Enjoy Upgraded Performance Using SO-DIMM PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066) 4 GB RAM
While some slim laptops and ultrabooks come with the memory soldered into the motherboard and therefore cannot be upgraded, many manufacturers give owners the option to replace their modules or RAM sticks with faster or higher memory capacity. Luckily, finding compatible RAM and installing them is relatively easy.
What Is SO-DIMM PC3-8500 4 GB Memory?
- SODIMM: SODIMM is the standard form factor for laptop or compact computer memory. It stands for small outline dual in-line memory module and is described by a smaller but taller memory stick than regular DIMMs. It has a 204-pin configuration that inserts into the SODIMM slot on the laptop memory banks on the motherboard. They are designed to be installed at a flat position to maintain streamlined slim designs.
- PC3-8500 DDR3-1066: The first name, PC3-8500, is the industry name of this type of RAM. PC3 indicates that the memory uses the DDR3 standard, while 8500 describes the module name for easy identification. The next set of characters describe the "friendly name" of the RAM modules. DDR3 is the data rate standard that the module uses while the number 1066 indicates the total frequency in MHz. Since the module is DDR3, the 1066 MHz in the name already takes into account the two operations in a single cycle. Consumer-grade memory does not have ECC features built in and are typically unbuffered.
- 4 GB: The number before the GB measurement indicates that total amount of memory that the module has. The more GBs the stick can handle, the more total memory your upgrade will put into your system. There are a number of memory capacities available in the RAM market in 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB DDR3 increments.
How Do I Determine How Much RAM I Need?
- Usage: Knowing how intense your workloads is essential in determining whether or not you need more memory. For light workloads, a single 4 GB stick or two 2 GB sticks can handle the work. However, for research work that requires multiple browser tabs and software to be operational at the same time, you could do well with twice that amount of memory.
- SO-DIMM slots: The number of memory slots dictates how much total RAM you can use. These 204-pin slots are located on your motherboard usually near the CPU solder location.
- Operating System: The amount of usable RAM depends on what version of the OS you are running. A 32-bit system can only use 4 GB of RAM, while a 64-bit operating system can use more than 4 GB. Choosing the latter opens up your computer for larger workloads if you choose to put in a copious amount of memory.