How to Know If A RAM is Compatible with Laptop or Desktop Motherboard

The incompatibility between RAM and computer may even cause the computer to fail to boot up. So, whether you are intended to replace a RAM for your desktop pc or add more RAM to your laptop, it is vitally significant to choose a compatible RAM for your computer. In this post, we will show you how to know if a RAM is compatible with your laptop or desktop motherboard in ease. No matter it is laptop or desktop computer, you can check if a RAM is compatible with your computer in the following aspects.

1. Compatibility between RAM and computer: Memory module

First of all, you need to pay attention on the memory module of RAM when checking the compatibility between RAM and laptop or desktop motherboard. Laptop and desktop computer use different memory modules, which are not compatible with each other. Laptop supports RAM of SO-DIMM module while DIMM module RAM is used in desktop. Just as their names imply, SO-DIMM is simply a smaller version of DIMM designed for use in laptop. They have different lengths and number of pins, so they are incompatible.

2. Compatibility between RAM and computer: DDR generation

DDR generation is one of factors worthy of attention when it comes to the compatibility between RAM and laptop or desktop motherboard. At present, there are four types of DDR generation of RAM including DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4 and they are not forward and backward compatible. Generally, most laptops and motherboards only support one type of DDR generation. So, to know if a RAM is compatible with your laptop or motherboard, you need to figure out which type of DDR generation that your laptop or motherboard supports.

3. Compatibility between RAM and computer: Frequency (Speed)

Frequency (speed) of RAM is also a factor that cannot be ignored in terms of the compatibility between RAM and laptop or motherboard. Whether laptop or desktop computer has a limit on RAM frequency. But frankly, the limitation on RAM frequency is not so strict. You can choose a RAM whose frequency is higher than the computer supports, but it can only run at the frequency supported by the computer. You can also use two RAMs of different frequencies, but they will run at a lower frequency. To make RAM compatible with computer better and avoid some potential issues, it is highly recommended to choose a RAM whose frequency within the range that your computer supports. When selecting multiple RAMs or adding a new RAM, it is advisable to choose the RAMs of the same frequency and brand.

4. Compatibility between RAM and computer: Other factors

In addition, there are other factors that need attentions. For example, you need to know if your laptop or motherboard supports ECC memory. It is also necessary to check if your computer support XMP technology or not. It is worth reminding that the capacity of RAM should not exceed the maximum total capacity supported by the computer. These factors are not so crucial but still worth mentioning.

How to check the RAM specifications of laptop or motherboard

After knowing the key points of compatibility between RAM and computer, the next step is to check the detailed RAM specifications of your laptop or desktop motherboard, which list what kind of RAM is compatible with your laptop or desktop motherboard.

For laptop, you can check the detailed RAM specifications by model name of laptop on the Internet. There are many websites offering the laptop's specifications, such as the official laptop website (Dell, ASUS), online marketplace (Amazon, eBay) and IT website (CNET, ZDNet). Besides, every laptop comes with a manual which records all the specifications of this laptop including the RAM specifications. Finally, you will know what kind of RAM is compatible with your laptop. As shown in the following picture (Fujitsu LifeBook LH700 laptop).

For desktop, you can check the detailed motherboard specs including the RAM specifications on the official website of motherboard manufacturer. But you need to figure out the model name of your motherboard. The official website will show you what RAM can work with motherboard so that you can know if RAM is compatible with your motherboard. As shown in the following picture (Gigabyte B360M DS3H).

Bottom Line

I believe that you will have a clearer understanding of the compatibility of RAM and computer after reading this article. If you are still confused about this, you can check the compatibility between RAM and computer on this website. You just need to select the model name of your laptop or motherboard, then it will show you the compatible RAMs that your laptop or motherboard supports.