How do you choose the RAM that fits in your appliance?
Choosing RAM
To choose the right RAM, you need to keep a few things in mind.
- DIMM is for desktops, SODIMM is for laptops.
- If you want to install more than 1 RAM module, they all need to have the same capacity.
- DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 don't work together.
- Multiple RAM modules may differ in speed and CAS latency, but it's not recommended.
- RAM with a higher RAM speed than the processor can handle works, but you won't benefit from the speed.
Which RAM do you need for a gaming PC?
When you're building your own gaming PC, you'll need to keep in mind that the RAM needs to match your motherboard exactly. Make sure to check the manual and the specifications of your motherboard, what the maximum speed is, and the type of memoy. When DDR4 with 3200MHz best suits your motherboard, your system will work the fastest when you use this memory type.
Which RAM do you need for a desktop?
Do you want to speed up your Windows or Linux desktop with extra RAM? Check which type of memory you have now. In Windows 10, you can do this via Task Manager under Performances. You'll see if DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5 has been installed, and how fast it is. In Linux, this is a little more difficult. You can perform the command 'dmidecode --type 17' in the terminal. For the best performance, choose exactly the same RAM. The number of free slots on your motherboard indicate up to how many modules you can install.
Which RAM do you need for a laptop?
Just like with a desktop, the RAM in your laptop needs to match the currently installed memory. The difference is the size. A SODIMM module is smaller than a DIMM module. You can follow the same steps as with a desktop to find out which type of memory needs to be installed. It's more difficult to check the number of free slots on a laptop than it is on a desktop. Check the manual for this.
Which RAM do you need for iMac?
Even though an iMac is a desktop, you'll need a SODIMM to do the upgrade. Before you get started, you want to know which memory type fits in this iMac. Click on the Apple logo on the top left and click on 'About this Mac'. You can find the currently installed memory here. The new RAM should be the exact same as the current memory type of the iMac. If not, the computer won't start.
Which RAM do you need for a MacBook?
Just like Windows laptops and the iMac, MacBook models also use SODIMM RAM modules. In the same way as with the iMac, you can find out which type of RAM is suitable for you MacBook and which memory type is currently installed. Click on the Apple logo at the top left and go to 'About this Mac'. The MacBook and iMac work in exactly the same way in terms of RAM. Does your new module work slightly different than the current one on the motherboard? Your MacBook won't work.
How much memory can I install as much as possible?
Now you know how to choose the correct type of RAM, you'll also want to know the maximum that you can install. This partially depends on the amount of RAM your motherboard supports, and if your current memory has any limits. For example, DDR3 and DDR3L are always limited to 16GB. Your operating system plays a role as well. In a computer with Windows 7 Home Basic, you install up to 8GB of RAM. In a PC with Windows 7 Home Premium, you can install up to 16GB. In contrast, you can already easily install 128GB of RAM with the entry-level version of Windows 10.
