01 / Identify your system
Find the exact model of your computer or motherboard and check its memory specifications. A compatible processor alone does not guarantee motherboard compatibility.
Before you choose
Choose the right upgrade for your system.
Start with compatibility, then choose capacity and speed.
DDR4 or DDR5? Check your motherboard.
DDR4 and DDR5 are different memory generations with different electrical requirements and notch positions. They are not interchangeable. DDR5 memory will not fit or work in a DDR4 slot.
| What to check | DDR4 platform | DDR5 platform |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Choose a module explicitly labeled DDR4. | Choose a module explicitly labeled DDR5. |
| Motherboard support | Check the specifications for your exact motherboard model to confirm DDR4 support. | Check the specifications for your exact motherboard model to confirm DDR5 support. |
| Appearance | You cannot identify the DDR generation by the color or shape of the heat spreader. Check the product label and specifications. | |
02 / Choose capacity
16GB and 32GB refer to capacity, not the DDR generation. Check the capacity per module, your system’s maximum supported capacity and the number of available slots. Two 16GB modules provide 32GB in total.
03 / Check speed and format
Figures such as 3200 MT/s and 6000 MT/s describe the data transfer rate. Actual operating speed depends on your processor, motherboard and settings. Desktop DIMMs and laptop SO-DIMMs are different form factors.
Also upgrading storage?
Check your system documentation for the supported interface, drive size and slot requirements. An M.2 slot does not automatically support both SATA and PCIe/NVMe drives.