Many individuals who are interested in purchasing new computers or repurposing their old can get easily confused regarding the differences between laptop and desktop PC RAM. Even if you’re a seasoned tech professional with computers, you’ll want to know the differences between laptop and desktop RAM.
So, what’s the deal with these two types of RAM? Are they the same?
RAM for laptop and desktop computers serve the same purpose but are different in shape and size. Laptops have SO-DIMM modules, which are much smaller than a desktop computer’s DIMM modules. The average size of desktop RAM is 4.5 inches, while the average laptop is 3 inches. Therefore, the RAM can’t be used interchangeably between the two.
Beyond just the size differences between laptop RAM and desktop RAM, there are also other factors to consider, such as the speed and type of the RAM. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about the differences between laptop RAM and desktop RAM.
What’s the Difference Between Laptop and Desktop RAM?
While RAM essentially does the same thing between laptops and desktops, there are a few key differences that you’ll want to be aware of.
RAM, or random access memory, is a type of computer data storage that stores information temporarily while a computer is turned on. The main difference between RAM on a desktop and a laptop is both physical size and speed.
Desktop RAM
Desktop computers have larger memory modules than laptops because they are designed to be more powerful.
Desktop RAM comes in standard sizes like 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB, so you can easily find the exact amount of RAM you need for your computer. Desktop RAM also has a faster speed than laptop RAM because it is designed to handle more tasks at once.
With desktops, something known as a dual in-line memory module is used for the system memory. This is also abbreviated as DIMM, and it consists of a number of smaller memory chips that are on the same circuit board. The majority of desktop computers use this type of memory.
Laptop RAM
Laptops use smaller memory modules than desktops because they’re designed for portability and battery life rather than power. Laptop RAM comes in standard sizes like 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB, so you may not be able to find exactly what you need if your laptop needs more than 4GB of RAM.
Laptop RAM also has a slower speed than desktop RAM because it’s designed to help prolong battery life rather than handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
With laptop RAM, the memory is referred to as a small outline dual in-line memory module, or SO-DIMM, for short. These memory systems are much smaller in comparison to desktop memory systems because they need to be able to fit into a laptop.
Compatibility
Laptop RAM won’t be backward compatible with desktop RAM, so if you’re trying to purchase desktop RAM and think it’ll work without any issue in your laptop, think again. This is important to note because many people like to upgrade their laptops or desktop computers over time.
The structure of the memory is much different between laptop and desktop RAM.
Can You Put Laptop RAM In a Desktop PC?
Laptop RAM is designed to run at a lower voltage and can’t handle high loads like desktop RAM can. The result is that laptop memory tends to fail sooner than desktop memory, so if you’re trying to upgrade an old laptop with some spare parts from your desk, it’s probably not worth the risk of getting less life out of your new memory.
That said, if you’re looking for cheap RAM for a desktop PC that’s built to last or has been around for a while, then yes, you can put laptop RAM in a desktop computer.
It will work fine as long as your motherboard supports it. You’ll have to do some research to see if your laptop motherboard will be able to support your desktop RAM because it’s not all that common that it will.
If you don’t figure out the compatibility between the RAM that you’re considering installing in your laptop or desktop PC, you could run into some negative issues very quickly.
Different motherboards use different types of memory slots. Desktop motherboards generally have two DIMM slots that are designed for DDR3 SDRAM or DDR4 modules, while laptop motherboards usually have one SO-DIMM slot (which looks like a stick of gum rather than two rectangular pieces).
Laptop RAM is usually made to be used with laptops, so they are usually 5- or 6-sided, rather than 2 or 4-sided like desktop memory. This means that the pins on the bottom of the chip will be different and might not fit into your motherboard.
Can You Convert Laptop RAM to Desktop RAM?
If you’re wondering if you can convert laptop RAM into desktop RAM, the quick answer is that you should be able to do so, but there are a number of things you’ll want to keep in mind.
As mentioned earlier, laptop RAM has a different pin configuration than desktop RAM does. So if you try to put a desktop chip into a laptop, it won’t fit as accurately as it should, and will probably damage the motherboard if you try to force it in.
But if you have the right kind of adapter, then you can use your desktop memory in a laptop without many hiccups along the way.
The second thing to keep note of is that laptop memory generally runs slower than desktop memory would run in its place. The reason for this is that laptops have lower power requirements than desktops do and therefore need less voltage and less speed to function correctly.
So, while your desktop computer might run at 1600MHz or even faster, the same memory might only run at 1333MHz or less inside your laptop.
And finally, when using desktop memory in your laptop there’s always an issue with heat generation and dissipation because there’s usually not enough room inside a laptop case for proper cooling fans and heat sinks like there would be in a full-size PC case with adequate ventilation holes for airflow.
How Can You Tell If Your RAM Is DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4?
The answer to this question can be a little bit tricky. First, It’s important to note that there are many different types of RAM, and each one works differently.
What Is DDR2?
DDR2 stands for Double Data Rate 2. DDR2 has been around since 2003. It’s also known as PC2-4200 (or 533MHz) or DDR2-533. DDR2 memory is no longer being manufactured, so if you have a computer that’s more than a few years old, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any of this type.
However, if you have an older PC and want to upgrade its memory, this is what you should be looking for.
What Is DDR3?
DDR3 stands for Double Data Rate 3 (or 667 MHz) and is much faster than DDR2 because it uses less power and generates less heat than its predecessor.
It was first introduced in 2007 and is still used today by some manufacturers due to its lower cost compared to DDR4 technology. If you see PC3-8500 or PC3-10600 listed as the memory speed on your computer specs, then it’s most likely running on DDR3 RAM (also known as 1333MHz).
What Is DDR4?
DDR4 is one of the latest technologies available in memory modules for computers today. It’s faster than the previous two versions listed above.
There are a few ways to figure out what type of RAM you have. The easiest way to check what type of RAM you have installed is to look at the model number on the sticker on your computer’s motherboard.
If you’re not sure how to find it, here are some tips:
- In Windows 10 or 8, right-click on the Start button and choose Device Manager. Under System Devices, look for something with a yellow exclamation mark next to it. Double-click that item and scroll down until you see “Memory”, then look for the model number (for example, DDR3-1066).
- In Windows 7 or Vista, open Control Panel and click System and Security. Click System and then click System Information. Look under Memory for something like “DDR3 1066” (or whatever type of memory your computer uses).
Different types of memory exist for laptops and desktops, but they’re both designed to handle similar tasks. Regardless of the machine you’re using, it’s important to have the right amount and type of memory in order to keep your system running as smoothly as possible.
If you’re considering upgrading your machine, pay careful attention to the speed and size of the RAM you’re wanting to install into it for the best results.