Why won't my ram fit properly?

JZeller · 19 Oct 2012

I have an inspiron 570 desktop with 4gb of ram already installed. I went on crucial, and it found compatible RAM, 1gb 240pin ddr3 128mx64. When I opened my computer up, there were 4 slots, 2 blue ones with the default ram, and 2 open black ones. I couldn't get the ram to seat properly, it took a lot of force to make it click on one side, it wouldn't clip on both sides at once. And I'm sure the ram was in all the way, because if I applied any more force I would snap it.

Any clues why my ram wont fit?

Parman · 19 Oct 2012

The notch was turned the wrong way?

Pedroc1999 · 19 Oct 2012

lay your pc flat on the floor, pull any wires or stuff away of ram. pull back the 2 holders on either side, make sure the small gap near the middle of the ram is lined up with the small gap towards the middle of the ram socket, hover ram over slot, slowly seat it down and make even pressure on both ends make a bit but dont exagerate. if it still doesnt go in make sure the ram socket is free from dust and small bits of plastic,,,,,,,please report back.

JZeller · 19 Oct 2012

parman said:

The notch was turned the wrong way?

I thought I did that originally, but nope, the notch fit in the right way, but for some reason, the ram was on the left of the stick... on my default ram it was on the right side

bobkn · 19 Oct 2012

JZeller said:

parman said:

The notch was turned the wrong way?

I thought I did that originally, but nope, the notch fit in the right way, but for some reason, the ram was on the left of the stick... on my default ram it was on the right side

If you can't seat the DIMMs, it sounds very much like the "notch fit the right way" can't be true. It wasn't in all the way, either, because the locking clips wouldn't engage at both ends.

I checked, and was relieved that the Inspiron 570 uses DDR3. You're not trying to jam DDR3 into a DDR2 slot (won't fit; different notch).

Remove one of the working DIMMs, and compare notches. Or, just check an online reference:

DDR3 SDRAM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aside from that, I don't know what your problem might be. It can take a fair amount of pressure to seat a DIMM, but not nearly enough to put the motherboard at risk.

bobafetthotmail · 20 Oct 2012

do what bobkn said, if RAM is correct then what I say may be of some use.

Some cases are a bit bitchy, as when you insert RAM they let the mobo flex and the RAM won't get in. I had to unscrew and remove from the case quite a few damn mobos out and place them on the floor or other hard stone-like surface, then they couldn't flex and the ram went in like a charm. If you are unsure on how to do that, ask before trying, as it isn't hard but if done without any clue can easily damage the hardware.