Question

Difficulty: MediumMobile Device Hardware and Display Issues

A technician is dispatched to upgrade the RAM on a company executive's laptop prior to a business trip. Upon opening the laptop's service panel, the technician finds that the 16 GB DDR4 memory module provided by the procurement department is physically too long to fit into the memory expansion slot on the motherboard. Which form factor of memory module should the technician request to resolve this installation issue?

  1. SO-DIMMAnswer
  2. B
    Standard DIMM
  3. C
    Thunderbolt 4 expansion RAM module
  4. D
    OLED high-voltage memory module

Answer

The technician should request a SO-DIMM module because laptops require small form factor memory designed specifically for portable mobile hardware.
Laptops require Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules (SO-DIMMs), which are roughly half the length of standard desktop RAM modules to fit within tight laptop enclosures.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the physical constraint described in the scenario
The provided memory stick is physically too long for the motherboard slot on the mobile device.
Desktop memory modules (DIMMs) are significantly longer than laptop memory modules.
2
Compare memory form factors for desktop vs. mobile hardware
Desktop motherboards use full-sized DIMMs (approx. 133.35 mm), whereas laptops use SO-DIMMs (approx. 67.6 mm).
Mobile devices require compact internal components to fit inside thin chassis designs.
3
Select the correct replacement module specification
Requesting a SO-DIMM of the proper DDR generation ensures physical and electrical compatibility.
SO-DIMM is the industry standard memory module form factor for laptops.

Key Concept

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