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In some very rare instances, when a desktop PC is handled, particularly through shipping, due to it's inherent size and weight, some of the internal components can become dislodged from their locations. Re-seating them as a form of troubleshooting is simple and easy to do, even with no prior knowledge, and generally can be carried out with basic hand tools that you likely already have at home.
The above video details some general steps to a typical layout desktop PC. If you're not able to view the video, the steps are detailed below with pictures and text to accompany it
Prepare your workspace
You will need a clean workspace where you will be able to gently place your PC for un-installation of the RAM. Please also prepare a Philips head screwdriver. This will be required to remove the side panel from the computer. Make sure that the PC is powered off, and completely unplugged from the wall
Remove the side panel and locate the RAM
Our Scorptec Ready to Run PCs ship with internal packaging to protect them in transit. Generally, the first thing you are advised to do when you receive a PC from Scorptec, is to open the side panel and remove the packaging. In a similar manner, the first step to gain access to the RAM, is to open the side panel, and identify the RAM on the motherboard. Generally, they will be located next to the CPU cooler, or the large fan in the middle of the case, running vertically down the computer chassis.
Release the RAM from the motherboard
Once you've identified the location of the RAM, identify the locking tabs that hold the stick in place. This locking tab can be either at one end, or both ends of the RAM, depending on your motherboard. Release the locking mechanism by pressing down firmly on the release tab. You should notice the end of the stick raises just by pressing the tab down. Then, carefully lift the RAM stick away from the motherboard.
Identify correct RAM slot order
Your RAM sticks will have a preferred position for installation, and it's important to ensure this is observed when re-installing these sticks to ensure that the PC is not damaged, or operating correctly. Firstly, your PC will generally ship with less sticks of RAM than available slots, so its important to install the RAM to the correct slots. Your motherboard's installation manual will detail the capabilities of each slot, but generally, the motherboard will have markings to identify which slots should be occupied first.
Please be sure to occupy the primary slots first. Your PC can operate with only a single stick of RAM for the sake of troubleshooting, as long as you occupy the primary slot first.
Identify RAM positioning
Generally, for DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 RAM, it will only fit inside the slot one way. The notched keyway halfway along the RAM's golden contacts, will identify the correct orientation. It's important to take note that the notch is aligned with the notch in the motherboard slot. Do not force the RAM, and make sure if you encounter resistance, reassess your installation prior to proceeding to ensure the notches are aligned.
Ensure the RAM is clipped in on both sides of the motherboard
Once the RAM sticks are aligned with the slot, insert the bottom edge of the stick into the socket, and gently lever in the opposite end, until you feel it click into place. Repeat this process until all sticks of RAM in your kit are installed.
With all of your RAM sticks re-installed into their correct slots, you can go ahead, clear the chassis of any tools you've used, re-install the side panel to your case, and power on the machine.
Please remember that the first time you power on the machine after making hardware changes, your PC may take longer than usual to boot up. That is because the PC is detecting hardware changes, and performing additional checks to ensure it is detecting the hardware.
Please also note that in performing this change, your BIOS settings may be reset, meaning your RAM will be running at it's default speed, rather than it's advertised speed. To re-enable it's highest available speed, you will need to enter the BIOS configuration, and re-enable XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD).
This procedure is different for each manufacturer and model, and is detailed in your motherboard's user manual.