Which RAM Slots to Use? Best Guide 2023

Many people were asking about the methods to Which RAM Slots to Use which is why I have come up with this article so that you can get the core knowledge.

So you bought some new RAM sticks, but you don’t know where to put them? If that’s the case, you have nothing to worry about. You’re in the right spot.

As a PC builder with a lot of experience, I’m here to help you install your RAM so that you get the best performance you’ve always wanted.

The question now is which RAM slots to use.

You can put one RAM stick in any slot, but it’s best to put it right next to the processor channel. Install it in A1-B1 or A2-B2 format using two sticks. Also, you can look at the manual for your motherboard to get a better idea of which RAM slots to fill.

Still confused and want to know more about how to install RAM the right way?

Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Gaming RAM, Best RAM for Ryzen 9 3900X and Best RAM for Ryzen 7 5800X

Then keep reading the article without looking around.

Which RAM Slot Should You Use?

In this part, I’ll tell you which slot to choose based on the RAM sticks you have.

Whether you only have one stick of RAM or several, you’ll know which slot on your motherboard will work best.

For a Single Stick

If you only want to put in one RAM, you don’t have to worry too much. First, check to see how many slots are open. If there’s only one slot, you just have to put it there. Check your motherboard’s manual to see if it has more than one slot.

Check out our separate post: Does Ram Brand Matter

If there were no instructions in there, you can put it where you want.

But before you install, make sure you’re installing the right RAM that works with what you’ve already got.

For Multiple Sticks

When installing more than one stick, it’s important to keep in mind things like the color of the slots, the RAM module, and how well it works with the motherboard.

If your motherboard has more than one RAM slot, it’s possible that each slot is a different color. Let’s say you are using a four-channel motherboard and the colored slots. Use the other slots if you want to add more RAM.

But if your motherboard doesn’t have color protocols, all you have to do is read the manual and install the RAM based on what it says.

How to install RAM

So, you know where to put your RAM and you’ve bought some new RAM to speed up your PC. The next step is to put the stick on your computer’s mainboard.

But, you don’t know how to do that, do you? Don’t worry. After reading the steps below, you’ll be able to do the action like a pro.

Installing RAM

RAM isn’t the hardest thing to put in. But if you don’t do it carefully, it can cost you. So, I will tell you to read this manual carefully and do what it says.

Go through our epic guide on DDR4 vs. DDR5

You need to make sure of a few things before you install. I am giving you a list of these things to do to get ready.

• Make sure to turn off your computer.
• Place the computer case so it’s easy to get to.
• Clean your motherboard of dust.
• Try not to get static electricity.
• Try not to use your bare hands to connect things.

Once you are sure about these steps, you can move on to the next ones.

Follow our guide to fixing CPU Usage

Here’s how to put RAM in:

• Find the right slot for single channel: If you are using a single channel stick, look at the label on your motherboard to find socket 1. (also known as socket 0). Use the slot right next to your processor. If that one is taken, try the next one.
• Find the slot for dual channel: If you have two memory sticks and four slots on your motherboard, try not to put them next to each other. Try putting them together like this: (!+3) or (2+4). It will help them do better in school.
• Follow slot order: It’s important to make sure that you install the RAM in the same order as the sockets. Make sure that the RAM you install is the same type, has the same amount of space, and has the same chip. If you do these things, the “interleaving” problem will be solved in the long run.
• Open the RAM slot: You need to open the RAM slot before installing. You can do this by opening a small clip on the socket of the motherboard. Whether you need to unlock one or two clips will depend on the model of your motherboard. To unlock clips, you just need to push them outwards firmly. Don’t push too hard, remember. You could break the clip if you do that.
• Put in the RAM stick: Take the modules out of the box. Don’t touch the green boxes, which have exposed wiring, unless you have to. Match the cutout on your RAM to the cutout on your motherboard. Check it twice before you put it in. That’s right, once you’ve matched them up correctly, you’ll have to push the stick onto your motherboard until you hear a nice “click.” But keep in mind that you need to push your RAM in from the top down in order to do it right.
• Check to see if the plug is locked: Make sure you put the memory stick in the right way. Check again to see if the socket is locked the same way it was before ( before opening the slot). This is just a safety measure. If you put the RAM in correctly, you will hear it lock, and you won’t have to check it again. But it’s always a good idea to check.

If you’ve done these steps right, close the computer case, plug in all the wires you need, and turn the computer on. You might have to restart your computer a few times for the changes to be picked up by the motherboard.

Go through our epic guide on DRAM Frequency

Don’t freak out if your computer isn’t working right. Let it run for a while, then start over. It will work perfectly well.

Is My RAM in the Right Slot?

If your RAM sticks are already in the slots, you can check to see if they are in the right place.

Not sure how to do it? Don’t be afraid. I’ll tell you how it works.

Do check our latest post on the Will Any DDR3 Ram Work on PC

Here’s how to make sure your RAM is in the right slot:

Method 1: Use Windows Task Manager

Using this method, you’ll need to use Windows’s task manager to check which memory slots are free. Follow the steps in the right way.

• Open task manager: Type “Task manager” into the search box in Windows and click on the first result that comes up. Or, you can right-click on your taskbar and choose “task manager” from the menu that appears.
• Open the performance tab: When the task manager opens, click on the “performance” tab. You will see a list with things like CPU, Memory, Disk, etc.
• Click on memory: From the list, click on “memory,” and you should see a section called “slot used” in the bottom right corner.

From there, you can always see how many slots you’ve already used and how many are still open.

Do check our latest post on the DDR4 Ram Overclocking

Method 2: Use CPU-Z Utility

If the first method doesn’t make sense, you can use this common tool to check your memory slot quickly.

Just get the software and install it, then do what I say.

• Open CPU-Z: To open, double-click the software icon.
• Select the “SPD” tab: When you open the software, there will be more than one tab on your screen. From there, click on “SPD.”
• Choose “memory.” Section: Click the down arrow key after opening the “SPD” tab to open the “Memory slot selection” section.

You’ll see that the drop-down menu lists all of the memory slots.

Follow our guide to How to Tell If RAM Is Bad

Now you can move on to the part where you can learn how to put RAMs into your computer.

Conclusion

Because you have read this entire guide, you now have the information and expertise necessary to install RAM and are familiar with the various RAM slots that are available.

You may now examine the slots on your computer, and you can purchase RAM that is tailored to your specific needs. In addition, you are now capable of installing a RAM in a correct and professional manner.

Do check our latest post on the How to Increase RAM Speed

Please don’t hesitate to ask me anything you want to know about this article.

FAQs for Which RAM Slots to Use

Check out our expert-recommended How to Choose the Right RAM for Your PC