What does a memory (RAM) upgrade do?

Memory (RAM) gives applications a place to temporarily store data which allows your computer to quickly access information.

Using multiple programs/applications at once or doing resource intensive activities (such as video/photo editing, gaming, programming and more) can slow down your system as each compete for a limited amount of memory resource.

A RAM upgrade can improve performance by expanding your systems memory capacity allowing your computer to take on more while maintaining a fast and smooth experience.

What are the different types of memory (RAM)?

There are many types of RAM including RD, SD, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5, with DDR5 being the newest version.

All system’s have their own memory requirements and will only support one of those specific types of RAM. For instance, a laptop that requires DDR4 RAM can only support DDR4 RAM. Each type of RAM has different pin sizes and notch locations meaning a DDR3 RAM module will only fit into a DDR3 RAM slot and so on.

Refer to your system’s manual to determine the supported RAM specifications

What is SODIMM and DIMM, which do I need?

Along with RAM types, there are also different Form Factors or physical sizes of RAM.

SODIMM (or SO-DIMM) RAM is used in laptops and notebooks and is also commonly used in select All-in-One (AIO) computers, Mini PCs and NAS systems.

DIMM RAM is used in Desktops Computers as well as Workstations and Servers.

The two sizes are not interchangeable; a DIMM module will not fit into a system that requires SODIMM RAM and a SODIMM module will not fit into a system that requires DIMM RAM.

What ECC type memory (RAM) do I need?

Non-ECC Unbuffered (or simply Non-ECC): Primarily used in Desktop PCs, Laptops, All-in-One (AIO) computers, & Mini PCs as almost all those system types only support Non-ECC Unbuffered memory

ECC Registered: Only used in Servers and select Workstations

ECC Load Reduced: Only used in Servers and select Workstations

ECC Unbuffered: Only used in Servers and Workstations

ECC Fully Buffered: Only used in select Servers that support DDR2 RAM

Different ECC types cannot be mixed within the same system, only one type can be used.