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Memory

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX280 Systems User's Guide

  DDR2 Memory Overview

  Addressing Memory with 4-GB Configurations 

  Installing Memory

  Removing Memory

For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, look under "Memory" in "Specifications."

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

DDR2 Memory Overview

• Dual-channel DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label in the upper-right corner of the module to determine the module's capacity.
  
  

NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

• A memory module installed in connector DIMM_1
  
  

or

• A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2
  
  

or

• A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 and another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4
  
  

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.

Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM_1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.

NOTE: The small form-factor system has two slots which are considered an interleaved pair.

A	matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 (white securing clips)
B	matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4 (black securing clips)

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2 or connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

The small-desktop and small mini-tower computers support a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and Windows XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is slightly less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.

The following components require memory address space:

• System ROM
  
  
• APIC(s)
  
  
• Integrated PCI devices, such as network connectors and SCSI controllers
  
  
• PCI cards
  
  

At start-up, the BIOS identifies the components that require address space. The BIOS dynamically calculates the amount of reserved address space required. The BIOS then subtracts the reserved address space from 4 GB to determine the amount of usable space.

• If the total installed computer memory is less than the usable space, all installed computer memory is available for use only by the operating system.
  
  
• If the total installed computer memory is equal to or greater than the usable address space, a small portion of installed memory is available for use by the operating system.
  
  

Installing Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."
   
   
2. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
   
   

1	memory connector closest to processor
2	securing clips (2)
3	connector

3. Align the notch on the bottom of the module with the crossbar in the connector.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the memory module, press the module straight down into the connector while you apply equal force to each end of the module.

4. Insert the module into the connector until the module snaps into position.
   
   

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

5. Close the computer cover.
   
   
6. Attach the computer stand (optional).
   
   

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

7. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   

After you open and close the cover, the chassis intrusion detector, if installed and enabled, causes the following message to appear on the screen at the next computer start-up:

ALERT! Cover was previously removed.

8. Reset the chassis intrusion detector by changing Chassis Intrusion to On or On-Silent.
   
   

NOTE: If an admin password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.

9. The computer detects that the new memory does not match the existing 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

10. Press <F2> to enter system setup and check the value for System Memory.
    
    

The computer should have changed the value of System Memory to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new total. If it is correct, skip to step 12.

11. If the memory total is incorrect, turn off and disconnect your computer and devices from their electrical outlets. Open the computer cover and check the installed memory modules to ensure that they are seated properly in their sockets. Then repeat steps 5, 6, and 7.
    
    
12. When the System Memory total is correct, press <Esc> to exit system setup.
    
    
13. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly.
    
    

Removing Memory

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

1. Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin."
   
   
2. Press out the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector.
   
   
3. Grasp the module and pull up.
   
   

If the module is difficult to remove, gently ease the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.

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