Low system memory is often the reason your laptop has lost its oomph. Most people have heard of laptop SODIMMs, which are modern memory upgrades for laptops. But what exactly is this and how do you choose the right one for your laptop? Let’s not confuse you!
What’s a laptop SODIMM, you ask?
SODIMM stands for Small Outline Dual Inline Module. It’s quite a long list, don’t you think. A SODIMM, which is a small form of modern laptop memory, is sold under the name “Printed Circuit Board”.
Therefore, if you find a laptop with a memory upgrade, it is most likely to be a SODIMM. Do all laptop SODIMMs look the same? It’s not so simple as it sounds.
Laptop SODIMMs are different depending on the type of memory they have. For example, older SDRAM SODIMMs are 144pin. The slightly more recent DDR and DDR2 SODIMMs are 200pin. The current DDR3 SODIMM is 204pin. They also have slightly different physical dimensions.
It is important to keep in mind that different types of laptop SODIMMs cannot be combined on the same laptop. If your laptop has DDR3 memory, it’s not worth trying to put a DDR2 SSDIMM inside. It’s not just the number of pins that can vary, but also the layout of the pins, operating voltage and timings, as well as the addressing.
Do you think this means that upgrading should be left to professionals? No!
Laptop SODIMM Compatibility
Although it is impossible to mix and mix SDRAM, DDR2, DDR2 and DDR3 SODIMM’s (or any combination thereof), it is possible to mix and mix the same types of SODIMM’s together, even though the brands of memory may be different. Let’s look at this in context.
Let’s say, for example, that you own a DDR2 laptop with one DDR2 SODIMM. The capacity of the laptop is irrelevant, but let’s say it has 2GB. Now you want to upgrade to 4GB, but the DDR2 laptop memory upgrades that you bought are of a different brand (i.e. Samsung Vs Hynix). This will work. Yes, in 99 percent of cases! The brand is not an issue. What is important is that the modules are DDR2 and follow the DDR2 SODIAMM specification.
This is acceptable, even if the memory timings of the modules differ (unless you need every bit of performance). You should only pay attention to the memory speed when buying memory. If your 2GB RAM is PC2-5300 (667MHz efficient), you will want to ensure that your new DDR2 laptop SODIMM also is at least PC2-5300. Otherwise, the memory controller in your laptop will force both SODIMM’s to run at the slower (i.e. You will need to make sure that your new DDR2 laptop SODIMM is at least PC2-5300 if you have 2GB RAM. Otherwise, the memory controller within your laptop will be forced to run both SODIMM’s at the speed of the slower (i.e. This can be extrapolated further by stating that the PC2-5300 DDR SODIMM module and the PC2-6400 DDR Module will work together, but at 667MHz rather than 800MHz (effective).
Why is it that mixing different laptop SODIMM brands will not work in 99 percent of cases? Incompatibility is the short answer. The long answer is that not all laptop memory brands conform to the JDEC specification. Other times, BIOS (Basic Input Out System), found in laptops, have bugs. This results in a laptop that beeps when it is turned on, but displays a black screen.
Are there ways to upgrade your laptop without causing any problems or reducing performance? There is no way to completely avoid laptop SODIMM compatibility issues. After all, it’s you who orders the product. However, if you follow these key recommendations, we are almost certain that you will be smiling soon.
Upgrade laptop SODIMMs – Key recommendations to consider before buying
Below is a short list of things you need to consider when buying a laptop SODIMM. We recommend the following:
A)If possible, try to buy the same memory brand as what you have already installed or upgrade your laptop’s memory from a trusted brand.
B Get the same speed memory as what is currently installed. If PC2-5300 has been installed, then you should buy a PC2-5300 SODIMM laptop SODIMM. It’s rare that your laptop’s memory controller can operate at a higher memory specification, and even if it could, it will not (unless all SODIMM’s are updated to the faster version).
C Whenever possible, try to buy SODIMMs with the same capacity as what you have currently installed (see below for reasons).
D If your laptop memory upgrade doesn’t come with a lifetime warranty, it’s best not to purchase it. Reputable memory brands offer lifetime read more from this url link warranties as they are confident in their products.
E)You can buy mainstream laptop SODIMMs instead of performance laptop SODIMMs.These will offer a slight performance boost and faster memory timings. To run at these timings, all memory modules installed must meet the spec. Your laptop’s BIOS will most likely use slower timings than the faster ones.
Laptop SODIMM dual channel mode
Modern laptops can support dual channel mode, which is what the vast majority of them do. This means that two laptop SODIMMs can be accessed simultaneously for increased performance (bandwidth).
Dual channel mode (in DDR memory notebooks) was only available in synchronous mode when it was first introduced. Modern DDR2 memory laptops and DDR3 memory laptops support both synchronous or asynchronous modes.