Description
The 4GB PC3L-12800S RAM you're referring to is a DDR3L (low-voltage DDR3) memory module that operates at a speed of 1600 MHz (as indicated by the "12800" in the model number, which corresponds to 12800 MB/s or 12.8 GB/s bandwidth).
Here are some important details and compatibility considerations for PC3L-12800S RAM:
1. RAM Type:
DDR3L (Low Voltage): This is a low-voltage version of DDR3 RAM, which means it operates at 1.35V instead of the standard 1.5V for regular DDR3.
SODIMM: This is the small form factor of DDR3 RAM used in laptops and small PCs.
2. Compatible Generations:
Intel Core i3, i5, i7 (3rd Gen - 7th Gen): These processors typically support DDR3 or DDR3L RAM, including speeds up to 1600 MHz. The PC3L-12800S RAM should work with laptops powered by these processors.
Examples of Intel Generations:
3rd Gen: Ivy Bridge (e. g. , Intel Core i5-3xxx, i7-3xxx)
4th Gen: Haswell (e. g. , Intel Core i5-4xxx, i7-4xxx)
5th Gen: Broadwell (e. g. , Intel Core i5-5xxx, i7-5xxx)
6th Gen: Skylake (e. g. , Intel Core i5-6xxx, i7-6xxx)
7th Gen: Kaby Lake (e. g. , Intel Core i5-7xxx, i7-7xxx)
AMD Ryzen: AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7 (1st Gen - 3rd Gen) laptops also support DDR3L or DDR4 RAM, but Ryzen 3000-series typically prefers DDR4 RAM. The older AMD A-series (A8, A10) laptops from around 2015-2017 should support DDR3L.
Intel Pentium / Celeron (3rd Gen - 6th Gen): Many laptops powered by Intel's lower-end processors also support DDR3L-1600.
3. Laptop Compatibility:
The 4GB PC3L-12800S module should be compatible with most laptops from brands like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, particularly those manufactured from 2013 to 2017, as these typically use DDR3L memory.
Important: Some laptops may have limits on the maximum RAM capacity they can support, typically ranging from 8GB to 16GB depending on the model.
4. Example Laptop Models:
Here are some examples of laptops that should support 4GB PC3L-12800S RAM (check the individual laptop specifications to confirm maximum RAM support):
Dell Inspiron 15 (from 3rd Gen to 7th Gen Intel processors)
HP Pavilion 14 or 15 series (from 3rd Gen to 7th Gen Intel)
Lenovo ThinkPad L, E, or T series (e. g. , ThinkPad L540, ThinkPad E570)
Acer Aspire E5 or Aspire 5 (from 3rd Gen to 7th Gen Intel processors)
Asus VivoBook or ZenBook series (from 3rd Gen to 7th Gen Intel processors)
5. Upgrading/Installing:
Before upgrading, ensure your laptop has available RAM slots, or check the maximum supported RAM in the user manual or laptop specs.
Dual-channel performance: If possible, try to install two identical RAM modules (e. g. , two 4GB PC3L-12800S modules) for better performance (dual-channel mode).
Summary of Compatibility:
Generation Compatibility: Intel Core i3, i5, i7 (3rd Gen - 7th Gen), AMD A-series, Ryzen 1st Gen - 3rd Gen.
Laptop Types: Most mainstream laptops from brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Asus from the 2013-2017 period should work.
Form Factor: SODIMM (for laptops) is the key, so make sure the RAM you buy matches the slot size.