Amount of available storage on the module. If there are parenthesis shown – for example (2 x 4GB) – it indicates a kit of 2 or more identical modules is used to reach the Total Capacity.
Number of modules. Memory can be installed as single modules or in kits comprised of 2 or more identical modules. Each module requires its own slot for installation.
Memory spec terms
If you're not sure if a module is right for your system, use the Crucial Memory Advisor tool for a list of guaranteed compatible modules.
NON-ECC/Non-parity Most desktop and laptop computers take NON-ECC or Non-parity memory.
ECC/Parity ECC or parity modules look for errors in data and are most often found in servers and other mission-critical applications used by large networks and businesses.
Unbuffered Most PCs and workstations use unbuffered memory which is faster than registered memory.
Registered/Buffered Registered or buffered modules delay all information transferred to the module by one clock cycle. This type of memory is primarily used in servers.
Fully buffered Designed for next-generation servers, features an advanced memory buffer.
CL CAS (column address strobe) latency, which is the number of clock cycles it takes before data starts to flow after a command is received. Lower CL is faster. Modules with different CL can be mixed on a system, but the system will only run at the highest (slowest) CL.
Component configuration (For example: 64Meg x 64) Indicates the size of the memory chip components on the module.
Voltage For example 2.6V. Indicates the power used by the module. The lower the better.
Notebook modules that operates at speeds up to 1600 MT/s and has a CL11 latency. It is dual voltage and can operate at 1.35V or 1.5V. It is Unbuffered and is non-ECC. It conforms to the industry standard SODIMM layout of 204 pins and is compatible with computers that take DDR3 SODIMM memory.
To use DDR3 memory, your system must have both a 204-pin SODIMM slot and a chipset that supports DDR3 memory. A DDR3 SODIMM will not fit into DDR2 or DDR memory sockets.
SODIMMs are smaller and thinner than regular DIMMs, and the 204-pin SODIMM PCBs are always ~2.6 inches long and are usually around 1.18 inches high (though the heights can vary slightly). They consist of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). The number of memory components on a 204-pin SODIMM's printed circuit board (PCB) can vary, but the PCB will always have 102 pins on the front and the back both, for a total of 204 pins. The gold pins on the bottom of the SODIMM provide the connection between the memory module and the memory socket.
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