Have you bought a new RAM stick and are unsure which slot you should use to connect it to your PC? Although the process seems complicated, determining the correct slot is not that complicated.
If you have a single RAM stick, it doesn’t matter where you install it on the PC’s motherboard. However, try to position it adjacent to the processor channel. If you have two sticks, install them in A1-B1 or A2-B2 positioning. For a better understanding, you can consult the motherboard manual.
We have compiled a comprehensive guide to determining which RAM slots to use on your PC. We will also discuss some fixes for the RAM slot not working on your computer.
Which RAM Slots To Use
The best way to determine which RAM slots to use is by checking the manual for your motherboard, as RAM sticks positioning varies depending on the type of motherboard you own. But generally, you can also follow the rule based on the number of memory sticks.
If you have a single RAM stick, the slot at the maximum distance from the CPU socket should be used. This way, your CPU system will remain the coolest. For two sticks, install them in A1-B1 or A2-B2 positioning, meaning use one slot that’s furthest away from the CPU socket and the other that’s one position away from it.
Three RAM sticks should be positioned in the three slots at the maximum distance from the CPU chamber. You can place all four memory sticks into the positions available on a four-slot motherboard.
Is the RAM Slot Not Working on Your Computer?
If you’re wondering how to fix the RAM slot not working on your computer, our 3 step-by-step methods will help you perform this task without much hassle.
Method #1: Restart the Computer
Restarting the PC with these steps is the easiest method to fix the RAM slot not working on your computer.
- Navigate to the desktop on your Windows computer.
- Press the Alt + F4 keys, and a menu will appear on the screen.
- From the drop-down list, click “Restart”.
- Click “OK” to successfully reboot your computer.
- Once the computer turns on, see if the computer detects your RAM.
Method #2: Change the RAM Slot
If the RAM slot is not working on your computer, try changing the position of the memory card on the motherboard with these steps.
Step #1: Remove the Computer Casing
Turn off your computer and unplug all devices connected to their respective ports. Consult the user manual of your computer to remove its casing.
Step #2: Remove the Memory Card
Locate the RAM slot and remove the memory card from it. For this, use both your hands to unlock the side hooks and pull away the card. Look for any physical damage on the card; if all seems OK, wipe it using a cloth. Clean the RAM slot on the motherboard too.
Step #3: Insert the RAM Card
Insert the RAM card back into another slot on the motherboard. Press the card firmly into the slot until you hear a clicking sound. Carefully close the computer casing, plug in all the cables, and turn on your computer.
You have successfully fixed the issue of the RAM slot not working on your computer.
Method #3: Update the BIOS Settings
It is possible to make the RAM slot work normally again by updating your computer’s BIOS with these steps.
Step #1: Download the BIOS Update File
Open the BIOS manufacturer’s support site for your computer (e.g., Dell). Enter your system’s specifications (i.e., model number, BIOS version) under the “Identify your product” section. Click “Search” and choose the “BIOS” option. Download the updated file and save it to your computer.
To find your computer’s model, BIOS version, and other required information, go to the Start window, type “msinfo” in the search bar, and choose “System Information”. Find the computer’s model and BIOS version next to “System Model” and “BIOS Version/Date”, respectively.
Step #2: Update the BIOS
Double-click the downloaded ZIP file to open it and select the “Extract” tab at the top. Click “Extract all” and choose “Extract” to confirm. Plug a blank USB flash drive into your computer and transfer the BIOS update file.
Do not remove the flash drive from your computer until the update process completes.
Press the Windows key on your keyboard, click the power icon, and choose “Restart”, Immediately press the key for the BIOS startup assigned by your computer’s manufacturer. Go to the “Boot” tab and ensure that the USB flash drive is showing up on the screen. From the menu, enable the “Flash” option and select “Start Flash” from the “Advanced” tab.
Depending on your computer’s model, the update can take a few minutes to an hour, after which it will restart, and you can check the RAM slot.
Summary
In this guide, we’ve discussed which RAM slots to use on your computer. We’ve also discussed the possible solutions if a RAM slot is causing issues and making things hard for your computing activities.
We hope one of these methods has worked for you and you can now allocate more memory for complex tasks.
