Upgrading an Older PC or Laptop with DDR3 or DDR3L Memory
A memory upgrade is one of the cheapest ways to make an older desktop or laptop feel faster, especially if it currently has 4GB or less. Many computers made between about 2009 and 2016 use DDR3 or DDR3L memory, which is still available new.
DDR3 or DDR3L?
| DDR3 | DDR3L | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 1.5V | 1.35V (low voltage) |
| Typically found in | Older desktops and early laptops | Most laptops and mini PCs from about 2013 onwards |
| Desktop module | 240-pin DIMM | 240-pin DIMM |
| Laptop module | 204-pin SODIMM | 204-pin SODIMM |
Important: many laptops with 4th-generation Intel Core processors and later only accept DDR3L. Standard 1.5V DDR3 may not work in them. If your laptop currently has DDR3L, always buy DDR3L. Check the label on your existing module, or use our Memory Configurator.
How much memory should I add?
- 8GB total: comfortable for web browsing, email and office work on an older machine
- 16GB total: the practical maximum for most older laptops, ideal for heavier multitasking
Recommended DDR3 and DDR3L memory
Desktop PCs (DDR3)
- Kingston FURY Beast memory module 8 GB 1 x 8 GB DDR3 240-pin DIMM
- Kingston FURY Beast memory module 8 GB 1 x 8 GB DDR3 240-pin DIMM
Laptops and mini PCs (DDR3L)
- Kingston FURY Impact memory module 8 GB 1 x 8 GB DDR3L 204-pin SO-DIMM
- Kingston KF316LS9IBK2/16 memory module 16 GB 2 x 8 GB DDR3 204-pin SO-DIMM
- Kingston Fury Impact KF318LS11IB/8 8GB DDR3L 1866Mhz Non ECC Memory RAM SODIMM
- Kingston KF318LS11IBK2/16 memory module 16 GB 2 x 8 GB DDR3 204-pin SO-DIMM
Kingston FURY memory has a lifetime warranty and replaces the old HyperX Fury and HyperX Impact DDR3 ranges. Browse all DDR3 memory.
Is a DDR3 upgrade worth it?
If your computer is otherwise working well, yes. Adding memory and, if it still has a hard drive, replacing it with a SATA SSD are the two upgrades that make the biggest difference to an older machine. Read our guide SATA vs NVMe: which SSD do I need?
Need help choosing? Call us on 01422 363983 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or email support@buykingston.co.uk.