Replacing a 2GB RAM PC3-12800S stick for a 8GB PC3-12800 stick

[paimoceano]

Hi there guys.

I have a samsung laptop with 6GB RAM divided in two sticks: one 4GB PC3-12800S-11-10-F2 and the other a 2GB PC3-12800S-11-10-ZZZ
I want to replace the 2GB for one with 8GB.
Looking in Crucial, I´ve found an 8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V 1024Meg x 64. I´ve also found the same model but from maker PNY.

Is the missing S in "12800S" important? Could I use the Crucial or the PNY stick along with my 4GB? Is there something else I should consider before doing the change?

I´m a newbie regarding RAM, so if I forgot to add some important information, please let me know.

Thanks a lot.
Best regards,

 

[brispuss]

What is the model of the laptop, please?

 

[paimoceano]

Its a Samsung NP550P5C-AD2BR
It has an Intel Core I5-3210M and I'm using Windows 10 (64 bits)

Thanks a lot Brispuss

 

[brispuss]

Thanks for the laptop details!

The "S" just means that the memory module is a SODIMM type. But some SODIMM modules don't have this "S" designation, so don't be concerned about this!

According to published specifications, the SamSung NP550P5C supports up to a total of 8 GB of system memory. So it is not possible to use the existing 4 GB memory together with an additional 8 GB memory as this will exceed the system 8 GB memory limit.

Also, mixing single modules (instead of using dual channel kit modules) is risky as the modules may not work together due to variances in memory module characteristics.

Although it is not entirely clear (due to lack of detailed specifications), it seems likely that ONE 8 GB memory module could be used by itself in the SamSung NP550P5C. Most 8 GB SODIMM's should work in the system.

However, it is recommended that a 2 x 4 GB dual channel kit be used instead, as this ensures module compatibility, and maximizes memory bandwidth due to operation in dual channel mode.

 

[paimoceano]

Thanks a lot for your answer. It helped a lot. I was basing my idea in the analysis made by the Crucial website, which suggest to increment my RAM. Guess they were more interested in selling it then in really analyzing it.

Do you think I could install a 4x4 GB kit? Sometimes I have to work with huge images and I think even 2GB could help.

Thanks once again

 

[mjslakeridge]

Don't you mean a 2x4 kit? According to the product specs (as noted above), the maximum is 8GB. The product specs do not specify the speed of memory supported (1333, 1600, etc). Not a very good manual. A good bet would be to identify the speed of the memory that came with the laptop (use CPU-Z), and purchase a 2x4 kit with that speed.

 

[paimoceano]

Yeap, that is what I meant. =)
Thanks a lot for the correction and for the tip about the speed of memory.