Overview
This lecture covers key concepts related to supporting processors and upgrading memory, including troubleshooting, compatibility, and performance factors for CPUs and RAM.
Troubleshooting CPU and Virtualization Issues
- Virtualization errors in VirtualBox are often due to virtualization not being enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
- Overclocking capability can be checked via Windows System Information, BIOS/UEFI, and motherboard documentation.
- Overclocking is not generally recommended as a best practice.
CPU and Motherboard Compatibility
- Upgrading from AMD Athlon X4 950 to Ryzen 7 2700X on a Gigabyte B450 Aorus Pro motherboard is possible and provides significant performance improvement.
- Replacing a failing processor requires a new processor and thermal compound.
Processor and Memory Specifications
- A quad-core processor can handle 8 threads simultaneously.
- Motherboards with three gray and one black DIMM slot typically support DDR3 memory.
- DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are physically incompatible due to different notch locations.
- Memory with lower CAS Latency (CL) such as CL3 is faster than CL5.
- The speed of a PC4 24000 DIMM is 3,000 MHz.
Memory Installation and Troubleshooting
- Faster memory is indicated by lower CAS Latency and higher bandwidth, e.g., PC4 21300 CL9.
- If new RAM is not detected, verify BIOS/UEFI recognition, Windows version, module seating, and compatibility.
- ECC memory can detect but not correct 2-bit errors.
- A DIMM memory ad with timing 5-5-5-15 has a CAS Latency of CL5.
Dual Channeling and RAM Upgrades
- Installing mismatched DIMMs allows operation but disables dual channeling.
- Dual channeling improves performance; two 2-GB DIMMs are faster than a single 4-GB DIMM in such setups.
- Installing non-ECC DDR3 memory in an ECC DDR3 motherboard is not supported.
- If memory is not detected after an upgrade, the DIMM may be installed in the wrong slot.
Key Terms & Definitions
- BIOS/UEFI — Firmware interfaces for system configuration and hardware settings.
- Virtualization — Technology allowing multiple virtual machines on one physical machine.
- DIMM — Dual Inline Memory Module, a type of RAM stick.
- CAS Latency (CL) — Delay time between memory request and data availability.
- ECC Memory — Error-Correcting Code memory, detects and corrects memory errors.
- Dual Channeling — Memory feature doubling data transfer rate using paired modules.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review motherboard and memory documentation to ensure compatibility before upgrades.
- Practice troubleshooting steps when new hardware is not recognized.
- Use System Information and BIOS/UEFI to check system capabilities.