How to clean your RAM chip

RAM chip

Cleaning of RAM chip

Here's a way to solve a problem related to computers. Sometimes, a computer refuses to start and asks to insert a booting device to boot. Sometimes this happens when the RAM chip doesn't work because it may be just loosely fitted or covered with dust. Well, actually there is no need to call in a computer
serviceman and ask him to repair it. Here's a way to solve that problem. Just follow these simple steps and you can save money spent on the RAM chip and time needed for a repairman to come and repair your computer. It can also help you learn to clean your RAM chip if it's dusty.

1. If there are any gadgets or devices that are connected to the CPU like pen drives, USB data cables, etc., remove them. Switch off your computer and remove the main power plug from its socket on the wall.

2. Remove all the plugs and wires behind the CPU. Keep account of the way the wires were plugged so that you don’t insert the wrong wires in the wrong place after repairing. Keep the CPU on such a place that it is comfortable for you to repair it (my suggestion, on the floor/table). On one side of the CPU, you can find few holes on it. Keep the CPU gently on the table/floor such that the side with the holes is facing upwards and the backside is facing you.

3. Take a suitable screwdriver and start removing the screws on side of the CPU with holes on it that is now facing upwards. There will be few screws to remove. After removing the screws, keep them carefully beside you. Now remove that side gently and softly by sliding it away from the CPU. After sliding it for a few inches, take it up and place it down nearby.

4. You can find the RAM chip (a green colored chip the length of about 15cm as shown in the above picture) on the right upper side locked on a slot with two lockers on two sides. Remove the lockers by pushing them with your thumb, away from the chip. Take the chip out. Now place the CPU back without the chip and there is no need to insert any wires behind the CPU now.

5. When you switch on the CPU you will hear a beep sound. If you don’t hear the beep sound the problem is with the electric circuit in the CPU, for which you will have to do more research, which I will be discussing in my next article. If you hear the beep sound you can assure that the only problem with your CPU is the absence of the RAM chip. Place the CPU back on the table/floor.

6. You can find that one of the thin edges of the chip is in golden colour. Take an ordinary eraser and rub the golden edge on both sides roughly and carefully. You can see that all the circuits in the chip are present only on one side of the chip. You can see a circuit nearest to the golden edge in a straight line. Rub that circuit little more softly and little more carefully. After that, place it back in the CPU and ensure that you lock the lockers tightly.

7. Close the CPU and make sure you tighten the screws properly. Place the CPU back and connect all the wires in the right place. Now switch on the computer and it may ask you a question on whether to switch on the computer normally or not. Choose the ‘Start normally’ option. Now enjoy computing (computing originally means ‘a way of calculating’).

Note: - There are chances of getting minor electric shocks. Children below the age of 10 are advised to do this with the supervision of an adult.