Probably, every user of a modern computer trying to upgrade it in order to improve performance by installing additional RAM slots knows or at least realizes that the matter is not limited to just buying a new module and inserting it into the corresponding slot on the motherboard. If you do not take into account some basic parameters and do not comply with the necessary conditions, conflicts may subsequently arise. Therefore, initially it is necessary to check the compatibility of RAM and the motherboard. This can be done in several ways, which will be discussed later.
Why do I need to check the compatibility of the motherboard and RAM?
Earlier, at the dawn of the development of computer technology, when only DDR SDRAM standard strips were mainly produced, there were no problems installing them. Here the question was only in volume.
With the advent of new standards, checking the compatibility of RAM with the motherboard has become more relevant, since not all manufacturers managed to retrain for new types of RAM. Today the situation is repeating exactly the opposite: motherboard chip makers refuse to support old modifications of RAM, excluding their support. With outdated motherboard chips, the situation is similar.
This can be illustrated by an example. Suppose the motherboard supports the operation of the DDR3 RAM strips with a frequency of 1333 MHz, the user bought and inserted a DDR3 bracket in the slot, but operating at a frequency of 1600 MHz. What does he get in the end? Yes, the bar will work. But! At the frequency of the mother chip, and not the one for which it was originally designed. At the same time, stable operation is not guaranteed absolutely. And if the bandwidth of the strap is incommensurable with that of the central processor, wait for trouble.
What parameters should be considered when replacing RAM strips
As for the main parameters that should be considered when installing new or additional RAM modules, the following are distinguished among the main ones:
- type of memory and generation;
- operating frequency;
- the amount of memory of each individual bar;
- timings;
- operating voltage;
- manufacturer;
- type of computer device (desktop PC or laptop).
How to find out the compatibility of the motherboard and RAM in the simplest way?
Now directly on the verification. Everyone knows that when buying a computer device, the corresponding technical documentation is supplied with it (unless it was purchased with it).
Thus, the compatibility of the motherboard and RAM is checked elementarily in the passport of the motherboard chip. As a rule, all manufacturers indicate the necessary technical parameters and a list of supported devices or manufacturers. But what if the user does not have such documentation? In this case, you have to turn to the Internet.
Where to find chipset parameters?
But first you need to find out some basic characteristics of the "motherboard" itself, or at least know the model number. There are no problems with this on desktop PCs. You can simply remove the side cover and look at the specified modification.
For laptops, this option is less convenient, so you can use the Run console, write the msinfo32 command in it, and then view the main characteristics of each component, including the main chipset.
But in the information about the system, this information may not be displayed. In such a situation, you can check the compatibility of the motherboard and RAM on the manufacturer’s website. For laptops, this is generally ideal.
For example, the compatibility of RAM and the motherboard ASUS can be found directly on the official resource. Upon entering the site, you just need to enter the model number of the laptop, and then go to the main chip section and use the characteristics or support tabs.
The first option is intended for so-called advanced users, where in the RAM section all the main parameters of the supported modules will be shown. The second tab contains a link to download the main list. By downloading it, you can see exactly what requirements are presented to the RAM strips, and which manufacturers are included in the list of officially supported ones.
Using AIDA64
In principle, in order not to go far, you can use universal utilities for checking the configuration of a computer system, one of which is the most powerful program AIDA64.
First of all, you need to check the compatibility of the motherboard and RAM for the maximum amount of RAM. To do this, use the main section "Motherboard", find the line "Chipset" in it, or through the menu "Properties of the North Bridge" view the item "Maximum memory size".
But this is only general information. More detailed parameters are presented in the SPD section. And here there are already all the main characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing new RAM strips (the list above). Based on these data, it will be possible to choose exactly what is best suited for the motherboard chipset.
Conclusion
Summing up the brief results, it remains to add that the compatibility of the motherboard and RAM when purchasing additional memory modules or when replacing old brackets with new ones must be done without fail, otherwise conflicts that can lead to a complete failure of a computer or laptop cannot be avoided. In terms of the methods used, you can either consult the equipment manufacturer’s website, or use the AIDA64 application or something similar. Only after that, even on the Internet will it be possible to pick up the necessary RAM bars.