Can you replace the Memory DIMM slot?

Question

My motherboard has only two DIMM slots for DDR-RAM I have a 512 in the first one, and "had" a 256 in the 2nd. One day I decided to clean my VERY dusty insides. I removed both modules cleaned them VERY carefully and put'em back.
Then my Bios wouldn't register my memory. Long story short both modules work fine in the first slot, neither work in the second. So my question is can I replace then slot,? Or can someone guide me to a site that I can get some more info on this?

Answer 1

You should not try to replace the slot unless you are very good with a soldering iron and solder and are familiar with circuit boards. It would mean detaching all of the leads and removing the slot, then reattaching a new one. Too much solder and you could cross the leads and do further damage. Not enough and the leads don't make good contact and the slot still will not work. Very tedious work requiring very steady hands and good eyesight.

It could very well be that there was some debris that got into the slot when you were cleaning. Use a flashlight or other bright light source to check the slot. Be careful to not damage the contacts in the slot or handle the contact leads on the bottom of the DIMM cards because body oils may cause corrosion over time and they cut down on the conduction of electricity. Using some cloth materials can create static electricity which can damage the DIMMs, too. You should not use anything metal such as a screwdriver, tweezers or needle nose pliers to remove debris from the slot. A plastic toothpick may work but, again, be very careful.

I would not recommend the soda straw method because of the moisture and possibly spittal being expelled when blowing. Either can be corrosive to some circuits.

Instead, use a commercial, NON-liquid, compressed air duster such as Falcon Dust Off or Clean Safe Dust Remover. EndDust computer duster, or similar brands. They come with a thin, red, flexible plastic tube (smaller than a soda straw and provides a stronger blast of air) taped to the can and is to be attached to the spray nozzle. Be sure yours has one because they sometimes get detached.

Bend the tube gentlely to angle into tight area. Do not touch the metal can against the internal components. Hold the can upright. Move the case around to better access. Blow out the slot using short quick blasts of acompressed air rather than long continuous blasts.

Re-insert the memory in both slots making sure both end clips snap into place properly and securely and test it again.

If this does not work, then the damaged has probably already been done. In which case, you might try buying a single 1GB DIMM and put it into the working slot. That is, if the motherboard will support it.

Otherwise, it may be time to replace the motherboard.

Answer 2

NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!

that is quite possibly the most idiotic thing you can do! do NOT listen to the poster above me.
while blowing air between your lips you often release saliva which can and will fry your entire motherboard
go to walmart and get a can of compressed air (their like 6 bucks) use that to clean the slot.

note: DO NOT TURN THE CAN UPSIDE DOWN WHILE RELEASING THE AIR.
if the above doesnt work then you most likely you fried the second slot, only way to fix it is to replace the motherboard.

Answer 3

Hi. Sounds like the slot has some dust in it. Try a soda straw and blow out any dirt, then reseat the DIMM.

Answer 4

SODIMM memory is typically for laptops and is smaller . So it is not compatible.