First-timer with no knowledge whatsoever: How do I know what RAM to get for my computer?
First-timer with no knowledge whatsoever: How do I know what RAM to get for my computer?
I have a Lenovo P15 Gen1 laptop with easily accessible ram slots. I have never purchased parts for a PC or done any upgrades myself. I think I understand the process well enough, but I'm lost in all the RAM types and model numbers. How can I tell which sticks will fit and work with the P15, and where's the best spot to order them in the US? Thanks for any help with such a basic question.
Put your model number into the top search field to bring up the spec sheet for the model in question.
It will tell you the ram that's already installed to mirror it. Chances are you'll be looking at either 8gb or 16gb, sodimm ddr4 @ 3200mhz. Brand doesn't really matter too much but it must be sodimm not dimm, and make sure you don't get lower MHz then what's already installed as it will make all stocks default to the lowest MHz speed
Thanks so much, this is super helpful
No problems. As for sites to order, I'm not sure of American suppliers/computer stores, but when I do need to order parts for us clients of mine I typically use www.cdw.com however you might have a local store that could be faster and close to the same cost.
Not sure if you need login information to order one off parts or not though.
Permanently Deleted
Thank you greatly for the help and details! Quick question, what would happen if I use 3200MHz RAM?
You would need to manually set your RAM to run at 3200 MHz in your BIOS, so I expect that it'll just run at 2933 MHz instead if you don't touch the BIOS. Normally the limit is set to 2133 MHz, but I guess your laptop BIOS caps out at 2933?
In any case, a 3200 MHz RAM just means that it can run at any speed at or below 3200 MHz
Looking it up, it mentions that non-Xeon models run DDR4 3200, but possibly limited to 2933 speeds due to CPU limitations.
For laptops, the most important thing is to check how many ram slots your laptop has. If you're sure that there's enough slots, then continue on.
For RAM, there's a handful of important aspects to keep in mind:
Size: either SO-DIMM or DIMM. Laptops almost exclusively use SO-DIMM, so you'll probably want to search for SO-DIMM
Generation: you're probably using DDR4 (4th generation). Generations aren't interchangeable, so stick with DDR4. (DDR5 won't fit in your laptop)
Memory size: depends on what you want, tbh. But I expect 16 GB or 32 GB to be fine. Try to split the memory across multiple RAM sticks if possible (ie, 2 sticks of 8 GB is usually better than 1 stick of 16 GB)
Memory speed: not a particular concern, but the standard is 2133 MHz. Any higher than that and you'll need to go into your BIOS to turn off the memory speed limit (the BIOS automatically caps your memory speed at 2133 MHz unless you turn off the limiter). If you don't know how to do that, then honestly anything 2133 MHz or higher would be functionally equivalent
Memory latency: really not a concern, but it's usually listed as CL14 or CL16 or whatever. It's the time that if takes for the RAM to give information after being prompted. Smaller number is better, but again, it really doesn't matter
Price: DDR4 is getting pretty cheap these days, so I wouldn't expect this to be a big concern. But higher speed, higher size, lower latency RAM tends to be more expensive. Just keep that in mind.
This is super helpful information, thanks a ton!
I'd get CPU-Z and run it on the laptop as it is now. It'll tell you what type of RAM your machine uses and what voltage it takes. I know with DDR3 there were multiple different voltages for laptop memory, but that may not apply to DDR4. Personally I'd get the largest possible stick I can, two 8G may be faster than one 16G, but if you buy one 16G you can get another 16G later to get to 32, instead of needing to buy two 16G when you want to upgrade.
Alright, I'm a software engineer and PC building hobbyist, so by no means an expert when it comes to this stuff. But I've added and replaced so much RAM over the years, that I think I can help you.
Overall, what you need to know is the DDR version, if they are DIMM or SODIMM, the frequency and the capacity.
I usually figure out the DDR type by simply looking at whatever was in the machine previously, or checking out the motherboard specs.
I've never encountered other than SODIMM on a laptop. The same cannot be said for a desktop, which can use either depending on the motherboard.
If you make sure the DIMM type and DDR version matches your motherboard, the stick will fit in your machine.
For the frequency, I generally try to make sure all sticks run at the same frequency. This can also be tweaked in the BIOS.
When it comes to capacity, it depends on your needs and budget.
Good luck with your upgrade!
This is so helpful, thanks a ton! Without knowing the "how," I would have been right back here the next time I needed to make an upgrade, so thank you for "teaching me to fish" for RAM so to say.
Happy to help!
Websites like crucial.com let you enter in the details about your computer and will tell you what kind of RAM to get. Crucial has good RAM, but you can still use that information to buy similarly spec'd RAM elsewhere.
Awesome, super helpful. Do you have recommendations or favorites regarding brands/value for RAM? Or shops for purchasing from?
Cruicial has a downloadable scanning tool which you run and it tells you exactly what memory you need, you don't have to look it up yourself. They'll then offer to sell you the proper RAM which you can either do (Crucial is good quality) or just copy the specs they tell you and search on Amazon or wherever and you may find a better price. Since you're not familiar with different brands I would suggest going with Crucial, their prices are generally reasonable.