Was looking to upgrade my USFF with an 11th-gen Intel processor and found these. Not the cheapest but it'll do. ATL according to Camelx3.
CamelCamelCamel.
Would you care to elaborate on your recommendation?
I've got an HP Probook 11th gen i5 (cheap 2nd hand), I've contemplated a few times to increase memory, but it appears that the most budget-friendly RAM modules are never indicated as compatible. Suspected some interplay with single/dual rank, but one that is indicated as compatible is Crucial's CT16G4SFRA32A, where the "RA" in its model name indicates that it's random single/dual rank.
It currently has a particular 8GB module in it, but (of course) not the most budget-friendly to buy, and no real guarantee that it will still run when in dual channel… decisions decisions…
What I want to point out is that RAM modules sold individually are typically tested only for single-channel operation. In contrast, products sold in pairs are tested for dual-channel configurations.
Crucial's website offers a search tool that helps you find compatible RAM for your specific computer. I recommend using that tool.
Although some older laptops may not officially support DDR4 RAM speeds beyond 3200MHz according to their manuals, in my experience, they can still recognise and use these. However, the laptop may not fully utilize the maximum performance of the RAM.
If you have an amazon prime membership, you can buy the same or a similar 8gb currently installed and test it. Return it if it doesn't work properly.
What I want to point out is that RAM modules sold individually are typically tested only for single-channel operation.
This is not relevant - tested or not, the ram stick doesn't know or care that it's in dual channel mode.
Dual channel mode just needs two of the same sticks - they absolutely do not need to be a matched pair, as long as they are the same. You can order two single sticks from Amazon and use them dual channel just fine.
You don't even necessarily need two the same - it's possible to sometimes use dual channel with two completely different sticks as long as the specs and timings are similar enough (but this isn't something you can work out ahead of purchase without just trying it).
@Nom: Yes, you're right normally. So that's why I recommend using amazon prime for returning when there is any incompatibility issue.
You don't know what will happen until RAM's max performance. Even the same spec's RAM gives different performance sometimes.
The bundle pack has passed the dual channel test by the manufacturer.
@chickenfac: It is possible; however with the same brand/same speed/same timings RAM it is extremely unlikely.
I work in IT and I've probably seen this a handful of times and it's usually if someone has cheap generic RAM or you've got a stick of say 2933MHz and 2400Mhz and the system doesn't like it.
With that being said yes I would pay a few dollars more for a matching set.
I'll share some recent experience. Bought two 16GB Crucial RAM individually (CT16G4SFRA32A) from Umart. One was single rank 1Rx8, manufactured in 2023, while the other was dual rank 2Rx8 manufactured in 2024. I use both in a dual-channel config for my gaming laptop. Everything works out just fine.
I bought couple days ago with the$20 save20 coupon. Over 2 days so $148 for 2x32gb.
In 2024, DDR 4 should be called DDR NO
/joke
The same could be said about Intel's 13th and 14th gen processors 😅
You can't put DDR5 in an older laptop.
I bought the same but 2x32GB for $199 for my usff yesterday. I recommend the above if you need single-channel memory, but I don't recommend it if you’re considering dual-channel configuration.