Laptop vs Desktop Memory

[MattCo]

Ok, I was looking at my Fry's ad today and a few thoughts popped into my head: Why is there desktop and laptop versions of memory? If they are the same capacities and timings, couldn't desktop motherboard makers just use the same slot style as laptop motherboards? I guess Laptop memory is more expensive to make since it is slightly smaller, but if memory makers concentrated their efforts on one format, wouldn't economies of scale cancel out the price difference?

-MC

 

[Roguestar]

Because laptops are small?

To expand: the average laptop doesn't need to be as powerful as the average desktop because their uses are generally different. The average laptop therefore needs less memory and they can use (for example) 8x 32MB chips to make up a 256 stick to fit into a smaller laptop slot, and 16 of them to make a 512 stick for a desktop slot. Smaller room on the laptop PCB means either lower memory amount or higher capacity chip (means more expensive). At the other end of that, logically, it's cheaper to make desktop sticks bigger so they can have more less-dense chips per stick because they have the extra room. Laptop memory tends to also stick to the lower end of the rated voltages (such as 1.8v for DDR2) but higher performance is demanded in the desktop market and so memory is often designed for voltages such as 2.2v or more.

 

[MattCo]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Because laptops are small?

But the memory modules aren't THAT different in size.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

Hey lets put a 4 cylinder engine in a 68' Mustang.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: MattCo

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Because laptops are small?

But the memory modules aren't THAT different in size.

Edited my post .

 

[MattCo]

Originally posted by: SoundTheSurrender
Hey lets put a 4 cylinder engine in a 68' Mustang.

Is 1GB of DDR2 5300 laptop memory less effective than 1GB of DDR2 5300 desktop memory?

 

[MattCo]

Originally posted by: Roguestar

Originally posted by: MattCo

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Because laptops are small?

But the memory modules aren't THAT different in size.

Edited my post .

Now that is the kind of answer I was looking for. Thanks for the informative post!

-MC

 

[corkyg]

SODIMMs and DIMMs have very different form factors and heat characteristics. Desktops have plenty of air space for cooling, etc., and therefore the RAM modules can be more easily cooled. Notebooks are very confined, and have definite heat limitations as well as power demands. We don't normally overclock laptops. Laptops are not intended to be as "fast" as desktops - few are classified as good "geming" machines. There are other reasons as well in terms of cost, demand, etc.