Ram voltage 1.35 or 1.5 does it matter?

[pete6032]

I would like to get a stick of RAM for my laptop to replace my current 4GB stick. Newegg has two 8GB modules where the only difference is voltage. Will both of these sticks work in my laptop? If both sticks would work, what is the benefit of the lower voltage memory?

EDIT - CPUZ seems to say my current memory is 1.5v.

Corsair Value Select 8GB 1.35v
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233595

Corsair Value Select 8GB 1.5v
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233216

 

[ao_ika_red]

DDR3L (low voltage, hence 1.35 V value) introduced later specifically for mobile segment to reduce power consumption. I believe there's "eco" equivalent for desktop but I never met it irl.

It should work with old 1.5V DDR3 based laptop, but some say it may reduce your memory life.

 

[UsandThem]

Yes, it does matter. Most modern CPUs have their memory controller on the CPU itself, and are designed to work with the lower voltage memory to prevent long term damage to the CPU.

But before anybody can give you a definite answer one way or another, if you provide the model number of your laptop that would be extremely helpful so we can see what hardware we are talking about, and see the laptop manufacturer's specifications.

Also, does Corsair's memory finder state that RAM will work with your laptop?

http://www.corsair.com/en-us/memory-finder

 

[Smoblikat]

I believe 1.5v is the standard, while 1.35 is low voltage, Without any evidence I would assume almost all modern CPU's (IMC's) support the standard 1.5v as well as 1.35v. Maybe even up to 1.65v.

 

[mxnerd]

Since your current laptop memory run at 1.5V. You can buy either DDR3 or DDR3L memory.

DDR3 memory only operates in 1.5V

DDR3L memory operates in either 1.35V or 1.5V. Usually more expensive then DDR3.