RAM and Adapter Placement

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• Laptops have fewer field-replaceable units (FRU) than desktops
• laptop components and designs have become better standardized

Upgrading RAM Modules

• Laptop DDRx SDRAM is packaged in small outline DIMMs (SODIMMs)
  • a given SODIMM slot will only accept a specific type of DDR
    • E.g., cannot install a DDR4 SODIMM in a DDR3 slot
  • slots are keyed to prevent incompatible modules from being installed
  • SODIMM slot pops-up at a 45º angle to allow the chips to be inserted or removed
    • sometimes one of the memory slots is easily accessible via a panel, but another requires more extensive disassembly of the chassis to access

Info

• there are a couple of other laptop memory module form factors, including
  • Mini-DIMM
  • Micro-DIMM
• These are smaller than SODIMM and used on some ultraportable models
• Always check the vendor documentation before obtaining parts for upgrade or replacement