Your computer has four user-accessible SODIMM sockets: DIMM A and DIMM B are located under the keyboard; DIMM C and DIMM D are located under the base assembly cover.
NOTICE: There are no memory size limitations between DIMM A and DIMM B; you
can mix and match DDR3 module sizes between these two sockets. However, if you
add memory to the DIMM C or DIMM D socket, special configuration requirements
are needed. If DIMM A and DIMM D do not match, or if DIMM B and DIMM C do not
match, your computer will not boot and will not generate an error message.
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. If you incorrectly replace or install a memory module in your computer, it will not boot. There are no memory size limitations between the DIMM A and DIMM B sockets. However, if you add memory to the DIMM C or DIMM D socket, special configuration requirements are needed:
If you add memory to the DIMM C socket, the memory size must match the memory size in the DIMM B socket.
If you add memory to the DIMM D socket, the memory size must match the memory size in the DIMM A socket.
For example, if you increase DIMM D to 4 GB, you must also increase DIMM A to 4 GB. Note that the DIMM A socket must always be populated.
See "Specifications" in your Setup and Quick Reference Guide for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
Removing a Memory Module
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that
shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see
the Regulatory Compliance Homepage on www.dell.com at:
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to
spread the memory module securing clips.
Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end
of the memory module connector until the memory module pops up.
Remove the memory module from the connector.
1
memory module
2
securing clips (2)
3
DIMM A and DIMM B
4
DIMM C and DIMM D
Replacing a Memory Module
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that
shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see
the Regulatory Compliance Homepage on www.dell.com at:
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Place the module at a 45-degree angle, and align the notch in the module
with the tab on the connector.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot. No error message indicates this failure.
Press down on the module until it clicks into place. If the module does not
click into place, remove the module and reinstall it.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information. To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer:
In Microsoft® Windows® XP, right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Click Properties® General.
In Windows Vista, click Start ® Help and Support® Dell System Information.
