Chapter 3. Installing Memory

This chapter tells you how to install single in-line memory modules (SIMMs). If you are removing and replacing SIMMs, go to “Replacing SIMMs”.

Installing SIMMs

Follow these steps to shut down your system, remove the cover, install the SIMMs, replace the cover, and check to make sure the SIMMs are installed and working properly.

  1. If the system is powered on, press and release the power button on the front panel to power off the system.

    The system powers off automatically after about a minute.

  2. Disconnect the power cable from the back of the Indy workstation.

  3. Remove the top cover by releasing the latch on the rear of the cover and sliding it forward. For more details, see “Removing the Top Cover”.

  4. Ground yourself to a metal part of the chassis by attaching the wrist strap.

    • Unwrap the first two folds of the band and wrap the exposed adhesive side firmly around your wrist.

    • Unroll the rest of the band and peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.

    • Attach the copper foil to a metal part of the Indy chassis.


    Caution: The system's internal components are sensitive to static electricity. Handle the parts carefully, and wear the wrist strap to avoid discharging static electricity.


  5. Move the system or position yourself so that you are facing the power supply. The SIMM sockets are located as shown in Figure 3-1.

    Figure 3-1. Locating the SIMM Sockets


There are eight sockets, split into two banks—0 and 1. Bank 0 is closer to the power supply and contains sockets S1 through S4. Bank 1 is closer to the graphics board, and contains sockets S5 through S8. The system ships with four SIMMs installed in Bank 0. (See Figure 3-2.)

(If you are upgrading memory or replacing faulty memory and need to remove the four installed SIMMs, go to “Replacing SIMMs” and then return to this section.)

Figure 3-2. SIMM Bank and Socket Numbers


  1. Install the SIMMs consecutively in groups of four, beginning with the open slot closest to the power supply (from bank 0 to 1). Each bank must have four SIMMs of the same capacity installed.

    For example, you may install four 4 MB SIMMs in bank 0, and four
    8 MB SIMMs in bank 1, but you may not install 4 MB and 8 MB SIMMs in the same bank.

    • Using both hands, grasp the top of the SIMM so the notch in the bottom corner of the SIMM is on your right, as shown in Figure 3-3.

      Figure 3-3. Orienting the SIMM


    • Start with the socket closest to the power supply. Tip the top of the SIMM away from the power supply, and press the SIMM firmly into the socket at a 45-degree angle to the board.

    • Tilt the SIMM up into a vertical position, as shown in Figure 3-4. There should be a slight click when the SIMM reaches the vertical position as the metal latches snap up around the SIMM.The SIMM is positioned correctly when the latches on both sides of the SIMM socket are hugging the edges of the SIMM.

      Figure 3-4. Tilting Up the SIMM to a Vertical Position


    Note: Some GIO option boards, if installed on the side of the graphics board close to the SIMMs as shown in Figure 3-5, may impede your installation of the SIMM in the last socket of bank 1 (closest to the graphics board). If this is the case, you may have to remove the GIO option board to gain access to the SIMM socket. Turn to “Replacing a GIO Option Board” for instructions and then return to
    this section.

    Figure 3-5. The GIO Board Installed on the Right Side of the Graphics Board


  2. Install the rest of the SIMMs the same way.

  3. If you removed a GIO board to gain access to the last SIMM socket, reinstall it, referring to “Installing a GIO Option Board”.

Now, go to the next section to check that the SIMMs are installed correctly before closing up the system.

Checking the SIMM Installation Visually

Before replacing the cover, make a final visual check that the SIMMs are installed correctly.

  1. Check that each SIMM is vertical and perpendicular to the system board.

    • Look across the tops of the SIMMs to make sure they are even and inserted all the way into the socket.

    • If the SIMM appears to be leaning, push it up into a vertical position.

    • Make sure the latches on the sides of each SIMM fit snugly
      around it.

  2. If you have no other internal parts to install, replace the top cover by inserting the tab through the hole in the rear of the chassis and sliding the cover back until it snaps into place. For more information, see “Replacing the Top Cover”.

    It is important to replace the cover before testing the SIMMs. This ensures proper airflow through the system while the system is running the test.

  3. Reconnect the power cable to the connector on the back of the system.

You are now ready to power up the system and check if the system recognizes the new memory.

Verifying the New Memory

To confirm that you've installed the memory modules correctly, check whether the system recognizes the new memory. Follow these steps:

  1. Press and release the power button to turn on the power.

    After the power-on diagnostics run, you see a notifier, as shown in Figure 3-6.

    Figure 3-6. System Startup Notifier


    The system boots up and brings you to the login screen.

    If no picture appears on your screen and the LED on the front panel is blinking red, one or more SIMMs are not installed correctly. Check to make sure the SIMMs are installed correctly by referring to “Checking the SIMM Installation Visually”; then try this procedure again.

  2. Log in to your account. For more information on logging in, refer to “Turning On the Workstation”.

    When you log in, the default desk appears. In the upper left-hand corner of the screen are the Toolchests.

  3. Choose “System Manager” from the System toolchest.

    You see a window showing Hardware and the Shared Resources.

  4. Look under “Hardware” for the line showing memory. The amount of memory shown in megabytes should equal the amount of memory that came with the Indy workstation plus the amount of memory you installed.

    For example, if you had 16 MB of memory when you started and you installed another 16 MB, you should have a total of 32 MB.

  5. If the system does not show the total amount of memory you now have installed, the SIMMs may not be installed correctly. Go to “Installing SIMMs” and try re-installing the SIMMs, following the instructions carefully. Then try this procedure again.

You have finished installing the SIMMs.