Know More about Different Capacities of SODIMM Memory Modules (Andrewabraham)

The SODIMM is an acronym which means Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module. Although the name sounds very complicated, it simply is a memory module that is about half the size of the DIMM. If that still confuses you, here's how it works: your desktop computer uses DIMM while SODIMM memory modules, because they are smaller, are better suited for notebooks, laptops and routers.

Top considerations when choosing SODIMM

Whenever you add a memory, it's always best to choose the same brand for compatibility issues. That means, if you have a 4GB Strontium high-density SODIMM memory module currently installed in your computer, with 1600MHz operating speed, then you should buy another 4GB Strontium 1600Mhz to add to your laptop memory. Thesememory modules, by the way, are backward compatible with 1333MHz and require very little power capacity, as they can run on 1.5 volts.

The market is flooded with generic SODIMM products and admittedly, they can be cheaper. However, the high cost of brandedmemory modules is justified. First, they are more durable; second, you get the extended warranty; and third, you get peace of mind. The latter could never be quantified.

Different capacities of SODIMM

The SODIMM can be classified into three: you have the DDR SDRAM, which stands for double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. Then you have the next gen products, the DDR2 and DDR3.

Just like previously mentioned, you can't place onto one slot a DDR SDRAM and a DDR3 SDRAM onto the different slot because of compatibility issues. It's not just the numbers that won't fit but also the voltage capacity, the number of pins and the timings.

SODIMM memory modules have capacities ranging from a low of 512MB to 8GB. They are also available in 32-bit (or between 72 and 100 pin count) and the 64-bit transfer rate (between 144 and 204 pin count).

The dominant slow-poke

What's the main issue when you run two different memory capacities of SOMMINs? At best, you won't find any improvement on how your laptop will perform compared to when you made the "upgrade." If your laptop features a 1GB DDR memory, and you installed on another slot a 2GB SODIMM memory, your laptop will happily chug along to the previous capacity and ignore the new one and then you would have spent money for nothing.

What's the worst that could happen?

The situation described above is the best-case scenario. At worst, your computer becomes non-operational. What you are going to see when you turn on your computer is a black screen. This issue is most prevalent when end users purchase generic SODIMM memory modules. The reason they are cheap is because they don't comply with the standards required by the JDEC. Or sometimes, the cheap generic SODIMMs are full of bugs in their BIOS, which can affect laptop performance.