Hi,

Ive been trying to upgrade the memory on my desktop computer and the company who is supplying me with the memory ran a CD through my computer to make sure they sent me the right sort of memory.

The first time they sent me what I thought was laptop memory, it says DDR2 DDR553 SODIMM CL4 on the packaging and its about 6-7cm long. I phoned them up and told them it was laptop ram and my system was a desktop and they have sent replacements twice which are exactly the same, laptop ram both times. Basically, my questions is this: can laptop ram of this kind be compatible with desktop systems? I am almost certain the ram in my computer at the moment is about 12cm long.

Thanks,
Sez

Laptop RAM will not work on a PC. The easiest way to explain this is with the size. That small of a memory stick is not going to fit into the RAM slots on your motherboard. Also, take a look at your PC's RAM. Notice the notch around the center of the stick? That's there to ensure that you install the RAM correctly. The laptop RAM is not going to fit into your system because it is laptop RAM, which is made for laptops.

Despite the fact that you shouldn't have to do this, you're going to have to explain this concept to the support staff. Read off the numbers that are on the RAM package and explain to them that despite what their systems tell them, this is the wrong RAM. I'd say give them one more chance before sending it back and taking your business elsewhere.

Thats precisely what I thought! They guy on the phone said sometimes newer desktops have slots for the smaller laptop ram, I even opened up my tower to check how big my current ram was and he still insisted that the laptop ram would fit!

He finally thinks hes found the problem, so the ram is being redelivered next wednesday - 4th time lucky eh?

Well, these newer desktops that he is speaking of are most likely the ulta small ones with external power supplies. Even then, it's unlikely that they would require laptop RAM. It'd have to be quite small and quite compact.

Myke is correct. Some of the newer compact computers use laptop memory. A few of them are starting to use mobile pci-express as well.
What is the make and model of the computer you are upgrading?

I ran across a system the other day that was using a laptop processor, so why not laptop RAM too? It is all in the way of lower voltages and lower power usage for cool running. IAC, when ordering by mail or Web, the buyer should know what s/he needs and order it - don't depend on some disinterested order-taker to get it right. If you have a prepackaged system like Dell, Gateway, your system will have a specs list on the site. Otherwise the brand/model of the motherboard will get you to the same info on the mobo mfr's site.

.bh.

zepper, theoretically it is possible for a desktop to use laptop RAM, but I honestly have never seen nor heard of a motherboard which supports both. That's what it comes down to: the motherboard.

I quite agree with Myke.
Maybe the compatible RAM will appear in future days, but now, there is no RAM can be used both laptop and desktop.