Newb attempting to add ram to my 2 year old aurora comp

[newbie211]

Hey guys. I have an alien aurora computer about 2 years old that I purchased from dell with the following specs: intel core i7 cpu, 2.67ghz, 6 gigs of ram, and a radeon hd 5800 graphics card. I went ahead and purchased 2x 4gigs of ram (ddr3/pc3-10600) which were most recommended for my computer after a bit of research. Now when I open my pc up I realize that my graphics card is so close to the memory slots that I can't put the new memory into the computer. It would appear that I have to take out the graphics card first before putting in the ram. I'm unsure how to take this graphics card out safely.

I'm including a screenshot of the computer. But it's really not the best shot because the graphics card is being covered in this picture.

http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2010/01/alienware-aurora-alx-pc-review/10.jpg

If any more pictures are needed I can open the case up and snap some. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Coup27]

All PCI Express slots have a release lever at the opposite end to the I/O connectors.

Unscrew the GFX card (or release whatever mechanism Dell have used) and then wrap your hand around the GFX card and push down the lever. This will release one end of the GFX card and then you can pull it out. It might be a bit tight though.

Edit, pic:

 

[Smoblikat]

Judging by the pic (assuming your setup is the same) the graphics card isnt blocking your RAM slots.

 

[bbhaag]

No, but it looks like the cover might be blocking the release levers on the bottom. Its to hard to tell from the pic.
Maybe you could try taking off that black cover and see if that gains you a little bit more wiggle room.

 

[Schmide]

I just noticed. You're putting in 2 sticks of memory in a 3 channel board.

Intel Core i7 Bloomfield LGA 1366

Only supports sticks in 1,2,3,4, and 6 combinations. For (single, dual, dual/tripple, dual, tripple respectively)

Usually populated

single
012345
. x . . . .

dual
012345
. x . x . .
x x x x . .

tripple
012345
. x . x . x
x x . x . x (this is the one odd combination)
x x x x x x

You're going to be forced to run with 4 sticks in dual channel mode.

Edit: I guess it's not that bad you may be able to run in the odd combination above and get tripple channel, giving up one 2gb chip.

Probably
tripple
012345
24.4.2 (this is the one odd combination)

 

[Smoblikat]

I just noticed. You're putting in 2 sticks of memory in a 3 channel board.

Intel Core i7 Bloomfield LGA 1366

Only supports sticks in 1,2,3,4, and 6 combinations. For (single, dual, dual/tripple, dual, tripple respectively)

Usually populated

single
012345
. x . . . .

dual
012345
. x . x . .
x x x x . .

tripple
012345
. x . x . x
x x . x . x (this is the one odd combination)
x x x x x x

You're going to be forced to run with 4 sticks in dual channel mode.

Haha, I cant believe I didnt catch that.

 

[bbhaag]

Why cant he use his new memory in dimms 1 and 3 under the dual configuration? Why won't the MB support it under this configuration?

Sorry if I sound like a n00b. I've been an AMD guy for the last decade and Intel configurations are fairly new to me. I just built my son an i3 setup and this is the first time I've had an Intel since my P3 350MHz days. So I guess I'm playing catch up on the Intel side.

 

[Schmide]

Why cant he use his new memory in dimms 1 and 3 under the dual configuration? Why won't the MB support it under this configuration?

It can run dual in 1 and 3.

I looked it up and it's prob better to run in dual channel than triple channel.

http://www.behardware.com/articles/846-5/intel-core-i7-3960x-x79-express-and-lga-2011.html

There is better latency.

So maybe
dual channel
012345
2424..

Leaving one 2gb stick out.

 

[bbhaag]

^^^^Ah I see. I was under the impression that the OP was going to ONLY use the new memory he bought and sell off the old.
It seems(maybe I'm wrong)you were under the impression he was going to mix the new with the old.
Very confusing haha. Maybe the OP can add some clarification.