RAM

RAM is an integral component that your computer uses every time it boots up. This instructable is an overview of what RAM is, how to identify problems with it, and a step by step process to identify failing components.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM is used to temporarily hold data as the CPU processes it. It acts as a sort of digital worktable. The CPU uses RAM to process data/instructions. You can have multiple sticks of RAM in your computer, as long as your motherboard has multiple DIMM slots (slots for sticks of RAM). The more RAM you have and the higher quality it is, the faster your computer will process things.

There are many different kinds of RAM.

SIMM:

SIMM, or single in line memory module, is an older version of RAM that is no longer used. The contacts on a SIMM are redundant on both sides, and it has only one data transfer per clock cycle, making it slow

RIMM:

RIMM, or rambus in line memory module, it is developed by rambus, and is unique from different kinds of RAM. It has 184 pins on its connector. It also requires every slot on the motherboard to be full of RAM, even if you don't have that many, so there are "dummy" sticks of RIMM you can buy to fill up those slots so that the computer can work. RIMM is not completely extinct, but high costs have kept it from being competitive with other iterations of RAM

DIMM:

DIMM, or dual in line memory module, is the type of RAM most widely used today. It uses either 240 or 280 pins depending on the iteration. DIMM has independent pins on each side of the stick, and has 2 transfers per clock cycle, making it the fastest and most cost effective option.

Memory Chips: storage for the data the CPU sends it

Gold Contacts: the part that is inserted into the DIMM slots to communicate with the CPU

The 2 Notches: for putting it in the DIMM slots the right way and keeping it in place

RAM does not require a lot of maintenance, as it is not delicate and is very easy to use. The only physical maintenance that is required is to make sure that dust is not collecting on the sticks of RAM, as this can cause overheating. Other than that, just make sure you don't bend the connector pins (which is pretty hard to do).

MemTest86 is a piece of software that is free to use and checks for faults in your RAM. If you notice that your computer is slower than usual, you can use this to see if RAM is the culprit. There aren't any good ways to fix the issues, so you will most likely just have to replace it.

A failed stick of RAM is pretty easy to notice. If a computer is powering on but not producing an image, these are the symptoms of RAM failure. RAM failure can happen in several ways. One or several sticks of RAM could be failing, as it only takes one faulty stick to stop your computer from working, or one or more of the DIMM slots could be failing. As mentioned before, memtest86 is a good tool to see if RAM is starting to fail, but if it is failing completely, then you won't get an image. Next is a step by step troubleshooting process if you suspect RAM is the reason your computer won't work.

If your computer is receiving power, but no image is being produced, you could have a RAM failure. These are the steps you can take to identify which parts are failing

The amount of RAM you have will depend on your individual computer, but you need to know how many you have to troubleshoot

Leave only 1 stick of RAM in the computer. If the computer works, then you know that that stick of RAM and that DIMM slot is functioning, if not, you need to keep troubleshooting

Sometimes, the RAM sticks themselves are working but the slots they are in are not. Try moving the stick of RAM to a different slot to test this. Move it to every DIMM slot you have to see if your computer produces an image.

If you have multiple sticks of RAM (which most people do) and cycling the first stick through each slot didn't work, then that stick can be assumed to be failing. You need to see if your other sticks are failing too. Repeat the last 2 steps (cycle the stick of RAM through each DIMM slot) to see if an image appears. Do this for as many sticks of RAM that you have.

If you have cycled through every piece of RAM and every DIMM slot with still no results, then both sticks of RAM might be failing. Test this by getting a known good stick of RAM and cycling it through the DIMM slots.

If after all of those steps your computer still wont produce an image (and you are sure that this is the cause of the problem and not something else) then your DIMM slots are probably failing. This will require you to get a new motherboard, as you can't take the DIMM slots off the motherboard.