DDR4 instead of a DDR3L Ram to upgrade laptop? And how much exactly can I upgrade my laptop's RAM to?

[martian.marcera]

My laptop is an Asus x456U.
It's Processor is an Intel® Core™ i5 6200U.

When I checked the back of the laptop, I noticed that the default Ram, or the one that came with the laptop, cannot be removed. Soldered, as my friend would call it. The ram seems to be a 4gb DDR3L running at 1600 MHz.

It has an Extra slot tho, a SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 12 GB SDRAM.

My question is, can I upgrade the laptop with a 4gb DDR4? Since SO-DIMMs as I have read ~can accept DDR4 and Lower Rams. Or did I just misread that meaning? And the Intel® Core™ i5 6200U ~does accept DDR4 sticks.

Also, can I upgrade it with more than a 4gb stick? Since in the specifications, it said that I can expand it with one up to 12gb. I don't know exactly what they mean by that.

I'll just include my laptops webpage so you guys can see.
Thank you for reading and it'll help me a great deal if someone answers.

https://www.asus.com/Laptops/X456UA/specifications/

Where I read the SO-DIMM definition:
http://www.te.com/usa-en/products/connectors/card-socket-connectors/memory-sockets/so-dimm-sockets.html

Intel® Core™ i5 6200U:
https://ark.intel.com/products/88193/Intel-Core-i5-6200U-Processor-3M-Cache-up-to-2_80-GHz

 

[CountMike]

In that first link it says:
Memory DDR3L 1600 MHz SDRAM, 1 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 12 GB SDRAM no mention of DDR4 that wouldn't even physically fit because of differnt sizes and number of pins.
About processor: It's IMC (Internal Memory Controller) can handle both, DDR3l and DDR4 but that's not how it was configured in that laptop.

 

[martian.marcera]

In that first link it says:
Memory DDR3L 1600 MHz SDRAM, 1 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 12 GB SDRAM no mention of DDR4 that wouldn't even physically fit because of differnt sizes and number of pins.
About processor: It's IMC (Internal Memory Controller) can handle both, DDR3l and DDR4 but that's not how it was configured in that laptop.

Ahh so my best bet would be to buy another 4gb DDR3L Memory Stick? Does it have to be 4gb or can I buy more?
Lastly, we have an extra DDR3 here, would that not work? Or if I test if it could work, would that harm our laptop?

 

[CountMike]

Main difference between DDR3 and DDR3L is that later one works at 1.35v while non-L runs at 1.5v. which would put undue stress to the processor and it's IMC and make it heat up more even if it worked but I doubt that BIOS would even let you set it at 1.5v.
Combining RAM soldered on and inserted in the socket, can't exceed 12GB.

 

[helpstar]

the CPU can work with SO-DIMM DDR4 (standard 1.2V) or SO-DIMM DDR3L (low voltage <= 1.35V). But not at the same time and only with motherboards which are designed for each technology generation.

SO-Dimm DDR3 can be tested, but most likely won´t even post/boot. Wouldn´t harm your laptop though.

Would get 8GB SO-DIMM DDR3L-1600MHz with CL9 timings
like:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wCGkcf/gskill-memory-f31600c9s8grsl

How to upgrade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yecuhZDw0hs

 

[martian.marcera]

the CPU can work with SO-DIMM DDR4 (standard 1.2V) or SO-DIMM DDR3L (low voltage <= 1.35V). But not at the same time and only with motherboards which are designed for each technology generation.

SO-Dimm DDR3 can be tested, but most likely won´t even post/boot. Wouldn´t harm your laptop though.

Would get 8GB SO-DIMM DDR3L-1600MHz with CL9 timings
like:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wCGkcf/gskill-memory-f31600c9s8grsl

How to upgrade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yecuhZDw0hs

Yes, we tried out inserting the Ram to the computer and we were surprised our that our computer booted. I guess we misunderstood what you meant by "It wouldn't even post/boot". The laptop was fine, only the Task Manager and CPU-Z/CPUID didn't show the extra Ram we put in.

Anyway, thanks you for the response.

 

[helpstar]

usually laptops designed for low voltage RAM won´t boot, but there are some exceptions of course. Your inserted RAM needs 1.5V and the motherboard just provides 1.35V. Like you proofed, in the rare cases it boots, it wouldn´t be recocgnized, because of too less voltage.