Many users of stationary computers and laptops who want to know what their “cars” are made of, ask the question: “SODIMM - what is it?” The answer to this question, the characteristics of the component and much more will be presented below.
What is RAM?
RAM or random access memory is an important component in any computer. This component is responsible for information processing and is absolutely not intended for data storage.
RAM looks like a bracket with several chips on board, side mounts and connectors at the bottom. It can be presented in the form of a simple board with wiring, and sometimes manufacturers add such important components as radiators - they provide cooling for the RAM, which allows it to work better.
There are several RAM form factors, and many know that these are SODIMM and DIMM. These size options are considered the most common.
Differences between DIMM and SO-DIMM
RAM DIMM can only be on the "board" of a stationary computer and nothing else. Looking at the connector on the motherboard, you can see that no bracket of a different size will fit. They come in different amounts of memory - from 2 to 32 gigabytes can fit on one bar. On the motherboard is from two to four slots for RAM. Of course, the larger its volume, the easier it will be for a computer to process information. Large amounts of RAM are used mainly on gaming computers, where demanding games are launched.
The appearance of this form factor is shown as an oblong board, on which chips are located in one line, holes for fasteners on the sides, and connectors that enter the slot on the end.
Now it’s clear that SODIMM is RAM for laptops. As in the case with the previous bracket, this one is intended only for a laptop, since even visually you can notice the differences between them.
This RAM strip looks like a board on which chips are located in two rows, and connectors are located at the bottom. She is taller and narrower than her desktop counterpart.
RAM Formats
Now that it has become clear that SODIMM is a type of RAM strip, it is time to consider its formats.
The most popular format at the moment is DDR3. There is a previous generation of DDR2 and a new one - DDR4. The difference between them is obvious - all types of strips differ in the arrangement of connectors, which allows you to place only one format on the motherboard. This is done so that they work at the same frequency.
The differences relate to the frequency at which the RAM works, and the higher it is, the faster the process of exchanging information with the hard drive. For example, a bracket with the DDR2 format will not be able to work together with DDR3 RAM, since they support completely different frequencies, and the connector in the motherboard will not work.
Many RAM have overclocking potential, which is used mainly for demanding games. It is possible to overclock the frequencies of the RAM if you run the BIOS and set the necessary parameters. After that, in a special program you can see what frequency the RAM is running at.
How to increase the amount of RAM on a laptop?
First you need to determine which operating system is installed on the laptop. If it costs 32-bit, then 4 gigabytes will be enough for the laptop, and if the OS is 64-bit, then you can try to increase the amount of RAM. This operation can only be done physically. To do this, you need to find out the location of the RAM and what format is valid. After that, purchase the SODIMM RAM of the required size and insert in place of the old bracket. You can install up to two RAM slots in a laptop.