Quick Computer RAM question

[yorick73]

I have a relatively new sony vaio laptop that I want to buy additional Ram for. I'd like to put the old RAM from this computer into an older Dell PC but I'm not sure if it is compatible. The RAM I want to move is DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 (non-ECC). The RAM that is in the older computer is DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 (non-ECC). Will the 6400 work in a computer that currently has 5300 RAM? Also, are there any other considerations? I have checked to make sure that the old computer can handle the amount of RAM (1G) in the slot. Other than that I'm lost. Any advice?

[thelurkinghorror]

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/
etc., other brands have their own. Scan your system for what RAM it supports.

6400 will work in a system that only supports lower, it will just be slowed to the highest possible speed. I think if the memory is paired, it will slow to the slower speed of the two, even if the system supports higher. But ideally RAM should be paired by manufacture and type as best as possible.

[voltaire]

You want to put memory from your laptop into a desktop? (you said "PC") If that's the case, I highly doubt they will be compatible because they are probably a totally different form-factor.

[yorick73]

That's exactly what I did. I just am not sure that that the higher speed RAM will be functional at all in a system that uses a lower speed. My concern is that the computer may not be able to use the RAM at all.

[yorick73]

Originally Posted by voltaire

You want to put memory from your laptop into a desktop? (you said "PC") If that's the case, I highly doubt they will be compatible because they are probably a totally different form-factor.

Yes, that is correct. I don't understand what you mean by form-factor? Are you saying that the actual stick will not fit correctly in the desktop?

[yorick73]

Ah...never mind. I see now the laptop uses SODIMM 200 pin and the desktop uses DIMM 240 pin. I didn't even consider that that the size and pin number would be different. Thanks for the help!

[voltaire]

Originally Posted by yorick73

Yes, that is correct. I don't understand what you mean by form-factor? Are you saying that the actual stick will not fit correctly in the desktop?

Yeah, generally laptops and desktops use a totally different size/shape (form-factor) of memory. They will, in all likelihood, not even be close to fitting.