How to choose a memory for a laptop

Before choosing a memory, it is worth considering that there are two of them in a laptop - operational and permanent.

How to choose a memory for a laptop: operational and permanent

When choosing a memory for a laptop, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. For RAM - standard and volume;

2. For permanent memory - type and volume.

3. Operational and permanent memory - so different components that are not interchangeable.

Memory standard

Slats of RAM for a laptop are made in a slightly different form factor and size than for a desktop computer. They have physically smaller dimensions. This size is called SO-DIMM.

But, like RAM for a desktop computer, they exist in several generations (standards), which, among other things, differ in compatibility with the motherboard. The following are on the market today:

1. DDR2;

2. DDR3;

3. DDR3L;

4. DDR4.

You need to choose exactly the standard of RAM, which is designed for installation on the motherboard. The DDR3 bar will not work in a slot for DDR2, and vice versa. You can find out what kind of RAM is used in a laptop computer, from the technical specifications of the computer, by looking at the markings on the motherboard or the slats already installed, as well as using diagnostic programs such as AIDA64.

For maximum performance, it is also desirable that the frequency of all the slats be the same and coincide with the frequency of the RAM bus on the motherboard. You can find out this parameter from the technical specifications of the computer or by using the same AIDA64. But if the frequency does not coincide - do not worry. Just the performance will drop to the performance of the element with a minimum frequency.

RAM size

When calculating the required amount of RAM for a laptop, you must consider the capacity of the entire set, and not just one plate. The optimal value of this parameter, depending on the intended use, is the following:

1. 1 GB - for very weak laptops with the corresponding OS;

2. 2 GB - for "typewriters" (laptops for home and office);

3. 4 GB is the minimum minimum recommended in 2017;

4. 8 GB - for productive laptops;

5. 16 GB or more - for gaming laptops and mobile workstations.

It is worth considering that the RAM does not determine the characteristics of the computer, complements them. So, if you set a 32 GB bar in a laptop, it will not make it playable.

Permanent memory type

In most cases, laptops use 2.5-inch hard drives. Only a few models of modern mobile computers use special drives that are connected according to the M.2 standard and therefore have different dimensions.

Hard drives (2.5-inch) for laptops are of two types - HDD and SSD. Drives of the first type are used most widely - they can be found in almost all modern laptops. They are distinguished by a low price per GB of memory and optimal performance.

However, SSD-drives work many times faster, do not need defragmentation and are well tolerated by the shaking caused by transporting a laptop.However, they are quite expensive, and also have a limited operational period, caused by the limit on the number of rewrite cycles.

SSD and HDD are interchangeable (unless, of course, they are connected using the SATA standard), so you can use any type of drive.

In some models of modern laptops, SSD M.2 drives are used - they can only be replaced with similar ones - and flash drives that change exclusively at service centers.

When choosing a 2.5-inch hard drive for maximum performance, it is also worth considering the generation of the SATA standard. To get the maximum speed of data exchange, it is necessary that the generations of the hard disk and the bus match. Those. Install on the SATA 3 bus a SATA 3 drive.

But this is optional. If the generations do not match, the hard disk will still work - but at a speed that provides a smaller generation in the bundle.

Amount of permanent memory

The permanent memory of the laptop is the place where the computer stores the operating system and user files. Therefore, the minimum amount of hard disk should be calculated based on their needs. The most popular storage capacities are as follows:

1. 200 GB. Enough for undemanding users who store a small number of files on their hard drives;

2. 320 GB The optimal volume. Enough to create a music library;

3. 500 GB Enough to create a library with movies in high quality;

4. 1 TB or more. For gaming laptops. Enough to put some modern games on your hard drive.

If there is not enough space, you can transfer user files to an external hard disk.

Manufacturers

With regard to both operational and permanent memory, there are several manufacturers whose products are trustworthy.

RAM:

1. Corsair, AMD Radeon, Patriot - relatively expensive solutions, but very technological and with a good heat removal system;

2. Transcend is an inexpensive RAM that nevertheless performs its functions perfectly.

Permanent memory:

1. Western Digital, Seagate - produce relatively expensive, but reliable HDD;

2. Toshiba, Hitachi - release both successful and unsuccessful HDD models;

3. Samsung, Western Digital, Seagate - release reliable SSD, and both SATA and M.2

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.