What are the differences between desktop and laptop RAM? Being one of the most important parts of the computer which determines the level of performance on the desktop computer or the laptop is called the RAM (Random Access Memory) or it is also known as the system memory or main memory.
It is a computer storage that stores files temporarily. It even stores software that is currently being used by the computer. It is very crucial for any computer system.
It is a short term memory for one’s personal computer. It stores the most frequently used programs. It even stores instructions which are used to speed up one’s overall system. RAM or Random Access Memory is also known as the fastest medium of storage in one’s system.
When it is compared to HDD (hard disk drive) which is a computer memory, that can be accessed randomly. Any preceding byte can be untouched and accessed where all the data on the computer is stored on the hard drive.
The RAM chip is the data that the computer uses and works with and is read into the working memory. This is done for the CPU to work with the data during normal operation.
Usually, RAM fits into the motherboard. And in cases it doesn’t, one can find the steps available in the motherboard’s manual or on the motherboard manufacturer’s website.
Both RAM on laptop and desktop computers highly depend on the motherboard requirements of the computers. It is important to know the requirements of the computer before buying any type of memory.
It is important for the desktop computer or laptop user while purchasing the RAM. If the user considers the high performance memory for editing or gaming then upgrading the RAM can be important.
It does not bother the average user. RAM prevents the CPU from digging the device’s slower storage like a hard drive or even SSD. The RAM can be read from any capable path because it is a hard-wired connection to the device and it causes no latency in the connection.
RAM is also known for its multitasking purpose. And it allows multiple programs to load at the same time. Upgrading the RAM is possible and it depends on the user’s choice for desktop or laptop RAM.
There are a large number of varieties available. The commonly used RAM in today’s types of computers is DIMMs also known as Dual In-Line Memory Modules.
It is a small circuit board that holds memory chips which make it capable of fast data transfer compared to other types of memory. RAM that has 64 bits has pins that are directly connected to the motherboard.
Since SIMM is slowly replaced by DIMM. It uses a 32-bit memory path since DIMM uses a 64-bit bus. It forces double the data transfer at once making them more compatible with the majority of modern computers.
That has 64 bit data. With SIMM one has to install it in pairs to achieve the same speed of data rate. It leads to taking up more space on the motherboard.
DIMM is categorized as Dynamic RAM also DRAM. It means that the memory needs to be refreshed constantly to avoid losing its contents. It is the most common type of primary memory and is also inexpensive than Static memory.
DIMMs are of many types like SDRAM also known as Synchronous Dynamic RAM, DDR SDRAM known as Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM, DDR2 SDRAM known as Double Data Rate Synchronous RAM and, lastly DDR3 SDRAM known as Double Data Rate 3 Synchronous RAM.
Laptop use a different type of RAM known as Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module or SO DIMM. One can understand with the name that it is smaller than the regular DIMM and uses integrated circuits.
This RAM is mostly used in laptops and notebooks which is an integrated component. Because of the limited expansion of space, it is also found in networking hardware like routers and high-end office printers.
It is roughly half the size of a regular DIMM which makes it more flexible when designing the small memory slot. The only component which can be upgraded is the RAM or the memory because they are placed on an easily accessible area on the laptop motherboard.
SO DIMM previously had only 32 bits data that transferred and has 72 pins which are used as a connector to attach the chip to the motherboard.
Some types of SO DIMMs are SDRAM having 144 pins with a single notch, DDR/DDR2 SDRAM having 200 pins with a single notch, DDR3 SDRAM having 204 pins with a single notch, DDR4 SDRAM having 260 pins with a single notch and UniDIMM having 260 pins with a single notch.
Old versions of Desktop RAM are compatible with the older versions of laptop RAM. One can swap all laptop or desktop memory keeping in mind the number of pins on the RAM.
Which is compatible with the slot on the motherboard. Once the transfer is successful the laptop RAM to desktop RAM. Then the transfer speed remains the same.
Few conditions need to be kept in mind. Like if one is using a DDR3 desktop RAM then to swap it one needs to use a laptop DDR3 RAM. To ensure this, it makes all the specifications needed on the desktop computer.
Speed is also an important factor for compatibility. Laptop memory can be expanded and it’s a very usual thing. People who love gaming and designing prefer to expand the desktop or laptop memory(RAM).
The desktop memory expanding the RAM space on both personal computers is possible. Some computers come with an extra slot for expanding while the others only come with one having only a single slot.
One can replace it with a bigger memory but before replacing or exchanging or upgrading the RAM. It should be compatible with the motherboard.
For instance, if the motherboard allows up to 4GB RAM, one cannot expand the computer to 8GB. While both RAMs are very similar. They have a few differences. The user should keep in mind while purchasing it for the particular personal computer.
Differences between Desktop and Laptop RAM
Though they sound the same they have a lot of differences in size, compatibility, memory slot, and many more. The performance provided by Desktop Computer RAM is better than the RAM in the Laptop Computer. But in the end, it all depends on the user’s choice and budget.
1. Size
Desktop computers RAM can be measured from about 100, 168, and 184. The total number of pins found in a desktop RAM is 240. The length is about 4.5 inches. It is because of the vast space provided on the desktop computer. It is because of the big physical size and more pin configuration.
On the other hand, laptop RAM measures 72, 100, and 104. Which brings the total number of pins on the laptop to be about 204. The average length is 3 inches. Therefore, this means that the desktop RAM is a bit bigger in size than the laptop RAM because of the compact space in a laptop.
2. Bios Support
RAM on the desktop computer is very much needed. A maximum amount is required to run the operating system. Users who are interested in playing games or using applications where the requirements are minimum. Also, these requirements are registered in GB or Gigabytes. For desktop computer RAM, it is frequently from 1GB to 8GB. One can even expand the RAM according to one’s choice.
Laptop computers can support up to 16GB of RAM. The laptop starts lagging once it reaches the maximum RAM supported by the operating system.
3. Memory Slot
Types of computers come with more expandability options than laptop computers. One can add more than two slots for RAM memory on the desktop computer. Therefore, desktop computer RAM can be expandable for most gamers, editors, and ones doing intensive tasks for expanding then RAM.
The laptop comes with only 2 slots. That is the reason it cannot be expanded. It is due to the limited space provided in a laptop which leaves less expansion of the RAM.
4. Compatibility
Desktop computer RAM is bigger because of the size of the desktop computer. It is not interchangeable. One cannot use a laptop RAM on a desktop RAM slot. Some desktop computer adaptors allow using laptop RAM. The older generation of RAM is incompatible with the newer versions.
Laptop RAM will only be compatible with the laptop computer.
5. Utility
Desktop Ram is best for the gamers who like to expand the computer memory to meet the gaming needs. It can also be the best for programmers, for graphic designers, and one’s who do not need to carry their computer outdoors. They can also opt for desktop RAM. Lastly, the ones who always upgrade their desktop system because it contains more slots help in better performance. The RAM slots in desktop computers can provide the user more than 2 RAM slots.
Laptop RAM is made small to fit in the laptop case. It is because it can be best for traveling and is portable. Those who use the computer for basic tasks such as watching videos, browsing the web, sending emails, for regular and office work on the laptop. Then the RAM is better for users like them.
6. Price
The price of the desktop RAM is less than the laptop RAM. A good heatsink DDR4 RAM price starts from 59.85 USD for 8GB and 16GB it starts from 113.05 USD.
The price of the laptop RAM is more than the price of the desktop RAM. Because of its portable and small size DDR4, laptop RAM price for 4 GB starts from 35.9 1 USD and for 8GB starting from 62.5 1 USD.
Conclusion
Both RAM for desktop computers and RAM for laptops work the same when in the computer system. If one uses computers outdoors then one can opt for a laptop.
For students, tourists, travelers, and others who look for portability. But the ones who love gaming, programming, staying indoors then getting a RAM for the desktop can be better for them.
Also, the desktop computer’s RAM can be more expandable than a laptop computer’s RAM because it is placed in one place and cannot be portable. There, it is up to the user’s choice and preferences.
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