Question

Difficulty: MediumLaptop Hardware Components and Upgrades

A support technician is dispatched to upgrade the memory on a corporate laptop. The technician attempts to install a standard 288-pin desktop RAM module into the system, but discovers that the motherboard memory socket is significantly smaller than the module. Which of the following form factors should the technician select to complete the memory upgrade successfully?

  1. SO-DIMMAnswer
  2. B
    Standard DIMM
  3. C
    Display inverter board
  4. D
    Thunderbolt expansion card

Answer

SO-DIMM is the correct form factor for laptop RAM upgrades.
Laptops require Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules (SO-DIMMs) due to space restrictions within mobile device chassis. SO-DIMMs are smaller in length and height compared to full-sized desktop memory modules, allowing them to fit into modern laptop system boards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the physical memory constraint
The laptop slot is smaller than the 288-pin desktop memory module.
Laptops use compact internal components to minimize chassis size and weight.
2
Compare memory form factor standards
Desktop systems use full-length DIMMs, whereas laptops use SO-DIMMs.
SO-DIMMs are roughly half the length of standard DIMMs to fit mobile system boards.
3
Select the correct replacement module type
Choose a SO-DIMM module matching the laptop motherboard specs.
Only a SO-DIMM will physically key into and latch properly inside the laptop memory slot.

Key Concept

Laptop RAM Form Factors (SO-DIMM vs. DIMM)
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