Channel B
Upper Socket
SODIMM3
Channel A
The system will automatically operate in single channel mode, dual channel mode, or flex mode, depending
on how the memory modules are installed.
●
The system will operate in single channel mode if the memory module slots are populated in one
channel only.
●
The system will operate in a higher-performing dual channel mode if the memory capacity of the
memory module in Channel A is equal to the memory capacity of the memory module in Channel B.
●
The system will operate in flex mode if the memory capacity of the memory module in Channel A is not
equal to the memory capacity of the memory module 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. If one channel will have more memory than the other, the
larger amount should be assigned to channel A.
●
In any mode, the maximum operational speed is determined by the slowest memory module in the
system.
Installing memory modules
There are two memory sockets on the system board. To remove or install memory modules:
1.
Remove all removable media, such as USB flash drives, from the computer.
2.
Turn off the computer properly through the operating system, and turn off any external devices.
3.
Disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet and disconnect any external devices.
IMPORTANT:
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.
4.
Remove the base unit rear and front access panels. See
Removing and replacing the base unit access
.
5.
To locate the memory modules on the system board, see
Locating internal components on page 21
22
Chapter 3 Hardware repair and upgrade