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4.1 Matching the kit to the platform

Lesson
Hardware safety: isolate power; never open a PSU.

Before touching hardware

  • Follow the exact model's service instructions. Shut down, unplug mains and peripherals, and disconnect any internal battery as instructed. Sleep, the PSU switch, or unplugging a laptop charger alone does not fully isolate power.
  • Let parts cool. Use a clean, dry workspace and approved ESD precautions. Hold boards by their edges, avoid contacts, account for screws, and never force connectors.
  • Never open a PSU or insert tools through its vents; stored energy can remain after unplugging. Use only modular cables confirmed compatible with the exact PSU model.
  • Isolate power before every physical change or cleaning. Powered tests are software/external observations with hands and tools out. No live probing, unspecified pin bridging, or damaged-battery servicing.
  • Stop for damage, swelling, liquid, burning smells, or unclear instructions; consult qualified service. Photos, diagrams, and supplied readings are sufficient for these exercises.

Service and ESD guidance · Example PSU cable chart. Check your exact model.

Practice lab

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Saved on this device. Practice is ungraded.

Build and test

Choose an office desktop RAM upgrade

An office desktop needs at least 16 GB for its workload, and the approved upgrade budget is $85. The service manual supports DDR4 UDIMMs, two slots, 32 GB total, and no more than 16 GB per module. Select one matched kit from the supplied inventory so the technician orders parts the board can actually use.

Kit capacity—
Kit price—

Change choices to compare results, then check the requirements.

  • DDR4 generation
  • Desktop UDIMM form
  • At most two modules
  • At most 16 GB per module
  • At least 16 GB for the workload
  • At most 32 GB on this board
  • Kit at most $85
Lesson notes

Match RAM generation, speed, capacity, and slot population to the platform.

The first compatibility checks

Check memory generation, module type, capacity, number of modules, supported speeds, and the motherboard memory support notes.

  • DDR4 and DDR5 do not fit the same slots.
  • More modules can be harder to run fast.
  • Mixing kits can create surprises.

Why mixing kits is risky

Two kits can have the same size and speed on the label but use different internal memory chips or need different settings. Matched kits reduce guesswork.