Do I need to leave PC switched off for while to cool before adding RAM? EDIT DONE IT!

catlou

Hi all

I asked for advice on here previously about adding RAM to my desktop.

I have bought the correct one and I'm hoping to do it tonight. Do I need to leave the tower switched off for a while to "cool down"? Or can I just unplug it and do it?

Also I have bought a can of compressed air to clean the fan inside should I just clean that or should I clean other parts - don't want to do any damage?

Any other tips appreciated.

Big Thanks!

googler

I think anti-static precautions are more important than temperature, so either use thin latex gloves when handling the chips, or an anti-static band.

Ignore all advice to earth yourself on the PC casework once you've unplugged it, because then the casework won't be connected to earth.....

If you're blowing the dust off various components, wear a face mask from B&Q, you don't want to stir it all up and breathe it all in. Or keep a household vacuum close by to hoover it all up once it's airborne.

catlou

Thanks googler.

Yes I do have a wrist band I was hoping to clip the other end on the casing of the tower (if that works?) as I'm going to be doing it in the garage - because of the dust!

santer_2

Might be an idea to hold the fan as the compressed air might spin it too fast

rygon

Personally I make sure the power supply is disconnected. I touch a radiator to get rid of any static, then put the RAM in. Bit lazy maybe but as im only holding the RAM by the edges and not touching any electrical parts then im happy. Never had a problem with doing it that way either.

esuhl

googler wrote: »

Ignore all advice to earth yourself on the PC casework once you've unplugged it, because then the casework won't be connected to earth.....

I thought the point of doing that was so the your charge potential matches that of the ground (i.e. chasis) of the PC. If you & the PC are at the same static charge, you won't cause a discharge when you touch it or transfer the memory to it... I could be wrong, though!

In any case, I always leave the power cable plugged in but switched off either at the wall socket or the PSU isolator switch - in that way the case is earthed but no current is running through the PC. I've heard that it's a good idea to hit the power button on the PC after disconnecting the power so that any capacitors are discharged too.

I try to keep one hand touching the metal case, or use an ESD wrist-strap too.

closed

when you have switched off at the wallpoint, press the power on button to discharge any residual current

catlou

Thanks everyone!

catlou

Woohoooo!!

Done it switched it on now shows total 1.43GB RAM

Everything seems to be ok.....holding my breath & fingers crossed!!

Is that really it - can I just leave the PC to it now?!?!

Thanks everyone I would never have dreamt of attempting it without all the help I got on this board you have all been great.

Feeling quite proud of myself and very Techie!! lol!! Off to set myself up as a independent expert pc consultant......Not!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Thanks Again!!

Browntoa

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catlou

Browntoa wrote: »

you can now buy the T-Shirt and join the club

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hail-Techie-Long-Sleeve-Dark-T-Shirt-/150571935528?pt=US_CSA_MC_Shirts&var=&hash=item68c750bda1

:T :rotfl: