Memory Installation

The products that you buy should come with installation instructions that you should follow. You computer also comes with installation instructions for some things. If you do not trust yourself to install some product, get some one else to do it. These are only unofficial guides that you use at your own risk. I will not intentionally tell you to do something damaging, but, I do not take responsibility for any damages or mishaps or any other bad things that occur from using these guides. By using one of the guides bellow, you are confirming that you have agreed to and understand these terms (I am not liable).

This is divided into 2 sections: RAM and VRAM. This is for installation into a G3 desktop. Installation into other machines will be similar but might vary some. I would not do this yourself on a notebook computer or an iMac.

Don't forget to be in a static free enviroment and to discharge static electricity by touching the power source before removing the power cord.

Just for Reference:

RAM

  1. Make sure the computer has cooled down. Unhook all cables (except the power cord) from the computer and open the casing. There should be some buttons to push that will allow you to open it.
  2. Touch the power source with your fingers to discarge static electricity. The power source is the box that has the power cord attached to it. After discharging the static electricity, remove the power cord.
  3. There should now be a way of getting to the main mother board. This may involve unlocking things and opening various compartments. You should not need screw driver.
  4. Locate an empty DRAM DIMM slot; there should be a plastic ejector on each end of the slot. Move these ejectors down as far as they will go. They are not spring loaded, so they will stay down by themselves.
  5. Take the memory module out of its static-proof bag and hold it by its corners. Do not touch any of the components on the module or the connector on the bottom of the module.
  6. The connector is shaped so that it can only fit into the slot one way. Line it up with the slot this way.
  7. Firmly, but gently, push the module into the slot until it is all the way in. Do not "rock" the module in; push it straight in. If you meet resistance, don't try to force the module in; pull it out and try again.
  8. The ejectors should close autimatically as you push the module in so that the top of the ejector is in the top notches of the memory module (if the ejectors are designed that way; if not, they will just be all the way up). If they did not close automatically or completely, you need to close them.
  9. Close up the computer and reattch the cables you removed. You can check if the memory module is working by chosing "About This Computer..." from the Apple menu after you start-up and making sure the "Built-in Memory" number is correct.

VRAM

If you have an internal modem, you may need a professional do this because the modem card may be covering the VRAM slot.
  1. Make sure the computer has cooled down. Unhook all cables (except the power cord) from the computer and open the casing. There should be some buttons to push that will allow you to open it.
  2. Touch the power source with your fingers to discarge static electricity. The power source is the box that has the power cord attached to it. After discharging the static electricity, remove the power cord.
  3. There should now be a way of getting to the main mother board. This may involve unlocking things and opening various compartments. You should not need screw driver.
  4. Locate the video memory slot and make sure it is empty.
  5. Take the memory module (SO-DIMM) out of its static-proof bag and hold it by its corners. Do not touch any of the components on the module or the connector on the bottom of the module.
  6. The connector is shaped so that it can only fit into the slot one way. Line it up with the slot this way. You will have to angle the module about 30 to 40 degrees so that the top is higher than the end with the connectors.
  7. Firmly, but gently, push the connectors into the slot until it is all the way in. Do not "rock" the module in; push it straight in. If you meet resistance, don't try to force the module in; pull it out and try again. As it goes in the angle of elevation should decrease; once the module is in, you should press it down so that it snaps into the holder and is lying flat and parallel to the main board.
  8. Close up the computer and reattch the cables you removed. You can check if the memory module is working by seeing if you have more and higher reolution and color combinations.



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