Notebook RAM

Clarification of terms

With special consideration of Samsung Semiconductor products, we will go into the most important requirements for notebook RAM in this article and explain to you how these are implemented in concrete terms.

Notebook RAM requirements

Memory modules for notebooks have to meet a number of special requirements, which are largely due to the special characteristics of this type of computer (e.g. mini PCs and all-in-one PCs). In the following we will show you some of these requirements and explain why they are important:

1. Smaller physical size (SODIMM

Notebook memory modules are usually smaller than their desktop counterparts. This is important because notebooks have less internal space compared to desktop computers. Smaller modules allow the overall size of the notebook to be reduced, which contributes to portability and user convenience. For notebooks and other small form factor PCs, such as mini PCs and all-in-one PCs, the SODIMM form factor is therefore mainly used.

SODIMM

SODIMM stands for "Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module". This term describes a type of memory module that is mainly used in notebooks and other smaller computers.

Let's take a closer look at each part of this term:

What are the sizes of memory modules?

The size of a memory module can vary depending on its specification. However, here are the typical dimensions for RDIMM, UDIMM and SODIMM modules:

RDIMM and UDIMM: These modules usually have a standard width of about 133.35 mm (5.25 inches). The length can vary depending on the model and specification, but is often around 30 mm (1.2 inches).

SODIMM: These modules are smaller and have a width of about 67.60 mm (2.66 inches). The length also varies depending on the model and specification, but is often around 30 mm (1.2 inches).

2. Lower power consumption & minimization of heat generation

Notebooks often run on battery power, so energy efficiency is a critical factor. Notebook RAM must be designed to consume less power to maximize battery life while minimizing heat. Too much heat can cause performance problems and affect the life of the notebook.

Since, as a rule, components that consume less power also produce less heat, in the following section we will look at the measures that can be taken to meet both requirements.

Memory chips with low operating voltage

One of the main strategies to reduce the power consumption of notebook RAM is to use memory chips with lower operating voltage.

For example, Samsung's DDR5 memory modules use 1.1V by default compared to 1.2V for DDR4 or even 1.5V for DDR3. Although the difference between 1.2V and 1.1V might seem small at first glance, it can have a significant impact on energy consumption in practice.

The energy consumed by an electronic device is often measured in watts. The formula for calculating the power (P) is:

In addition, lowering the operating voltage often has other benefits. For example, it can cause the module to generate less heat, resulting in lower cooling requirements. This can be particularly important in devices such as laptops, which often have limited cooling capabilities.

We hold:

Lower operating voltage

• Lower energy consumption
• Less heat generation
• Lower cooling requirements

ECC / ODECC

While ECC (Error Correction Code) is primarily used to improve data integrity, it can also help reduce power consumption by reducing the need for re-reads and re-writes due to errors.

ODECC (On-Die ECC) is a Samsung-specific implementation of ECC technology that aims to detect and correct data errors. The special feature of ODECC is that it is implemented directly on the memory chip (On-Die) and is therefore more energy-efficient compared to conventional ECC technology, which requires additional hardware. This direct implementation can help reduce power consumption by requiring less hardware that could consume power. In addition, ODECC can help reduce the footprint and complexity of memory chips, which in turn can lead to further energy savings.

We hold:

ECC / ODECC

• Reduces the need for re-reads and re-writes
• Indirectly reduces energy consumption
• ODECC features additional energy efficiency

Smaller structure sizes (10nm process)

More advanced manufacturing techniques allow memory chips to be produced with smaller structure sizes. Samsung, for example, was one of the first manufacturers to introduce the 10nm process.

But what does this have to do with energy consumption?

On the one hand, these smaller chips have shorter signal paths, and on the other hand, they have fewer leakage currents, which ultimately makes them more energy-efficient. Put simply: If the signal paths are shorter, this means that the electrical signals have to travel less distance to get from point A to point B. This reduces both consumption because the current has to travel less distance. This therefore both reduces consumption, because the current has to travel less distance, and reduces power loss due to leakage currents, because the distance (over which leakage currents can occur) becomes shorter.

In addition, finer manufacturing techniques enable higher memory density, which means that more memory can be accommodated in a smaller space. This can result in fewer memory chips being needed to provide the same amount of memory, which in turn reduces energy consumption.

We hold:

Smaller structure sizes

• Lower energy consumption due to shorter signal paths
• Less leakage currents due to shorter distance travelled
• Higher storage density - Less energy consumption

3. Robustness

Due to their mobility, notebooks are more frequently exposed to physical stress than desktop computers. Therefore, notebook RAM must be designed to withstand shock and vibration. This is primarily achieved by:

• Robust construction
  Notebook RAM modules are designed and manufactured to be resistant to physical stress. This includes solid soldering of the memory chips to the module. This ensures that the chips remain securely fastened even in the event of shocks and impacts.
• High quality materials
  The use of high-quality materials contributes to the robustness of the modules. This can include, for example, special alloys for the contacts that ensure reliable contact even after repeated installation and removal.
• Protective coatings
  Some notebook RAM modules have special protective coatings or housings that protect them from mechanical damage, but also from environmental influences such as moisture.

Assessing the specific design or quality of materials of a storage module can be challenging for the buyer. As a specialized distributor for enterprise and data center storage solutions, we are aware of this difficulty and therefore focus on the quality and robustness of the products we offer. We underline this confidence in our product range with a 10-year warranty.

To ensure this high level of quality, we work exclusively with manufacturers whose quality standards and product reliability are beyond reproach. For example, Samsung Semiconductor's internal testing of products includes both design and production controls to ensure that every product that comes off the line meets the company's high standards.  

4. Compatibility

The issue of compatibility is important in both upgrading and manufacturing hardware.

• 1. When upgrading the hardware
  If you want to upgrade an existing device (for example, your laptop), you need to rely on the laptop's existing hardware and the memory compatibility information provided by the manufacturer. This means that you need to select the right memory type, speed, form factor, and total capacity to ensure that the new memory is compatible with your laptop.

Memorysolution IT Distribution is ready with over 15,000 proprietary memory upgrades to meet your needs. Visit us at memorysolution.de/ram-upgrades to find and filter the right memory upgrades for your devices. If you have trouble finding the right product, our customer service team is available to assist you and provide a customized quote if necessary.

• 2. In hardware manufacturing
  Device manufacturers have more control over the hardware components and configuration of the laptop, and can choose which memory is best for your particular application and design. However, you still need to make sure that the memory modules you choose are compatible with the laptop's other components, such as the motherboard and processor.

Memorysolution Industrial Memory supports you with manufacturer-neutral consulting for the selection of the appropriate memory solution. This is not just about pure compatibility - we also take into account aspects such as long-term availability and ensuring an unchanged module configuration throughout the entire production runtime. Our dedicated industry team is always ready to assist you with these crucial issues. Whether you are planning a major project or simply need sustainable and reliable storage solutions, we are here to help.

In both hardware upgrading and hardware manufacturing, compatibility is important to ensure that the storage works correctly and provides the best performance. However, differences exist in how much control you have over component selection and what information you have available to ensure compatibility.

Conclusion

The term "notebook RAM" is not uniformly defined. However, the properties of notebook RAM are based on the requirements placed on it. As a rule, modules for notebooks are smaller and also have lower power consumption. These special features help to keep the size of the laptops as small as possible and the battery life of the devices as long as possible. We have also addressed the special requirements for robustness and compatibility in this article.
If you still have questions about the notebook RAM, our customer service will be happy to help you!