Inserted RAM the wrong way!!

samz90 | 20:57 Thu 05th Jan 2006 | Technology

6 Answers

I bought some new ddr ram for my computer and accidently inserted it the wrong way. A bit of smoke came from my computer and one on the pins has turned a browny colour, can I still use the card? (providing its in the right way) If not can I return it and say it was like that when I bought it?

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gen2

No
and
No

You should not have been able to insert it the wrong way round because there is an off-centre notch that only allows it to be inserted the one way round. Also the power should have been off and both you and your machine earthed to avoid any static damage occurring. Electronic components are very delicate and must be handled with care.

adi400

you cant insert it the wrong way, i have never seen a computer ever make any smoke, are your eyes brown........you know how the rest goes.

samz90

Question Author

The power was off, I was wearing anti static rist bands. when i put the power back on, the computer didnt start up , and i could smell smoke. Can I use it? only one pin is damaged. I dont know how it happend...........

dodgyshirt

As already stated, the notch in 184-pin DDR RAM is offset making it impossible to insert it the wrong way round.

RAM has contacts not pins, so how is one pin damaged.

Are you sure you did not disturb the wiring within the PC causing a short somewhere. It all sounds very odd.

qapmoc

This sounds like you somehow managed to get the ram into place put not correctly seated into the socket, I doubt that the ram can be reused and you might also have a damaged motherboard.

Why can't you just take responsibility for your actions and accept that you made a mistake and it has cost you something, instead of trying to push your mistake back to the shop who supplied you. Its no wonder many shops/suppliers are so difficult to deal with when genuine problems arise!!

samz90

Question Author

Well I didnt really do anything to make a short. I have no intention of returning it, Like you said, I will put it down to experience. Its one of those things! My motherboard isnt damaged as Im using my computer fine.

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