Memory or RAM is an important part of computers and laptops. There are two forms of memory, you will come across them with the terms Long-DIMM and SO-DIMM. What is the difference between the two, and how do we choose.
Then Soldered RAM on the laptop, is it good and what are the advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss so that you know better and don’t make the wrong purchase when you want to upgrade ram or assemble a PC.
What is Long-Dimm RAM (or U-DIMM)
As the name suggests, “long” means long, and “DIMM” stands for Dual In-line Memory Module.
This RAM is usually called DIMM only. The name Long is just a word added because of its long-form.
The Ram Dimm is longer than the so-DIMM, with 240-pin copper for DDR3 and 288-pin for DDR4 and DDR5.
Dimm form memory is memory used for desktop computers. Which is installed on ATX, mATX, and ITX motherboards.
There are so many displays of this memory, some are not coated with a heatsink and some are coated with a heatsink. Some use RGB lights and some don’t.
- Ram without heatsink, normal for standard use and not for high speed.
- Ram which has a heatsink, that serves to reduce heat, tends to have high-speed memory or a feature called XMP. Usually, the word overclock or gaming is written in the description.
U-DIMM is a Memory type term for consumers, this is what is often found in the market and is often used. Although the store doesn’t say this type of ram is a u-DIMM, it’s a U-DIMM, because it’s common so it doesn’t need to be written down.
While R-DIMM and LR-DIMM are special types of ram used for server computers, this type of ram is more expensive and can only be used on special server motherboards, which are not consumers in general.
What is SO-DIMM RAM
SO-DIMM stands for Small Out Dual Line Memory Module. As the name suggests Small, it has a smaller and shorter form factor, taking up half the space compared to DIMM slots.
SO-DIMM memory is memory intended for compact devices that have limited space such as laptops or notebooks.
SO-DIMMs have fewer copper pins, 204-pin (for DDR3), 260-pin (DDR4), and 262-pin (DDR5) to be exact.
SO-DIMM memory does not have a heatsink to maintain its size, because it is intended for compact devices such as laptops and mini PCs.
DIMM vs SO-DIMM Memory Difference
From what is described above should be able to describe.
Both have different shapes and numbers of pins, making it very easy to tell the difference. And both also have a different place (slot).
Dimm is a memory attached to a desktop computer, while SO-DIMM is a memory attached to a laptop or mini PC.
You cannot install RAM DIMMs on laptops and SO-DIMMs on desktop computers. Because the slots are different.
| RAM DIMM | RAM SO-DIMM |
|---|---|
| Its shape is long | Short shape |
| Used for desktop computers | Use for Laptop or Mini PC |
| Many variants of choice are available. | Fewer choices. |
Now you know the difference and where to install it.
What is Soldered or Onboard RAM on a laptop?
Now we turn to soldered ram, ram-like this is the memory that is integrated with the laptop’s main board. Because it has become one with the motherboard it cannot be removed.
Soldered RAM found on laptops can be either DDR or LPDDR. DDR ( Double Data Rate ) is a standard type of memory in general. While LPDDR is Low-Power Double Data Rate, the memory designed is more power-efficient.
If you meet laptop specifications with LPDDR type memory, you can be sure it is soldered ram and cannot be upgraded. That’s why this type of ram is not sold in the market.
You can upgrade DDR type RAM if the laptop provides a slot or place to install ram, not soldered to be precise.
Laptops with soldered memory certainly have the advantage that they can reduce production costs and make laptop prices cheaper.
The drawback of soldered ram is that it cannot upgrade or replace RAM. So just make sure, if you buy a laptop with a soldered ram, is the ram capacity sufficient for your needs.
Because of the capacity is lacking and you want to upgrade, you can’t do it (either replace or add ram capacity).
Can soldered RAM be upgraded? Can but
As has been said soldered ram can not be upgraded. However, if the laptop provides an additional slot option to add ram, of course, you can still upgrade and increase the laptop’s ram capacity.
Laptops like this have dual channels with specifications of 1 soldered channel and 1 additional expansion channel.
Pay Attention Before Buying Memory
Buying memory is not only about 4GB or 8GB capacity, but there are other things to consider. Don’t buy ram then it’s not compatible and can’t be installed.
1. DDR technology used
If your laptop is DDR3 then the memory needed must be DDR3. If your laptop is DDR4 then the memory needed must be DDR4, the point is to adjust it to the specifications of your computer or laptop. Because each DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 technology is different, from the specifications, shapes, and slots used.
2. Memory Speed
If you want to upgrade or add ram, try to buy ram with the same memory speed as the one you are currently using. The goal is that the PC or laptop can run both in a balanced way and not reduce performance.
3. Memory Timing
Low or tight timings will certainly run faster, but they will cost more. For desktop computers, try to keep the memory timings the same, if you want to upgrade.
Ram dual kit or contains two chips in one box, both have the same frequency and timing specifications, even the same type/chip code.
4. Try Dual Channel
A dual-channel has two or more ram, while a single channel has only one ram chip. A dual-channel configuration can maximize performance more than a single channel.
