Populating Dimm Sockets; Installing Dimms - HP Compaq Pro 6305 Maintenance And Service Manual

Populating DIMM Sockets

There are four DIMM sockets on the system board, with two sockets per channel. The sockets are
labeled DIMM1, DIMM2, DIMM3, and DIMM4. Sockets DIMM1 and DIMM2 operate in memory
channel B. Sockets DIMM3 and DIMM4 operate in memory channel A.
The system will automatically operate in single channel mode, dual channel mode, or flex mode,
depending on how the DIMMs are installed.
NOTE: Single channel and unbalanced dual channel memory configurations will result in inferior
graphics performance.
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The system will operate in single channel mode if the DIMM sockets are populated in one
channel only.
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The system will operate in a higher-performing dual channel mode if the total memory capacity
of the DIMMs in Channel A is equal to the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel B.
The technology and device width can vary between the channels. For example, if Channel A is
populated with two 1-GB DIMMs and Channel B is populated with one 2-GB DIMM, the system
will operate in dual channel mode.
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The system will operate in flex mode if the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel A is
not equal to the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel B. In flex mode, the channel
populated with the least amount of memory describes the total amount of memory assigned to
dual channel and the remainder is assigned to single channel. For optimal speed, the channels
should be balanced so that the largest amount of memory is spread between the two channels.
If one channel will have more memory than the other, the larger amount should be assigned to
Channel A. For example, if you are populating the sockets with one 2-GB DIMM, and three 1-GB
DIMMs, Channel A should be populated with the 2-GB DIMM and one 1-GB DIMM, and Channel
B should be populated with the other two 1-GB DIMMs. With this configuration, 4-GB will run as
dual channel and 1-GB will run as single channel.
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In any mode, the maximum operational speed is determined by the slowest DIMM in the system.

Installing DIMMs

CAUTION:
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
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
2. Remove the access panel
56 Chapter 6 Removal and Replacement Procedures Microtower (MT) Chassis
You must disconnect the power cord and wait approximately 30 seconds for the power
(Computer Access Panel on page
Electrostatic Discharge Information on page
(Preparation for Disassembly on page
50)
40.
49)