Random Access Memory (RAM)
Like every component of a laptop, Random Access Memory (RAM) is subject to innovations and technological advances.
Its format has evolved, as well as its data processing speed.
Furthermore, memory modules do not adopt the same format for a laptop as they do for a desktop, another variable to consider if you want to add RAM to your machine!
Existing RAM formats to date
- DDR: Present in older machines, buying a PC with this type of memory is not recommended at all given the current state of this technology compared to others.
- DDR2: With this type, modules perform better when paired together, with a performance increase of up to +25% compared to DDR.
- DDR3 : The most common model, which has therefore seen a price decrease. Superior to DDR2.
- DDR4 : Launched in 2015, this model is less power-hungry than its predecessor DDR3 while remaining equally performant.
As you can see, the easiest option is to go for the newest RAM with the highest number, while ensuring it is compatible with your machine of course.
Regarding frequency, it corresponds to the speed at which data is processed by the RAM and can reach up to 4,800 MHz today.
The important point to remember here is that you should always pair RAM modules with the same frequency.
It is possible to pair a 3,000 MHz module with a 3,300 MHz one, however, the PC will only run both at 3,000 MHz, the lowest maximum frequency of the installed modules. This represents a loss of means and resources.
The last variable we'll talk about is the physical format. So, desktop or laptop?
The difference is relatively limited as it is only a matter of dimensions: DIMM (desktop) and SODIMM (laptop) formats have no other difference, with SO-DIMM being designed to take up less space in a laptop by being horizontally oriented rather than vertical.