Can you put a different brand of RAM in?

[Richard I]

I have an HP Notebook, and just want faster speeds and the ability to handle more programs since I'm heading to college soon. I have 1 4gb stick, and want to add another to make it 2x4. All I see on the RAM stick is "Samsung" and a bunch of letters and numbers. Could I just get another 4gb stick and have it work fine?

[Snow]

Yep.

[Richard I]

Originally posted by Snow:

Yep.

Thank you! Next question: how do I know if itll fit? The sticks I see online look to be desktop sticks, and about double the size. Some look similar to what I have, but I cant truly tell.

Mine says 1rx8. Does that mean anything? I found one on amazon that looked similar but it said 2rx8

[Snow]

Originally posted by Doc:

Originally posted by Snow:

Yep.

Thank you! Next question: how do I know if itll fit? The sticks I see online look to be desktop sticks, and about double the size. Some look similar to what I have, but I cant truly tell.

Mine says 1rx8. Does that mean anything? I found one on amazon that looked similar but it said 2rx8

Well, basically, all you need to know is your memory type, which you can check via CPU-Z on SPD tab. Say, if yours is DDR3 PC3 10600 and you buy DDR3 PC3 10600 - it definitely will fit and has 99.5% chance to work perfectly. Desktop and laptop DIMMs come in different forms, although I bet you know that already and won't confuse those.
1rx8 and 2rx8 just means if that memory got its chips on one side or both. Technically, dual rank modules perform slightly faster, but that stuff really only matters to overclockers.

[Richard I]

Originally posted by Snow:

Originally posted by Doc:

Thank you! Next question: how do I know if itll fit? The sticks I see online look to be desktop sticks, and about double the size. Some look similar to what I have, but I cant truly tell.

Mine says 1rx8. Does that mean anything? I found one on amazon that looked similar but it said 2rx8

Well, basically, all you need to know is your memory type, which you can check via CPU-Z on SPD tab. Say, if yours is DDR3 PC3 10600 and you buy DDR3 PC3 10600 - it definitely will fit and has 99.5% chance to work perfectly. Desktop and laptop DIMMs come in different forms, although I bet you know that already and won't confuse those.
1rx8 and 2rx8 just means if that memory got its chips on one side or both. Technically, dual rank modules perform slightly faster, but that stuff really only matters to overclockers.

I noticed the DDR_ filters when searching for the sticks, unfortunately I cannot find that on my stick. I uploaded a picture of my stick here: https://imgur(dot)com/a/77wPTmi
I appreciate the help!

[Snow]

Originally posted by Doc:

Originally posted by Snow:

Well, basically, all you need to know is your memory type, which you can check via CPU-Z on SPD tab. Say, if yours is DDR3 PC3 10600 and you buy DDR3 PC3 10600 - it definitely will fit and has 99.5% chance to work perfectly. Desktop and laptop DIMMs come in different forms, although I bet you know that already and won't confuse those.
1rx8 and 2rx8 just means if that memory got its chips on one side or both. Technically, dual rank modules perform slightly faster, but that stuff really only matters to overclockers.

I noticed the DDR_ filters when searching for the sticks, unfortunately I cannot find that on my stick. I uploaded a picture of my stick here: https://imgur(dot)com/a/77wPTmi
I appreciate the help!

There it is, PC3L-12800s. That means DDR3L type, the form of DDR3 that can work at lower voltages compared to DDR3. Be sure to buy laptop DDR3L and you'll be fine. Also it makes sense to buy stick with the same 1600MHz frequency. Paired sticks always work with the speed of the slowest one, so if you buy say 1866MHz stick - both will work at 1600MHz, yet if you buy 1333MHz - you will slow down your existing one. So, basically, PC3L is DDR3L, 12800 is 1600MHz and the little "s" means its a laptop type memory. That's all you need to find a perfect match. Find some!

[Richard I]

I found two sticks.

SAMSUNG M471B5173QH0-YK0 4GB DDR3L PC3-12800 CL11 512MBX64 512MX8 1.35V 204P SODIMM

and

Samsung original 4GB, 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3L-12800, ram memory module for laptop ( M471B5173EB0-YK0 )

They both seem essentially the same, do you have a recommendation? I cant find the MHz anywhere, which worries me.


Ah, never mind. I found Samsung 4GB DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 204-Pin SODIMM Laptop Memory Module RAM. Model M471B5273DH0-CK0
1600 MHz, looks like what I need! Except theres no L on the end of DDR3, does that matter?

[Snow]

Originally posted by Doc:

I found two sticks.

SAMSUNG M471B5173QH0-YK0 4GB DDR3L PC3-12800 CL11 512MBX64 512MX8 1.35V 204P SODIMM

and

Samsung original 4GB, 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3L-12800, ram memory module for laptop ( M471B5173EB0-YK0 )

PC3-12800 indicates those are 1600MHz. Both sticks should be a perfect match.

Originally posted by Doc:

Ah, never mind. I found Samsung 4GB DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 204-Pin SODIMM Laptop Memory Module RAM. Model M471B5273DH0-CK0
1600 MHz, looks like what I need! Except theres no L on the end of DDR3, does that matter?

Yep, that does matter. L modules are designed to work at lower voltages. If your CPU can't work with 1.5v modules like the last one you linked - then it might not work. I think they did put L-type memory in your laptop for a reason, so it's best to stick to those. First DIMMs you linked are what you need.

[Kevin_Hart]

As long as the ram is the same type, and is able to fit in your RAM slots in your MOBO, it should work, brand does not matter. But something important that people forget is that your RAM speed is important. If you have 3 sticks of fast RAM and 1 stick of slower RAM, your computer will have to set all of their speeds to the slower RAM sticks speed.

[tacoshy]

Well for Laptop you always need SO-DIMM. Desktops normally use DIMM.

Difference between DDR3L to normal DDR3 is the voltage, However before frequency and voltage the physical size is important.

Frequencies are standardized by JEDEC. The frequency of the slowest module will be applied to both which is not an issue for laptops.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

If the original ram is ddr3L then always use that kind, it's low voltage ram and might be all the laptop allows for.

Laptop ram is SO-DIMM

[Richard I]

Well, I ordered the RAM but I accidentally had it shipped to the wrong address

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Call or contact them right away and stop the order before it ships.

[Richard I]

Originally posted by Bad 💀 Motha:

Call or contact them right away and stop the order before it ships.

I requested a cancel right after I ordered it yesterday but I guess they ignored it because I got an email this morning saying they shipped it.

At least the house they're shipping it to is down the street