Best DDR5 SO-DIMMS for Laptops – 4800 & 5200 262-Pin DDR5

We have been researching the best DDR5 SO-DIMMS for laptops that various manufacturers recently showcased. Even in the early days of DDR5 adoption, we have seen products being lined up.

Also Read: Best DDR5 RAM for Desktop PCs

DDR5 is the latest standard for memory modules available on consumer desktop PCs. It comes with Intel’s 12th Gen Core processors (head by the Core i9-12900K) along with the ecosystem of Z690-chipset motherboards.

When it comes to purchasing RAM, the form factor is one of the most important considerations. Most desktop computers have ample space for RAM chips. Hence, the memory modules’ size is not a problem.

But, with laptops, the memory modules’ size is an important consideration. This is because laptops are designed to be as light and small as possible; the size of every component matters. Moreover, significant parts cannot fit perfectly into the overall laptop design. So, the SO-DIMM standard was created. It stands for Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module.

High-speed DDR5 SDRAM modules use DDR5 SDRAM devices with four or eight internal memory bank groups. DDR5 SDRAM modules are utilizing 4- and 8-bit-wide DDR5 SDRAM devices have eight internal bank groups consisting of four memory banks each, providing a total of 32 banks. 16-bit-wide DDR5 SDRAM devices have four internal bank groups comprised of four memory banks each, providing a total of sixteen banks.

DDR5 SDRAM modules benefit from DDR5 SDRAM’s use of a 16n-prefetch architecture with an interface designed to transfer two data words per clock cycle at the I/O pins. A single READ or WRITE operation for the DDR5 SDRAM effectively consists of a single 16n-bit-wide, eight-clock data transfer at the internal DRAM core and sixteen corresponding n-bit-wide, one-half-clock-cycle data transfers at the I/O pins.

DDR5 modules use two sets of differential signals (DQS_t and DQS_c) to capture data, and CK_t and CK_c to capture commands, addresses, and control signals. Differential clocks and data strobes ensure exceptional noise immunity for these signals and provide precise crossing points to capture input signals.

The power management integrated circuit (PMIC) is new for DDR5. JEDEC defines the PMIC5100 device for DDR5 UDIMMs and SODIMMs. This operation converts a 5V supply into regulated values for all components on the module.

The PMIC5100 has ~10.6W of average output power capability. The PMIC5100 utilizes a unique pinout and 3mm x 4mm FCQFN package. The PMIC also allows the host to monitor voltage and current via the sideband channel.

DDR5 modules use faster clock speeds than earlier DDR technologies, making signal quality more critical than ever. For improved signal quality, the clock, control, command, and address buses have been routed in a fly-by topology, where each clock, control, command, and address pin on each DRAM is connected to a single trace and terminated (rather than a tree structure, where the termination is off the module near the connector).

Inherent to fly-by topology, the timing skew between the clock and DQS signals can be accounted for by using the write-leveling feature of DDR5.

Source: Micron

SO-DIMM RAM modules are nearly half the length of a standard size DIMM. The same enables more flexibility in designing the memory slots for laptops. Moreover, several laptops contain a user-accessible section that incorporates the SO-DIMMs that makes it simple to upgrade the computer’s RAM.

If the size is not a concern, standard DIMMs are commonly used because they present a more cost-effective solution.

The best DDR5 SO-DIMMS for Laptops:

Image	Product Name	Buy Now
	ADATA DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM Memory module	Check on Newegg
	SanMax 32 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM RAM	Check on Newegg

1. ADATA DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM Memory module:

In terms of high frequency and high capacity, this DDR5 RAM is a great solution. It is competent at reaching maximum speeds of 4800 MT/s and still operates only at 1.1V. This aspect makes it perfect for surveillance systems, embedded systems, healthcare, and industrial PC applications.

It comes with 266 pins and JEDEC standards. The built-in Power Management IC (PMIC) improves power supply stability. Providing high capacities up to 32 GB, this ADATA industrial-grade DDR5 RAM can meet the demands of deep learning, extensive data analysis, and high-speed computing (HPC). Through the On-die ECC (Error Correction Code), this memory module can also self-correct errors, which boosts transmission reliability and stability.

The architecture of this memory module permits more memory bank groups and banks. So, it can pack more bank groups in the same area than in DDR4. So, you benefit from higher capacities—30µ PCB gold plating for improved product durability and longevity.

Anti-Sulfuration and Conformal Coating enhance the durability of this module in harsh environments. CAS Latencies is 40. The range of operating temperature is 0°C to 85°C.

• Memory Type: DDR5

• Form Factor: SO-DIMM
• Capacity: 8GB / 16GB
• Speeds: 4800MT/s
• CAS Latencies: 40
• Operating Voltage: 1.1v
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 85°C

• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

2. SanMax 32 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM RAM:

SanMax is one of the main memory module houses to exhibit DDR5-4800 SO-DIMMs for compact desktops and notebooks. This RAM from this brand comes with 252 pins. It is rated for DDR5-4800 speeds (CL40) and works at 1.1V. Moreover, SanMax uses Micron memory for these modules, and the max capacity is 32 GB.

Existing DDR4 SO-DIMMs are typically found in 16 GB and lower capacities (you can get 32 GB single-stick memory). The transition to DDR5 must make 32 GB capacities more extensive. This serves as good news for those laptop power users that demand a lot of memory.

As per an image published by Hermitage Akihabara, this SDRAM stick is based on Micron’s ICA45 ICs. Similar to the way the DDR5 specification authorizes, these RAM modules come with their own power management IC (PMIC) and voltage regulating circuitry.

The absence of a heat spreader suggests that this module would perfectly fit into all types of notebooks. It can also fit into compact machines that are packed exceptionally tightly.

Based on Intel’s 12th Alder Lake processor platform, this memory module supports PCIe 5.0. Through its Alder Lake support, Intel could surpass AMD to the punch with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.

Though AMD is anticipated to adopt DDR5 memory through its Zen 4 processor family in 2022, the PCIe 5.0 support is not expected at launch. Moreover, motherboard manufacturers would also get the option of pairing Alder Lake processors with the current-generation DDR4 memory to beat lower price points.

Concluding Note:

The discussed RAMs offer more flexibility in device compatibility for laptops due to their small form factor. Besides, they provide fast speed and high performance since they are DDR5 RAMs, which means they have the newest memory module standard.