RAM question

[thorpig]

Hello,

I was interested in increasing the RAM in my Sony VPCF148FT, and when I looked up what RAM I could use I came up with the following information:

DDR3 SO-DIMM
PC3-8500

When I went to the shop, the guy there recommended RAM that was PC3-10600. Now my question is: Does this PC3 rating have to do with compatibility or simply speed? If the latter, can any of them be installed?

Thanks in advance.

[RealBeast]

The 8500 and 10600 refer to the speed -- 1066MHz and 1333MHz respectively. The 10600 should work fine at the slower speed.

[voodoochild16]

Is this a laptop?. I can't find RAM for it on Kingston.com, I'm guessing it's older or something.

[richardginn]

Is this a laptop?. I can't find RAM for it on Kingston.com, I'm guessing it's older or something.

SO-DIMM is laptop memory.

[thorpig]

Hello again,

Is there a limit to what speeds a computer can handle? I mean, assuming my computer is rated for SO-DIMM DDR3 memory, can I go as high as PC3-12800 if I so desire?

[voodoochild16]

Hello again,

Is there a limit to what speeds a computer can handle? I mean, assuming my computer is rated for SO-DIMM DDR3 memory, can I go as high as PC3-12800 if I so desire?

I am trying to look up the full specifications of your laptop, i searched Google and Sony's website with the model number "Sony VPCF148FT" that you gave us but cannot find anything with it. If you can actually link us to the specs page that would be easier than a model number. PC3 is the type of RAM, and yes there is always a limit which it's a very good idea that your researching this before buying.

[RealBeast]

It looks to be a model that was sold in Japan that shows up as VPCF148FJ. The specs indicate that it uses 2 DDR SO-DIMMs (either 1066 or 1333 MHz) with 4Gb per module limit -- it should currently have 2 - 2Gb modules.

[thorpig]

Thanks for the reply,

Right, it currently contains two 2GB modules of 1333MHz each. I was going to change those to two 4GB modules, and I suppose I have an upper limit of 1333MHz that can't be expanded to, say, 1600MHz, right?

At least, that's the feedback I seemed to get when I consulted a Japanese memory retailer.

[RealBeast]

While you often can use faster rated memory in slower machines, I would probably stick with a recommended memory just to be safe.

[proxops-pete]

Also, the faster memory won't run at the rated speed unless the settings in the laptop mobo forced it to... so in short, unless it's mucho cheaper to buy faster RAM, buy the slower ones...