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I have a pair of DDR3 SODIMM RAM modules in my laptop, and I want to replace the 2GB for a 4GB that is compatible. So far I haven't been able to find an exact match but I found a very similar with a PC3L label instead of PC3. Can they work together?

My DDR3 SODIMM RAM:

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Memory module in question:

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Installed RAM: 4GB DDR3 2Rx8 PC3 12800S 11 10 F2

Matching RAM: 4GB DDR3 2Rx8 PC3L 12800S 11 10 F3

Laptop: Toshiba Satellite L645D-S4036

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up vote 35 down vote accepted

What you are referring to is related to DDR3 memory standardization.

  • DDR3 or PC3 is the Standard Voltage memory module that operates at 1.50V (JEDEC compliant)
  • DDR3L or PC3L is the Low Voltage memory module that operates at 1.35V (JEDEC compliant)
  • DDR3U or PC3U is the Ultra Low Voltage memory module that operates at 1.25V (still not JEDEC compliant)

Most, if not all PC3L modules can support 1.50V operation, so there shouldn't be any issues in your case

Edit. I've just checked in the Samsung catalogue, and I can confirm now that your Samsung M471B5273CH0 PC3L is dual voltage module. Enjoy :)

enter image description here

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Excellent, thank you very much! – Gabriel Oct 21 '13 at 19:18
    
Is the converse true? My laptop has 4GB "PC3L" - 12800S RAM. Can I install 4GB "PC3" 12800S RAM to upgrade to 8GB ? – Navigator Jul 10 '14 at 8:02
    
Yes without any issue if your laptop mobbo supports the 1.5V on memory – Nikola Dimitrijevic Jul 10 '14 at 15:49
    
There's this excellent article on memory compatibility at Dell dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/SLN153768/en – Marcin Gil Jul 20 '16 at 6:29

protected by Mokubai♦ Jan 2 '16 at 7:51

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