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Memory in computer

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by completelift 1 view

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Tech Republic:

I have a question. Removing or adding memory would not cause a motherboard to blow correct? Worse case would be the computer would not read the memory. I pulled memory out of a machine ( Gateway 838GM - 2005 refurbished 10/05 manufacture date) and after the memory was added back the machine smelled like it was burning. Boss thinks I blew the motherboard and I was on the machine but even if the memory was put back incorrectly that would only cause the machine not to read it. I said I blew the motherboard but it is not my fault. Thought?

16 replies

by slayer_

But not just removing it, not unless you broke something while pulling on the chip.

by completelift

Memory was not broken and was put in correctly. Memory is fine but the motherboard is not. I said I blew the motherboard because I was on it but it was not because of me. But I will never be able to convenience my boss I know he will blame me. Sigh.

by robo_dev

If you seat a memory module crooked, it will short out and you get a burning smell.

by completelift

It was not crooked. Memory is easy to install I have installed it in many machines with no problem.

by oh smeg

If not that could have allowed a Massive Static Hit to get transfered to the M'Boards Insulated Rails when you either plugged in or unplugged the RAM.

However the real problem here isn't that the M'Board died but the way that the other person is going on. This type of thing Happens all of the time and dwelling on it isn't a good sign.

by completelift

I have no idea what you mean by stressed out. Memory is snap in. No stress.

by santeewelding

Did you kick the thing in anger?

Seriously: your problem is neither the memory or the motherboard. It's the relation between you and your boss that I'm looking at.

Is there a large age differential, or is (he) about your age with something to prove?

by completelift

I did not kick the computer. I am computer information systems - microcomputer specialist. And while I am not always right I am most of the time. Four desktops and two laptops (at work) I have upgraded and maintained for six years here. I install, upgrade, network our machines plus have a network of 3 computers at home. I also do tech support on the side. He is good at hardware and can make me doubt myself. But you are right to look at the relationship. He is a few years younger and has always challenged me on everything I have done where the computers are concerned. Even though I do everything. Sigh. Nail on the head santeewelding.

by slayer_

The board shifted on the screws and is now touching the back of the case, causing it to short out.

by completelift

hmmm..I would have to check but I think everything is good there.

by thechas

Did you unplug or switch off the power supply so that the 5 volt standby power was off?

Any time you remove or install memory, plug-in cards, or CPU, it is best to make sure that all power is off. This includes the 5 volt standby power that enables the soft front power button.

Some motherboards even have a LED on them to let you know that 5 volt standby power is active.

Anyhow, that standby power goes lots of places and it is much easier than you might think to short the 5 volt power to something else on the motherboard. Even just the flex of the motherboard while seating the RAM could have caused a board to case short that damaged circuits.

Bottom line, if there is not a hard power switch on the power supply, I always pull the power cord when adding or changing internal components.

Chas

by completelift

You are correct. After doing this work for 6 years and maintaining 6 networked computers, the real concern is the relationship between the boss and myself. Bingo.

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