Before beginning the inspection, make sure your computer is safe by turning it off and unplugging it from the power source. When the computer is turned off, you canvideobudd remove the side panel to open the case. This usually entails pressing a latch or unscrewing a few screws. You can see the motherboard clearly when the case is open. Usually found close to the CPU socket, the RAM slots are long, thin connectors that are easily identifiable by their distinct colors from other motherboard parts.