Laptop RAM vs Desktop RAM

Laptop RAM vs Desktop RAM

Random Access Memory is an important part of a computer system. It is also known as system memory or the main memory of a computer system. It stores the files temporary in the computer storage and the software that is currently being used by that computer.

Both laptop systems and desktop system have RAM, but there is a bit of a difference in their performance as well as their working. To know what is the difference, we are going to discuss details on Laptop RAM Vs Desktop RAM.

Desktop RAM (DIMM)

Work areas utilize a memory known as the Double In-Line Memory Module (DIMM). This is a sort of PC memory that contains a few RAM chips on a solitary circuit board. This makes it ready to do quick information transfer contrasted with different kinds of recollections. The memory, which is locally 64 bits, contains pins that link it directly to the motherboard.

DIMM is gradually supplanting SIMM (single in-line memory module), which utilizes a 32-bit memory. Since Double in-line Memory utilizes a 64-bit transfer area, it can manage the cost of moving double the amount of data that SIMM can.

This makes them more viable with most of the present-day PCs that pack a 64-bit data bandwidth. To get a similar speed of data transfer rate with a SIM module, you would need to install it in pairs on your motherboard, but it will take more space.

The dynamic RAM (DRAM) refreshes the memory constantly. It is because it is meant to deliver good performance and not to lose its contents. Basically, it is a type of primary memory, and it’s cheaper than secondary memory.

There are several types of DIMMs for the desktop, which may include

  • SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM)
  • DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM)
  • DDR2-SDRAM (Double Data Rate 2 Synchronous RAM)
  • DDR3-SDRAM (Double Data Rate 3 Synchronous RAM)

Laptop RAM (SO-DIMM)

Laptops have a Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module. This is also RAM, but it’s much smaller than DIMMs that are used in a desktop. SO-DIMMs are also very powerful primary memory found in notebooks and laptops that use the Mini ITX motherboards because they have limited expansion space.

Laptops should be small and versatile by configuration; enormous RAM chips size like DIMM wouldn’t be ideal since they are huge and may not fit into the motherboard of a laptop. Utilizing big RAM chips like DIMMs would fundamentally expand the laptop’s size, making them unendurably cumbersome.

A SO-DIMM chip is the generally smaller size of a DIMM, making them more adaptable when designing a laptops design slot. They are likewise lovely simple to update since they are situated on an easy to access area of the motherboard.

The main design of SO-DIMMs has just 32- bit data transfer capability. They have 72 pins that are the connectors used to append the chip to the motherboard. In any case, the latest SO-DIMM chips can accompany 144 pins and can transfer a similar 64-bit data transfer like DIMMs.

Below are some common types of SO-DIMMs:

  • SDR DRAM: 100 pins with 2 notches
  • SDR SDRAM: 144 pins with 1 notch
  • DDR/DDR2 SDRAM: 200 pins with 1 notch
  • DDR3 SDRAM: 204 pins with 1 notch
  • DDR4 SDRAM: 260 pins with 1 notch
  • UniDIMM: 260 pins 1 notch

Laptop RAM and Desktop RAM

Perhaps you may wonder if RAMs of both laptop and desktop are compatible with each other just in case you want to swap or transfer them, then it is possible. All things considered, some exceptional old laptops and desktops systems may allow RAM transfer because of their slots.

The number of pins on RAM of a laptop should be viable with the space on the motherboard of a desktop. After swapping the desktop RAM and laptop RAM, the rate of data transfer and performance stays the same for both of the systems.

The solitary condition for swapping RAM between both of these systems is for the RAM to meet the requirements of both systems. In case you are replacing the desktop’s DDR3 RAM with the laptop’s DDR3 RAM, then it may be possible.

Differences Between Desktop and Laptop RAM

There are few critical differences in desktop RAM and laptop RAM. A user needs to understand these differences in case he wants to check the performance or in case he wants to transfer or swap the RAMs.

It is critical to know about all the prerequisites of the laptop or a PC before buying the RAM for the system. The differences rely upon the following factors.

1. Size

The complete number of pins found in a PC RAM is 240. It is a direct result of the large actual size and more pin design. The length is about 4.5 inches. Personal computers RAM can be estimated from around 100, 168, and 184. It is a direct result of the huge space gave on the workstation.

The RAM on a laptop estimates 72, 100, and 104. It has a complete number of pins on the laptop, to be around 204. The normal length is 3 inches. Subsequently, this implies that the RAM area on a laptop is smaller than that of a PC.

2. Bios Support

RAM is very supportive in running the operating system on either desktop or laptop system. It also plays a major role in playing games, and running high-end software get a great benefit from the high amount of RAM.

For a desktop computer, RAM may vary between 1GB to 8GB as basic, which can also be updated or expanded later on. The laptop can support 16GB of built-in RAM, but that can also be upgraded later on according to the user’s choice. This supports highly in the functioning of all the basic input-output units around the system

3. Memory Slot

Memory slots vary on different workstations and laptop systems. Some offer expandable RAM options, where some doesn’t. Usually, desktop systems have 2 to 4 slots for RAM that can include additional RAM for expanding the memory. This is done by editors, gamers and any person who is more into interactive tasks and multi-tasking.

The difference with the laptops is that they only come with 2 RAM slots which is why it is not possible to expand their RAM. It happens due to the limited space provided on a small body of a laptop.

4. Compatibility

For the latest desktop and laptop systems, the RAM is not interchangeable as both of them have different motherboards and support different RAM sizes. For old models of desktop and laptops, it was possible to switch RAMs in identical slots. Some adaptors for the desktop computer may allow the laptop to run on a desktop system, but it’s not beneficial. Laptop RAM is always compatible with an only a laptop computer.

5. Utility

Work area RAM is best for gamers who like to increase the PC memory to meet gaming needs. It can likewise be the awesome software engineers, for visual creators, and one’s who don’t have to take their gaming system anywhere outside. They can choose to upgrade their system RAM according to their choice.

In conclusion, the ones who consistently upgrade their work area framework get the facility to easily upgrade RAM as it contains more slots and openings to help in better execution. The RAM area slots in workstations can give the client in excess of 4 RAM slots.

Laptop RAMs are compact and made to fit in the body of a laptop. It cannot be upgraded or expanded like users can do with PC RAM, but still, the RAM on the laptop helps to do fundamental tasks and assignments or watch any videos without a problem with good rendering.

6. Price

There is a difference of the price of both RAM for desktop and the RAM for laptop systems. Desktop RAM is cheaper than laptop RAM. Laptop RAM is expensive because of its portable and small size with DDR4.

Conclusion

This was a detailed discussion of a comparison between laptop RAM and PC RAM. We shared info about their functionalities and their multiple differences, along with their difference in price and size as well. For more, leave a response in the box given below.

FAQ’s

Q#1: Can I use desktop RAM in a laptop?

Ans: No, it’s not under any condition. Laptop RAM can’t be utilized in a workstation motherboard. Some ITX structure factor motherboards use SODIMM memory, however, they are rare.

Q#2: Is PC RAM less expensive than laptop RAM?

Ans: There’s a wide scope of costs for RAM modules. Yet, around Laptop RAM costs equivalent or more than PC RAM.

Q#3: Do workstations require special RAM?

Ans: For anybody searching for the exposed registering fundamentals, 4GB of PC RAM ought to be adequate. In the event that you need your PC to have the option to impeccably achieve additional requesting tasks immediately, like gaming, visual depiction, and programming, you ought to have at any rate 8GB of laptop RAM.

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