Back to Contents Page

System Memory: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX300 System User's Guide

bullet.gif (1107 bytes) Overview Removing RIMMs
Installing RIMMs

Overview

Before you install new memory modules, download the most recent BIOS for your computer from the Dell Support website at http://support.dell.com.

You can increase system memory up to 1 gigabyte (GB) by using Rambus dynamic random-access memory (RDRAM) Rambus in-line memory modules (RIMMs). Figure 3 in "Inside Your Computer" shows the location of the RIMM sockets on the system board.

NOTES: To reach the maximum 1-GB memory total, you must install two 512-megabyte (MB) RIMMs (when available) that each have a maximum of 16 memory devices. The system supports no more than a total of 32 memory devices on all installed RIMMs. See Figure 1 for the location of a label on the RIMM that identifies the number of memory devices it contains. You can also determine the number of memory devices installed through the System Memory option in System Setup.

The system does not support RIMMs with six memory devices.

All RIMM sockets must be occupied either by a RIMM or a continuity card.

Figure 1. RIMM Label Showing Number of Memory Devices

memory01.gif (10432 bytes)
1 Number of memory devices in RIMM

For optimum operation, Dell recommends that you install a RIMM in socket A first (closest to the processor) before installing a RIMM in socket B.

NOTE: Before disconnecting a peripheral from the system or removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light-emitting diode (LED) on the system board has turned off. For the location of this LED, see Figure 3 in "Inside Your Computer."

Installing RIMMs

To upgrade memory, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any peripherals, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait at least 5 seconds before you remove the computer cover. Also, before you upgrade memory, see the other precautions in "Safety First—For You and Your Computer. "
  1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover."
  1. Rotate the power supply as described in "Rotating the Power Supply Away From the System Board."
  2. If necessary, remove any RIMMs that occupy sockets in which you plan to install the upgrade RIMMs.
  3. Install the upgrade RIMMs.
  1. Locate the plastic securing clips at each end of the socket (see Figure 2).

  2. Press the clips outward until they snap open.

  3. Press the RIMM straight into the slot running down the center of the socket until the securing tabs snap into place around the ends of the RIMM.

Figure 2. Installing a RIMM

memory02.gif (19265 bytes)
1 Securing clips (2)
2 Slot
  1. Rotate the power supply back into position, making sure that the securing tab snaps into place.
  2. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.
    NOTE: After you remove and replace the cover, the chassis intrusion detector causes the following message to appear on the screen at the next system start-up:

     ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

    The system detects that the new memory does not match the existing system configuration information and generates the following message:

    The amount of system memory has changed.
    Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

  1. Press <F2> to enter System Setup, and check the value for System Memory.

    The system should have already changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to step 9.

  2. If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and peripherals from their electrical outlets. Remove the computer cover, rotate the power supply, and check the installed RIMMs to make sure that they are seated properly in their sockets. Then repeat steps 4, 5, 6, and 7.

  3. Reset the chassis intrusion detector by
    changing Chassis Intrusion to Enabled or Enabled-Silent.

    NOTE: If a setup password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.
  4. When the System Memory total is correct, press <Esc> to exit System Setup.
  5. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the RIMMs are operating properly.

Removing RIMMs

To remove a RIMM, press the securing clips outward simultaneously until the RIMM disengages and pops out slightly from the socket (see Figure 3).

Figure 3. Removing a RIMM

memory03.gif (7907 bytes)
1 Securing clips (2)

Back to Contents Page