HP Elite 8300 HP Compaq Business PC Maintenance and Service Guide Elite 8300 S - Page 92

Installing DIMMs CAUTION: 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. The memory module sockets have gold-plated metal contacts. When upgrading the memory, it is important to use memory modules with gold-plated metal contacts to prevent corrosion and/or oxidation resulting from having incompatible metals in contact with each other. Static electricity can damage the electronic components of the computer or optional cards. Before beginning these procedures, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity by briefly touching a grounded metal object. For more information, refer to Electrostatic Discharge Information on page 63. When handling a memory module, be careful not to touch any of the contacts. Doing so may damage the module. 1. Prepare the computer for disassembly (Preparation for Disassembly on page 72). 2. Remove the computer access panel (Access Panel on page 73). 3. Open both latches of the memory module socket (1), and insert the memory module into the socket (2). Figure 6-7 Installing a DIMM NOTE: A memory module can be installed in only one way. Match the notch on the module with the tab on the memory socket. Populate the black DIMM sockets before the white DIMM sockets. For maximum performance, populate the sockets so that the memory capacity is spread as equally as possible between Channel A and Channel B. Refer to Populating DIMM Sockets on page 80 for more information. Memory 81