Crucial Laptop Memory

In short, 204-pin Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SODIMMs) are the form factor used to provide DDR3 memory modules for laptops and other compact computer platforms. 204-pin SODIMMs are currently available in speeds of PC3-8500 (DDR3 1066MHz) and PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333MHz).

To use DDR3 memory, your system must have both a 204-pin SODIMM slot and a chipset that supports DDR3 memory. A DDR3 SODIMM will not fit into DDR2 or DDR memory sockets.

SODIMMs are smaller and thinner than regular DIMMs, and the 204-pin SODIMM PCBs are always about 2.6 inches long and typically about 1.18 inches high (although heights may vary slightly). They consist of a number of memory components attached to a circuit board. The number of memory components on the circuit board of a 204-pin SODIMM can vary, but the PCB always has 102 pins on both the front and back, totaling 204 pins. The gold pins on the bottom of the SODIMM establish the connection between the memory module and the memory socket.