How to choose a RAM for a laptop?

Most users are of the opinion that it is more profitable to assemble a computer than to purchase a whole system unit. And they are definitely right. The abundance of components for personal computers will allow you to assemble a “car” to taste and color, for any purpose, but it's not as simple as it might seem at first. The choice of parts must be approached wisely. In this article we will look at how to choose a RAM for a laptop and a desktop computer.

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Choose RAM

How to choose a RAM for the computer? Such a question is not in a hurry. First, get acquainted with the device itself, in order to understand what is at stake.

RAM is used to store a variety of data and commands that are important and necessary for the health of the operating system. The amount of memory must necessarily be enough for the device to work, otherwise - there is a risk of colliding with the “brakes” of the system, if it starts working at all.

The board itself is called a “memory module," and in simple terms, a bracket. The strap used for laptops is practically no different from the component for a desktop computer, so you can be guided by the following recommendations in both cases.

Now we can move on to the main selection criteria.

Important! If you decide to connect to the Internet, you need to purchase a device such as a modem, because without it you simply won’t succeed. Read in another our article about which modem for a laptop to connect to the Internet is better to choose.

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What do you need to know?

First you need to consider the model of the motherboard and processor. The memory module itself is attached directly to the motherboard, which can always support only certain types of RAM. We conclude that the processor, motherboard and RAM are connected to each other.

Important! In order to avoid incompatibilities, the first thing you need to do is go to the official website of the manufacturer and find out the supported memory types.

After these steps, you can go to the technical characteristics of the bar.

Important! For greater convenience, working with a laptop and to avoid overheating, experts recommend purchasing special stands. Check out another of our articles on how to choose a good stand for laptop. 

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Types

Today, the most relevant are the DDR modules. They can be classified by the following parameters:

• DDR SDRAM “Old Man” for his brothers. It has a very small clock frequency, which is approximately 400 mHz.
• DDR2 is also not the best choice for our days. Today, you can hardly find this type of RAM slats.
• DDR3 is a more modern type, but already it is losing its relevance.
• DDR4 is the leader of our time. It has the best performance and wins in all respects. It is an evolutionary development of previous models and feels great on the market since 2014.
• DDR5 is just around the corner. Leading engineers promise that this product will show itself closer to 2019.

All the examples that you see below will be given for the latest generation of devices.

Important! Laptops are prone to overheating. Therefore, in order to avoid premature damage to your PC, it is very important to protect it from the effects of excessive heat.This can be done using thermal grease for the processor and heatsink. It is desirable that it be of good quality. If you are poorly versed in this, our review will be of help to you, where they are examined in detaildifferent types of the best thermal greases. 

Volume

If you ever thought about how to choose a memory module for a computer, then you should already have heard about this parameter. Any user who “communicates” with a computer at an amateur level has heard about the amount of memory.

Important! RAM memory is the amount of information that RAM can contain at one time. The greater this characteristic, the better for the device.

The volume should be chosen based on individual preferences and purchase goals:

• For the office, 4-8 gigabytes will be enough.
• But in order to play modern games and use professional highly specialized software, you will have to purchase slats 16-32 GB in size.

Important! The growth of memory in the market is accompanied by an increase in prices, remember this when you make a choice.

If you decide to save on the purchase of a new one and build your own computer, do not forget about its main component - the power supply. On our portal of useful tips, we have provided useful information and practical recommendations on which power supplies for the computer is better.

Clock frequency

The speed of data exchange with the “brain” of the computer depends on the values ​​of this parameter. The higher the frequency, the higher the speed.

Important! In no case should the clock frequency exceed the motherboard frequency; otherwise, you may encounter system failures.

Delays

Timings inversely affect the performance and price category of devices. Time delays are indicated in a digital sequence of three elements, each of which is responsible for its own parameter:

• CAS Latency - Cycle time.
• RAS to CAS Delay - Full access time.
• RAS Precharge Time

Important! Among modern PC users, SSDs are gaining more and more popularity. And if you also decided to get such a device, check out another our article about how to choose a laptop SSD.

Voltage

This parameter directly affects the heat and energy consumption. Modern models have long come to power, which is a little more than one volt. By this selection criterion, you will not swing too much, since any manufacturer carefully monitors the voltage of its product.

Important! Do not try to change the voltage through the BIOS yourself. Such manipulations can lead to damage to your device or more dangerous consequences.

Manufacturers

The global market is captured by giant manufacturers who are always trying to please users, making the characteristics of the slats better and better. Such gestures cannot but please users, but it is worthwhile to understand that good quality costs good money. We recommend that you rely on the advice of experienced users in these matters, since it is impossible to say anything specific about each manufacturer.

Important! Despite the fact that laptops are equipped with a touchpad, not everyone is comfortable using it. Therefore, it is only natural that most laptop users purchase a computer mouse. To choose a high-quality and convenient device, study one more our article “How to choose a laptop mouse?”.

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Advice

Now you know how to choose the RAM on your computer, so you just have to give a couple of tips for the future:

• If possible, use several planks, instead of one larger size.

Important! Use the memory of the same manufacturer with the same characteristics and responses.

• The choice fell on the components for a laptop? This article is perfect for these devices. All the difference between such devices is only in size and form factor.
• There are two favorites, but one of them has such a price, which by no means can not afford? Find a bar with the same parameters, but with large timings.

Do you dream of a lightweight laptop so that it is fast in operation and the battery lasts as long as possible? Especially for you, we have collected user reviews and experts about different models. To view the results, you only need to go to the direct link “A lightweight laptop with a good battery.”.

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Stock footage

These instructions and tips will protect you from choosing bad RAM. Spend your money wisely and remember the compatibility of components, many novice users literally “burn out” at this stage. Good luck