hide random home http://www.gateway2000.com/support/techsupt/tn/tnsimm.htm (Amiga Plus Extra No. 5/97, 05/1997)

Damaging Your SIMM Sockets May Cause Random Errors or Lockups


Issue: The SIMM sockets on motherboards can be be damaged by improper release of SIMMs.

Resolution: Damage can occur as a result of improperly using tools to release SIMMs from motherboard SIMM sockets. The metal clips on the ends of sockets that are used to hold the SIMMs tightly in place can be bent/stretched out of place. This damage can cause the sockets to not provide enough pressure on the SIMM to ensure good contact with the socket. Symptoms that you may see as a result of this type of damage include lockups, failure to boot, GPFs, and other unexplainable errors. Exhibit caution when removing SIMMs from the SIMM sockets. Intel suggests that only fingers should be used to release the clips on SIMM sockets; no tools of any kind should be used to release the clips. If for some reason you cannot release the clips on the SIMM sockets with your fingers, use a small, blunt object to apply gentle outward pressure on the metal tabs until the ends of the SIMM are released. Tools such as screw drivers and picks should not be used.

Be careful about the misconception that memory bank 0 must be filled before memory bank 1 can be used on the Intel motherboards. This is not true. Either bank can be filled first. When your computer is manufactured, the Production team always fills the bank on the outer most edge of the motherboard (this is bank 1 on some of the Intel® motherboards) because this makes upgrading easier for you.

If you think you have a loose SIMM socket issue, and you have an empty memory bank, you might consider swapping your memory into the other bank.

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