DDR3 vs DDR3L

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by james071, Jul 30, 2014.

  1. james071

    james071 MDL Novice

    Jul 6, 2014
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    #1 james071, Jul 30, 2014
    Hello All,

    I have a quick question regarding the difference DDR3 vs DDR3L to be used in a laptop.

    I know the DDR3L uses lower voltage compared to DDR3 but can I replace DDR3L sticks with regular DDR3 ones?

    My scenario is, to explain more, I have a laptop having 8 GB ram DDR3L but previously I bought 16 GB DDR3 for another laptop. Can I use the DDR3 ram instead of the DDR3L?

    Regards,
     
  2. Flipp3r

    Flipp3r MDL Expert

    Feb 11, 2009
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    #2 Flipp3r, Jul 31, 2014
    The newer chipsets require the DDR3L sticks. In the past when I tried using DDR3 the systems where unstable. I always memtest & it would pass though...
     
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  3. EFA11

    EFA11 Avatar Guru

    Oct 7, 2010
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    #3 EFA11, Jul 31, 2014
    you might end up unstable with too low a voltage using DDR3 instead of DDR3L. Unless you can adjust the voltage from DDR3L's 1.30? 1.35volts to 1.5 in your bios, you might have trouble. If you can find 1.35 volt DDR3 then it might be something to try. Just do not mix the two types together as they both run separate voltages. I believe all apple memory is DDR3L and is PC compatible, if you end up having trouble finding DDR3L.

    As far as trying the 16GB of DDR3 in the laptop, I have never damaged a board by placing the wrong memory in it. If the board will even support the 16GB of ram to start with. At most I would assume it would simply not boot if the DDR3 isn't compatible. Knowing what the laptop is and reading the manual will most likely tell you if it can handle the DDR3 and a total of 16GB as well.
     
  4. james071

    james071 MDL Novice

    Jul 6, 2014
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    #4 james071, Jul 31, 2014 (OP)
    thanks Flipp3r and EFA11. I will go ahead and order DDR3L instead of using the DDR3 ones I had.
     
  5. Pardeep

    Pardeep MDL Junior Member

    Jul 24, 2014
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    #5 Pardeep, Aug 5, 2014
    Thanks for the information james071
    Yes today i buy a laptop 8GB Ram DDR3 and i want to replace it DDR3L
     
  6. james071

    james071 MDL Novice

    Jul 6, 2014
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    #6 james071, Aug 6, 2014 (OP)
    pardeep,

    not sure if it is a good idea to change from DDR3 to DDR3L because of the voltage difference. in reality DDR3L are more expensive then DDR3 ones.

    if case you are going to upgrade your laptop/macbook in the near future then it is a good idea to buy a dual DDR3/DDR3L ones since they are able to operate under both voltages 1.5V and 1.35V. check url below.
    amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-12800-SODIMM-204-Pin-CT2C8G3S160BM/dp/B008LTBJFW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1407329704&sr=8-4&keywords=16+gb+DDR3l

    good luck