Laptop RAM: purpose, price, replacement

The power of a stationary PC or laptop is calculated by the presence of certain components, including a processor, video card and RAM. Typically, the most productive systems are taken for engineering work (3D modeling, work with video editing, etc.) or demanding games. What is the difference between laptop RAM and similar, designed for a PC? How to replace it? What's the price? What is better - RAM for a laptop DDR3 or DDR2? More about this - more.

What is RAM?

RAM (RAM, RAM, RAM) is designed to store the execution of machine codes (programs) during the operation of devices. In addition, it also stores intermediate and output information, which is processed by the processor. In appearance, it is an energy-dependent bar that is installed on the motherboard.

Data exchange between the chipset and RAM can occur in three ways:

1. Direct exchange.
2. With the help of ultrafast memory 0-level - the register in the ALU.
3. If there is a hardware cache for the processor, then the exchange can also be made through it (the cache).

Those data streams that are contained in modern semiconductor RAM, are retained only in the event that there is a supply of voltage. Otherwise, the device simply does not work. Even with a short-term power failure to RAM, all stored information in it is either distorted or completely destroyed.

Communication of RAM with a hard disk

Most modern motherboards available on the market have energy-saving operating modes. This allows you to put your PC or laptop into sleep mode, when electricity consumption is reduced to a minimum. Otherwise, this mode is called hibernation. During this process, the power to the memory is turned off, after which in order to save all the information contained in RAM, the operating system automatically writes data to the hard disk or other device for writing and storing data (for example, SSD).

Type and volume of the RAM

If you want to replace the memory slats or increase its volume, you need to know about its most important characteristics. First of all, we will talk about the amount of RAM. The performance of a PC or a laptop largely depends on this indicator, and the more it is, the better. In stores you can find slats of various sizes: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 GB, etc. However, it's worth noting that each motherboard can interact only with a limited amount of memory. As a rule, the spread is from 8 to 64 GB.

Equally important is the generation of memory (DDR). There is exactly the same story - the higher the figure, the better. Most current PCs and laptops have DDR3 and DDR4 slats. On models 8-10 years ago, DDR2 can also be installed. Characteristically, the older memory for the DDR2 laptop is now more expensive than its older counterparts, because they are released in strictly limited editions.

Finally, the last important data in RAM can be called frequency and bandwidth. The first is calculated in megahertz. Again, the higher the frequency, the better performance your device will have, because the data transfer rate is significantly increased. The same can be said about the bandwidth, which is calculated in MB / sec.

RAM for laptops and netbooks

The lion's share of modern laptops, netbooks and other portable devices use RAM type DDR with the form factor SODIMM. The only difference between these slats from those that are installed in the PC, is the appearance. The essence of the work of RAM remains the same. Of course, the slats are not interchangeable, that is, the RAM for laptops is not suitable for a desktop computer and vice versa.

Replacing memory

In some time there always comes a time when the laptop owner wants to increase the amount of RAM. As a rule, this is due to the increase in the gluttony of most modern programs and video games, especially with the open world. It happens that RAM is out of order, demanding an urgent replacement. Next, we'll show you how to replace laptop RAM.

First of all, it is necessary to determine what the maximum amount is possible for installation in a laptop, as well as the type of memory. Typically, this should be indicated in the characteristics of the device. Finally, if you add a new bar, it should be identical to the one already installed in the laptop.

In most devaysov laptop RAM is located in the lower part under the lid. By unscrewing a few screws, you can directly access the RAM slats. You can remove memory modules by opening two latches that hold RAM. After that, the memory will be in a position equal to about 30 degrees to the motherboard. Replacing the slats or putting one extra (slots, as a rule, 2), you need to put the memory in the direction of the motherboard slightly until it reaches a parallel position. After snapping the latches, you can screw back the bolts and cover, and then turn on the laptop.

Laptop performance: price

There are many computer equipment stores where you can buy memory. In addition, you can also purchase online. The performance for a laptop DDR3 is the most common nowadays, having the greatest demand. Prices range from 2 to 20 thousand rubles, depending on the volume and frequency. No less important factor is the brand, under which the bars are produced.

Another fact is that the mid-budget models put a RAM of 4 GB per laptop. This device is one in which you can not replace the processor or video card, but to expand the RAM will not be a problem. Given that they have a small screen resolution, 8 GB, even for demanding games will be enough. The same goes for engineering work. Finally, we note that if you have memory for a laptop DDR2, then you do not see high performance, because the power of such RAM is simply not enough for modern games and programs.