Define Motherboard Memory Slots
- One such memory system called random access memory (RAM) is connected to the computer motherboard via RAM slots. Definition RAM slots are vertical slots, typically numbering three or four, which usually are located at the upper-right corner of the motherboard.
- Most recent motherboards automatically detect installed memory modules regardless of the slot they occupy, but it is good practice to install modules in the lowest numbered slots first. For example, if a single-channel memory motherboard has four memory slots, they will be numbered 0 to 3 (or 1 to 4).
- RAM slots on a motherboard come in sets, and it is important to make sure you install RAM in sequence corresponding to these sockets. The RAM fits into long channels on the motherboard.
- One of the items that makes a motherboard immediately standout is the amount of memory slots it has. For mainstream platforms, having two or four memory slots, for dual channel memory at one DIMM.
Specifications may differ depending on your location, and we reserve the right to change without notice. Please check with your local dealers for detailed specifications.
A memory slot, memory socket, or RAM slot allows RAM (computer memory) to be inserted into the computer. Most motherboards have two to four memory slots, which determine the type of RAM used with the computer. The most common RAM types are SDRAM and DDR for desktop computers and SODIMM for laptop computers, each having various types and speeds. The picture below is an example of what memory slots may look like inside a desktop computer. In this picture, there are three open and available slots for three memory sticks.
When buying a new computer or motherboard, pay close attention to the types of RAM the memory slots can accept. Make sure you know exactly the type of RAM to buy for your computer. It is also important to note how many available memory slots are available in your computer. It is not uncommon for computers to have all memory slots occupied. If all slots are full and you want to upgrade the computer memory, you need to remove some or all of the existing memory.
Why are the memory slots different colors?
Motherboards With Cpu And Memory
When a motherboard has different colored memory slots, it indicates the memory slots are dual-channel, and pairs of memory should be installed on the same channel (color). For example, a motherboard could have two yellow and two black memory slots. The yellow memory slots could indicate Channel A and Channel B could be indicated by the black slots. If you were only installing two memory sticks, you'd want to install both of them in Channel A (yellow slots) for optimal performance.
Motherboard Slots Explained
Gigabyte Motherboard Ram Compatibility
Related pages
Memory module, Memory terms