Memory Upgrade for your PC
DDR2 / PC2 - 240 pins (200 for SO-DIMM)
DDR3 / PC3 - 240 pins (204 for SO-DIMM) not compatible with DDR2
DDR4 / PC4 -
Error Correcting Code (ECC) RAM is mostly used in servers and aims to detect and correct data corruption. Most desktop and laptop computers will not run it.
Numbers on back of RAM explained.
DDR4-3200 - 3200 refers to the clock frequency
SO-DIMM - Small Outline DIMM in laptops and small form factor computers
DDR - Double Data Rate
DDR3-1600 is also PC3-12800 - generation of the RAM and its transfer speed. DDR3-1600 RAM operates at 1600 MT/s or the same as PC3-12800 operates at 12800 MB/s
S or SoDimm
12800S - the S on the end refers to size, it is a smaller SoDimm or form factor type ram commonly used in laptop computers, all-in-one computers, etc. Sometimes the memory might say 12800 SoDimm rather than 12800S. Same thing.
12800 - without the S should be full sized 240 pin memory. Be careful because sometimes instead of having the S at the end of the number they leave it off, and then somewhere else state that it is SoDIMM or 200/204 pin.
Some Examples
example (1):
PC3 10600S-9-11-F3
- PC3 (same as DDR3)
- 10600 (bandwidth in MB/s),
- S (stands for SODIMM, it's RAM for laptops),
- 9 (CAS latency).
- 11 is the SPD Revision or a way the memory communicates to BIOS
- F3 is the Gerber Revision or changes in the printed circuit board
If it says PC3L it can operate at 1.35V or 1.5V
L is for low voltage. Don't mix L and non-L. If the laptop requires L then use L. DDR3L is a dual voltage capable memory SoDIMM, which supports operation at both 1.5V and 1.35V. DDR3L is also pin-compatible with DDR3. DDR3 is a single voltage capable memory SoDIMM, which supports 1.5V operation only.
example (2):
PC3L-12800S DDR3 1600MHz 204pin So-Dimm
Low voltage DDR3 ram
