Question: Can I buy PC2-8500 DDR2 SODIMM laptop memory modules for my DDR2 memory based laptop?
Read our answer below:
DDR2 memory is indeed available in PC2-8500 thus 1066MHz effective specification albeit only for desktop computers. The highest grade of DDR2 memory available for laptops is PC2-6400 thus 800MHz effective. Below is a list of all the grades of DDR2 memory available for laptops in the form of 200pin SODIMM memory modules:
- PC2-3200 DDR2 - 400MHz effective
- PC2-4200 DDR2 - 533MHz effective
- PC2-5300 DDR2 - 667MHz effective
- PC2-6400 DDR2 - 800MHz effective
The underpinning for why PC2-8500 DDR2 memory is not available as 200pin SODIMM memory modules rests in its technical specification. The original JEDEC (the institution that develops memory standards used in computers) specification called for an operating voltage of 1.8V. At the time that PC2-8500 DDR2 desktop memory was launched, the (then) present manufacturing capabilities required an increase in voltage to 2.2V in order to grant stability. The by-product of this was not only an increase in power consumption but also produced heat. These two traits voided use of PC2-8500 DDR2 memory in laptops where low power consumption and heat output is the norm. By the time that the manufacturing process improved (shrunk) laptops had already started the shift to DDR3 memory, which uses less voltage at a JEDEC specification of 1.5V.
Learn more about DDR2 laptop memory in part 2 of the Laptop Memory Upgrades Guide.
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View other general laptop memory FAQ's
Can I install desktop memory inside my laptop?
Do I have to install identical pairs of memory modules to run in dual channel mode?
Can I mix memory modules with different CAS latency?
At what point does the cost of laptop memory outweigh the performance benefits?
Should I simply get the fastest frequency of memory modules for my laptop and not worry about their timings?
Can I buy PC2-8500 DDR2 SODIMM laptop memory modules for my DDR2 memory based laptop?
Will adding more laptop memory affect battery life?
Is there any logic in installing PC3-10600 DDR3 if my laptop states support for PC3-8500 DDR3?
Does my MacBook use standard or proprietary laptop memory?
Is it true that practically all laptops work with generic SODIMM's?
Just what exactly is dual channel memory?
Read the Laptop Memory Upgrades Guide to learn about all the aspects you should know when buying laptop memory...
...alternatively discover Where to buy 100% compatible SDRAM, DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 SODIMM memory.
PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 204-pin SODIMM Dual Channel kits
Looking for a PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 204-pin SODIMM Dual Channel kit for your laptop? Select the memory upgrade you require below and buy without the hassle!

4GB kit (2GBx2) PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 204-pin SODIMM laptop memory

8GB kit (4GBx2) PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 204-pin SODIMM laptop memory

16GB kit (8GBx2) PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 204-pin SODIMM laptop memory
