After successfully installing RAM on your PC, you can take several steps to ensure proper installation and operation. For instance, verify slots, check stability, adjust BIOS settings, enable XMP, and more.
Through this piece, I shall share my 5+ years of experience as a professional PC builder to help you with BIOS/UEFI settings, RAM-specific changes, optimization, and troubleshooting and fixing any issue.
So let us take one more step to get the most out of your brand-new and upgrading computer ASAP!
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7 Most Important Things To Do After Installing RAM on a PC
Let me dive right into the things that you should focus on immediately after inserting the new RAM into the right slot.
1. Ensure the RAM Stick is Detected
It goes without saying that you first need to verify if your motherboard or, rather, the PC even detects the newly installed RAM or not. Once you know it’s detected, you can work around it to increase its potential.
Coming to the benefits, this approach helps with improved PC performance and even allows you to explore and unearth the complete potential of the RAM.
Here is how you can go about the same:
Step 1: Once the RAM is installed, quickly restart the system (assuming the case already has the I/O panel in place). Enter the BIOS/UEFI interface by hitting DEL, F2, or even F10.
Step 2: Once you are inside the BIOS, head over to the memory section. You can usually find it inside the “System Information” section.
Step 3: Check if the BIOS interface is locating the right amount of memory — the one (s) you installed on the motherboard.
2. Check Speed and Latency
Every RAM stick you install comes with a certain set of abilities. These include the maximum speed limits and even the latency.
Therefore, once your RAM modules are verified, you can go further into the BIOS interface to check the speed and latency, changing it to better levels if needed.
In case you aren’t sure what RAM speed and latency mean, here is a bit of a refresher. RAM speed, measured as memory frequency, is the speed at which the RAM module reads and writes data. It goes without saying that the higher the speed, the better the RAM module in regards to handling processing workload.
Latency, on the other hand, is termed memory timing. In simple terms, latency signifies the time taken for the RAM to process a request. Therefore, lower latency is better for RAM.
In some cases, immediately after the RAM is installed, the speed and latency specifications are at the baseline level. You can change them post-installation.
And finally, changing RAM speed and latency can help your PC perform at an optimal level. Plus, you can cross-check if the RAM is capable of performing at the advertised levels.
Here are the steps to check (change) speed and latency:
- If you are in the BIOS/UEFI interface, locate the section that reads the memory. Once there, note down the latency (CL rating) and speed (MHz rating).
- Compare these values with the ones advertised by the RAM and change them to the optimal levels, if needed.
3. RAM Frequency Check
I did talk about RAM speed earlier. Well, RAM frequency check necessarily means the same thing. As mentioned, the higher the RAM frequency better are the RAM-specific capabilities. Manually adjusting the RAM frequency might be needed to enhance system performance and PC stability, regardless of the workload.
However, even if you head over the BIOS and memory settings and eventually end up at the memory frequency number, you might not be able to find the number that has been advertised by the manufacturer. Here is the reason for that:
Once you install the RAM, the BIOS usually only shows the baseline speed. For instance, if you have purchased DDR4-3200 MHz RAM, the BIOS might show a lower frequency, say 2133 MHz or even 2400 MHz.
The RAM stick usually starts slower, but you can always change the frequency to suit your needs.
4. Enable RAM XMP
XMP stands for Extreme Memory Profile and is a setting that allows you to configure the RAM to automatically change the voltage, speed, and latency.
You can activate the XMP and let the PC handle its RAM-specific requirements. Plus, achieving optimal PC performance becomes easier.
Here are the steps for the same:
- Head over to the BIOS interface and locate the memory section.
- You can either head over to the memory section or even the overclocking section.
- You will find the XMP setting there (it can be DOCP for AMD motherboards).
- Enable the same and simply restart the PC for it to take effect.
You might even consider changing the memory frequency manually by heading over to the Memory Clock section in the BIOS and adjusting the frequency to the advertised state.
As mentioned, there are two ways of configuring the RAM — manually and via the XMP setting. Both strategies have their pros and cons.
While the manual frequency change offers complete control over the settings, allows you to handle overclocking requirements better, and even works well for customized configurations, XMP is more of an automatic strategy and lowers manual risks.
However, manual frequency change can be time-consuming. Even XMP isn’t perfect, as this approach might not work with specific motherboards.
5. Ensure That Dual-Channel is Working
Be it installing more RAM in a PC as an upgrade or installing additional RAM for better professional performance, dual-channel memory utilization is something you should know about.
Even though most modern motherboards offer support for dual-channel bandwidth, you need to see if the mode is enabled or not.
Enabling the dual-channel mode allows the PC to make use of two RAM sticks simultaneously, leading to enhanced system performance and amplified memory bandwidth.
Here are the steps to check for the same:
- Verify if the motherboard you are using even supports the dual-channel mode or not.
- If it does, head over to the BIOS, move straight to the memory section, and see if the dual-channel mode is active or not. If not, you might consider changing that, saving, and exiting the BIOS.
6. Benchmark Test
Assuming that you already have some version of the operating system installed, you need to run a benchmark test post-RAM installation. This move ensures that the memory and the PC are stable, and the changes you have made inside the BIOS have sunk in rather well.
Also, benchmark tests can help troubleshoot specific RAM-based issues, working as a way to evaluate performance and verify system stability.
Plus, if your RAM-specific questions often read, like how to check if your RAM is working or why is my new RAM not working, doing a benchmark test might just help you with the answers.
Here are some of the steps to initiate benchmark tests:
- Once you are on the home page, it is better to download reputable software like PassMark, PerformanceTest, AIDA64, or anything else.
- Once installed, run memory-specific tests like read/write speed, bandwidth, and latency.
- As and when the results are available, compare the same with the RAM-specific or, rather the advertised performances.
- Keep monitoring temperature and system stability while testing to avoid crashes and overheating.
7. Update the OS
I have seen a lot of first-time PC builders miss this step. Checking for the OS, post-installing the RAM, is crucial as it can help solve compatibility issues. But wait, doesn’t RAM have drivers that an updated OS will take care of?
No, not exactly. RAM communicates directly with the memory controller, and therefore, separate drivers aren’t needed.
However, updating the OS can always help take care of the chipset drivers, which might amplify the performance of your PC. This way, you can make better use of your recently installed RAM modules.
Some of the benefits of updating the OS post-RAM installation include better system compatibility, improved overall performance, and enhanced system stability.
Here are the steps to update the OS:
1. Head over to the Windows section and look for the “Update and Security” option.
2. Once there, search for “Check for Updates.”
3. Install every update that you think is necessary.
And that sums up every important thing that you must do after installing a new RAM.
Issues That Might Arise if RAM isn’t installed Properly
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues like no display after installing RAM or if it’s not working as desired, it is obvious that there might have been a few goof-ups. Here are a few issues that might show up if new RAM isn’t installed properly.
1. PC Slowing Down
This issue can show up if the RAM sticks aren’t inserted properly or when there’s a disparity between the motherboard’s capacity to handle RAM. These instances can readily slow down any PC.
Another issue that might surface due to incorrect RAM placement is the inability of the PC to utilize RAM sticks at their full capacity, which eventually leads to a tired and sluggish machine.
Incorrect RAM placement means that PCs with more than one RAM stick haven’t been placed in the right motherboard slots. You can check this article to know how to go about multi-stick assembly in regards to RAM.
The performance of your system is also affected by the memory slots you use. To help you optimize your computer’s performance, I have created a detailed guide on which RAM slots to utilize in different setups.
2. RAM Failure
Incorrect RAM assembly can also lead to RAM failure. However, failure is a big term and is not always related to incorrect placement.
It can happen due to ESD damage, in case you have tried installing the same without wearing anti-static straps or due to physical damage whilst applying excessive pressure to insert the RAM stick without waiting for notch-protrusion alignment.
RAM failure is mostly always about incorrect handling and any kind of installation oversight.
3. Dust Buildup
Incorrect installation isn’t always about the wrong slot or handling issues. In some cases, keeping the motherboard idle for a long time can lead to slot clogging due to dust and debris. This buildup might clog the RAM slots and cause overheating and even RAM failure.
Preventing this issue is equally easy. Regardless of when you plan on installing the RAM stick, a good practice is to always clean the slots, preferably with a small blower meant for electronic circuits.
4. Motherboard Failure
The “haste makes waste” saying even applies to the motherboards. In some cases, forced insertion of RAM can even cause some form of irreparable damage to the motherboard. The best way to solve this is to look through videos and always take the gentle click sound as the cue to correct assembly.
5. Overheating
Overheating is arguably the commonest of PC building issues. And incorrect RAM installation can also be a reason.
This can happen if the RAM doesn’t align with the memory controller or you have changed the settings, or you have activated the XMP mode without considering the added cooling responsibilities.
Therefore, you should always keep additional cooling solutions handy before proceeding. Thermal throttling can slow down any PC, with one issue combining with another to have catastrophic effects on the system.
6. System Crashes
Issues like no display after installing RAM or a sudden shutdown can also happen if the installation isn’t perfectly taken care of.
Nobody likes unexpected reboots, but if that happens, you should properly shut down the device before taking a gander at the RAM. Removing RAM while the PC is on can damage it further.
Coming back to the system crashes, once the PC is off, check the RAM modules to see if they are compatible with the motherboard and with each other.
You might even consider restarting the PC, heading over to the BIOS, and seeing if the settings are correct or not. The best way is to compare the BIOS settings with that in the RAM’s manual or on the package.
7. Data Corruption
Even though the RAM module only works as an ongoing memory, incorrect installation can still lead to data corruption and memory errors. Wrong installation can be a reason, but sometimes, manufacturing errors can also be held responsible.
A good way to avoid this is to run a relevant diagnostic tool like MemTest86. Tools like this can locate errors and the reasons for the same. This might help you with troubleshooting.
Apart from the mentioned issues, incorrect RAM installation can also lead to inefficient usage of memory bandwidth and channels. And that might not allow getting the best bang for your buck for your components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is necessary to update the BIOS once you install the RAM. But then, an update might only be necessary if you aren’t sure about your RAM stick(s) compatibility with the motherboard. In case your motherboard is already compatible with the RAM modules, an update might not be needed.
A complete reinstall might not be required. However, once you install the RAM and end up running the benchmark tests to ensure everything is working just fine, an OS update might still be needed. Even though the RAM doesn’t have separate drivers, the update might help you get other relevant drivers in.
There are a few techniques to confirm if the RAM is seated correctly or not. First of all, check if the side clips meant for locking the module are secured or not. Secondly, try to see if there is any visible gap between the slot and the RAM stick. If not, the insertion is correct. And finally, head over to the BIOS to check if the RAM stick (s) is (are) visible or not.
You do not need to enable RAM manually in BIOS. The same is enabled by default. However, you can change the frequency manually or turn on the XMP mode to enhance the capabilities of the same. You can even check the voltage and latency of the RAM module to cross-reference it against your requirements.
Unlike a hard disk installation that might need a complete system overhaul, installing a RAM or upgrading the RAM setup might not require a system reset. Instead, you can simply reset the PC and enter the BIOS to see the new RAM in action.
No, changing the RAM doesn’t deactivate the Windows as the same is installed on the storage drive, and the license is tied to the motherboard. If you change the RAM, everything comes back to normal when you change a few settings in the BIOS and eventually upgrade the OS post-installation.
RAM upgrades do not involve data modification or transfer. Hence, it is not compulsory to have a backup. However, it is a good practice to back up files before making any significant changes to the PC.
Conclusion
By now, you must be able to handle any type of RAM installation, regardless of the motherboard, memory channel, and other components that are involved.
Even though I have covered almost every post-RAM installation strategy, it is advisable to understand the types of RAM, the technology behind their operation, and more.
Delving deep like this will help you take better care of your RAM sticks, making the post-installation journey easier than ever.
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