Best RAM for Laptop

September 4, 2022

Looking for new RAM for your laptop? Let me tell you that you have come to the right place, as we all know, for our laptop to gain some extra speed, a crucial element to achieve it is the RAM memory of the laptop. But what happens?

When we are determined to acquire a new memory to get the speed we want in our tasks, and when we take a look at the different digital markets, we find a wide variety of brands and of course, models, each and every one of them with features that perhaps we do not know and failing that, we do not understand.

This detail makes us completely lost, but that will not be your case.

In this buying guide that I have prepared for you, I will let you know the features you should know, in order that you have the idea about what they are detailing, the basics and every aspect that makes up a RAM. So you can rest assured, because here is the solution to all your problems.

And at the end, you can make your purchase safely and with the guarantee that this investment you are about to make is an intelligent one and will eliminate the risk of suffering a terrible disappointment when you receive your order.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Best Laptop RAM Comparison

Ranking	Name	Best Feature	Current Price
1)	QUMOX Laptop RAM	Its speed is 1333 DDR3-10600 / PC-10600, an incredible speed to run all kinds of demanding and high-end applications.	Price On Amazon
2)	CRUCIAL Laptop RAM	it reduces power consumption by up to 40% and therefore increases the life of your battery	Price On Amazon
3)	Kingston Laptop RAM Memory	It has a CL11 latency, which will give you a data loading in just 11 nanoseconds	Price On Amazon
4)	HyperX Impact RAM	Automatically overclocking to the highest frequency without exceeding the BIOS limit	Price On Amazon
5)	Komputerbay Laptop RAM	It is a 4 GB RAM memory divided into two blocks of 2 GB each, ideal for Dual Channel work, a DDR2 model that works at 667MHz.	Price On Amazon

How To Choose a RAM Correctly

To make a wise decision it is of great importance that you know these aspects:

Which model to choose: DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4 RAM?

What is the difference between one model and another?

These questions are the ones that you should know in detail, because they will be of great help when choosing a model, if you know about the subject and want to refresh your knowledge, then you will agree with me on the concepts, but if you are new to this topic, then I advise you to take note and pay close attention.

What Does DDR Mean?

In a very general way, DDR stands for Double Date Rate or Double Transfer Rate, memories of this type perform data transfer per clock pulse.

This feature causes the memories to be labeled with double the maximum real clock at which they can work. A basic example; DDR2-800 memories work at 400 MHz, DDR2-1066 and DDR3 1066 work at 533 MHz, and DDR3-1333 memories work at 666.6 MHZ, and so on.

It is therefore important not to be surprised if programs such as CPU-Z tell you a memory frequency level in half.

RAM is undoubtedly the component that has the greatest influence on the overall performance of the notebook, as it is responsible for storing data temporarily while the processor performs the tasks ordered by the user.

Types of RAM Memory

Now I will introduce you to the types of memory that exist in the great world of computing, from the earlier models to the current ones.

SDR-SDRAM Memory

One of the first memories capable of working synchronized with the cycles of the motherboard, without waiting times. This type of memory surpassed the old EDO (Extended Data Out) and FPM (Fast Page Mode) for its ability to divide the memory modules into different banks, with the ability to accommodate up to 8 banks in a DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module).

These memories were capable of making only one transfer per cycle, today this is minimal, and as if that were not enough, today they are still installed in some laptops, but they are no longer very commercial.

DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate)

With the arrival of DDR memories, SDRs were left behind, due to their ability to perform two transfers per cycle, this does not mean that it doubles the effective speed (due to the initial access time), but it almost does.

This feature was made possible by the inclusion of additional circuitry, which was able to read and write data up to twice per cycle. Although they remained unchanged in design, they were perfectly adapted to the motherboard, which contributed to the low price and popularization of this model.

DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2)

With DDR2 RAMs, the data transfer rate per clock cycle doubled again. They are able to perform four transfers per cycle, but with the same initial access time, this offers great results in applications that need a large amount of sequential reading, but for those that required some random access, they took little advantage of that speed.

With the new applications that we have these days, a different memory capacity is needed, which makes it difficult to observe large differences in everyday tasks. Some users were disappointed with these memories, as some models were slow to respond unlike others.

These models are still available and are capable of running current operating systems without bottlenecks and quite smoothly.

DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3)

With the advent of DDR3 RAM, something similar to a processor, the increase in clock speed increased power consumption and heat generation, so the amount of transfers per cycle was doubled again.

This change of transfer circuits made possible the creation of memories operating at 2133 MHz (266 MHZ multiplied by 8), an impressive speed even for current models.

This new technology brought a signal calibration system, that is without compromising performance and latency reduction.

DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4)

This most recent RAM model in the market has interesting resources, such as a lower voltage, this in turn generates a lower power consumption, the initial speeds of 2133 MHZ became history, as this model reaches up to 4266 MHz, in addition to a shorter access time.

This model is undoubtedly the most powerful of the entire market, besides being the current one, its cost is the highest due to the large number of benefits it brings, however, it is intended an arrival of DDR5 and DDR6 RAM, which promise to be even better and leave behind the DDR4.

What You Should Know Before Buying RAM

As you have seen, RAM is a fundamental component in every laptop. No matter what tasks you have planned for your laptop, system performance will always depend on RAM.

RAM Speed

Now that you know the application for each capacity, it is important to remember that you should prioritize speed, that is, you should look at buying a faster memory if you have the budget for the amount you require as a minimum.

This is fundamental, for example; if you want to run a game that requires 8 GB of RAM and your laptop only has 4 GB, you will have a negative and inferior experience, it is not the game’s fault, but the fault of your laptop which would be demanding more than it got.

Dual Channel and Quad Channel

One aspect that should not be overlooked is the configuration of the modules that you are going to install and their latency.

Dual channel refers to installing two RAM modules on a compatible motherboard, for example, two 8 GB sticks. When installing a single stick we have a 64-bit memory bus, but when installing two modules the laptop can access to work in 128-bit blocks, this is thanks to a second memory controller. Incredible!

In the most advanced platforms such as Intel Core Extreme and AMD Threadripper it is possible to enjoy quad-channel configurations, which is the same approach inside. Working with 4 RAM modules can produce 256-bit block work and higher bandwidth.

For an uninformed user, this performance goes unnoticed, so these types of configurations are at their best in more professional environments.

Latency

Latency is the delay experienced by the memory when performing different operations, so it ends up having a significant impact on memory performance.

For a better understanding, I show you two basic examples in modules at different frequencies:

DDR3 at 2,000 MHz CL9: 9 nanoseconds.
DDR3 at 1,800 MHz CL8: 8.96 nanoseconds.

Recommendations

For a balanced purchase you should look for RAM modules with balanced latency and frequency, for example: CL10 or CL11 in DDR3 and CL14 or CL15 in DDR4.

If your laptop has integrated graphics that uses system RAM as graphics memory, the working frequency of the same and the double channel usage will have a great impact on the final performance.

It is critical to prioritize the amount of speed and latencies. If you need 8 GB of RAM and you have to choose between two 4 GB modules at 2400 Mhz or one 4 GB module at 4 Ghz, you can choose the first option without hesitation.

If you are not going to use integrated graphics, it is not necessary to use a dual channel.

A user working with basic applications does not need a 3 Ghz RAM.

Best RAM for Laptops Review

Now that you know everything you need from a RAM memory it is time to make your decision, if you still do not have in your sights any model, I took the liberty to prepare for you 5 best RAM memory models. Which have been chosen by experts and with great references from various users.

1) QUMOX Laptop RAM

The RAM memory from the manufacturer QUMOX, which is designed with high quality materials, provides excellent performance to your laptop in its dual-channel presentation to divide its speed in two blocks.

It is a 16 GB speed memory, enough to run demanding applications, video games, high performance tasks and much more, all this divided into two 8 GB memories, ideal to install as Dual Channel, which belong to the DDR3 generation, a very complete model that will be of great help in all kinds of demanding tasks.

Its speed is 1333 DDR3-10600 / PC-10600, an incredible speed to run all kinds of demanding and high-end applications.

2) CRUCIAL Laptop RAM

The RAM memory from the CRUCIAL brand, is manufactured with high quality materials, is a DDR4 module with a range of 8 GB speed, ideal for all those laptops that operate at a speed of 2400 MT / s, in addition to having a CL17 latency, this means that it is even faster than normal, because it only takes 11.9 nanoseconds to perform each operation.

It is a SODIMM RAM without a buffer, this means that it does not have a register between its DRAM, in turn this benefits you, because it makes its cost lower but it is more efficient and will give you better results.

As an additional benefit, thanks to this amazing RAM your laptop will get 30% more performance, or in other words, the bandwidth is increased.

3) Kingston Laptop RAM Memory

The Kingstone laptop RAM can be the best component for your laptop, as it is equipped with 8 GB of internal memory, which is of the DDR3 type, which works at the clock speed of 1600 MHz. These features will help you maximize the performance and productivity of your system, in addition, all its components are manufactured with high quality materials that give you the guarantee that your laptop will be faster.

It also has a CL11 latency, which will give you a data loading in just 11 nanoseconds, a very good speed that will allow you to work on various platforms while surfing the Internet or viewing images.

Its form factor is 204 pins, compatible with various laptops that use RAM of this type, thanks to this, your laptop will have a data width of 64 bits. And that’s not all, because due to all these great features, your laptop will gain a lower battery consumption, thus prolonging its performance and life.

If your idea is to use this RAM as Dual Channel is also a great option, before adding it, you should verify that the RAM in your laptop has similar characteristics so that together with Kingstone, they work perfectly.

On the other hand, for normal use you will not have to worry about whether it will work or not, all Kingston RAM is tested before shipping, in order to ensure its performance before and after delivery. You can purchase this RAM at a very affordable price.

Price On Amazon

4) HyperX Impact RAM

With Hyperx Impact RAM memory you will maximize the power of your laptop, a DDR4 SODIMM type memory that minimizes system lag, automatically overclocking to the highest frequency without exceeding the BIOS limit, in order to provide greater compatibility with Intel and AMD processors.

Its slot on the printed circuit board in black color, gives it an elegant touch to enjoy a simple improvement, with Hyperx you will optimize your laptop with a higher performance, achieving a well-cooled, quiet and more efficient laptop thanks to a low voltage of 1.2V.

5) Komputerbay Laptop RAM

The incredible RAM from the Komputerbay brand may seem like a very old-fashioned and unreliable model, but you should know that this memory is a Grade A, if you compare it to other cheaper models, which can throw error codes and even damage your motherboard.

Komputerbay assures you that this memory will work properly in your laptop, because at the time of shipping is subjected to functionality tests, you will not have to worry.

It is a 4 GB RAM memory divided into two blocks of 2 GB each, ideal for Dual Channel work, a DDR2 model that works at 667MHz.

This SODIMM RAM with form factor is 200 pins each block, is compatible with various models of laptops on the market, thus ensuring a great performance and gives your laptop an excellent performance in your daily tasks.

With this Komputerbay Dual Channel RAM you will not have to worry, because both blocks operate at 1.8 volts, which guarantees a notorious energy saving, thus giving a great lifespan to your laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I Combine Two Different Brands of RAM for Dual Channel?

The most advisable thing is; if you are going to work in Dual Channel, the ideal is to acquire two RAM of the same manufacturer and with the same characteristics, this is to avoid compatibility problems and that, far from helping you in your tasks, your laptop ends up being a disaster and even suffers severe damage. If you are not sure what you can buy, I advise you to buy a model divided into two blocks, with that type of RAM, you will not have any problem.

Q: What Are the Benefits of a Gold-Plated RAM?

A gold-plated RAM gives you incredible speed in all kinds of tasks, demanding applications and heavy gaming. Gold-plated RAM is a complement to make your laptop faster regardless of how you use it. For this reason they are somewhat expensive memories but worth acquiring and assembling in your laptop.