Ram Upgrade: can I use DDR3L instead of DDR3?

"The guy you spoke too doesn't know what he's talking about. Basically you can use either.

DDR3L is a dual voltage capable memory DIMM, which supports operation at both 1.5V and 1.35V. DDR3L is also pin-compatible with DDR3!

DDR3 is a single voltage capable memory DIMM, which supports 1.5V operation only.

So, in this case the RAM will be running at 1.5 volts as your system does not offer a low voltage option.

With that said... You could have a bad module or the module which was not properly installed."

I would say that, it seems your laptop may not support an 8GB module. Or, your laptop may not support asynchronous RAM configurations, (e.g., 4GB & 8GB or, 2GB & 4GB RAM module combinations.) What model/make is your device?

"PC3L or PC3 only if your laptop is not compatible with the PC3L. Your laptop will not if it’s not beeping it will not turn on at all but if your laptop is not working with PC3L or PC3 only for Windows laptop PC3 (1Rx8) but if it's Apple MacBook Pro 2011 or 2012

Try 4GB PC3 (10600 ) or PC3 ( 85000 ) But if you’'ll upgrade to 8GB you can try PC3L (12800) OR PC3L (10600) but when Apple says (PC3L SO-DIMM) use PC3 (10600) On my experience make sure all the power connection is not connected whenever you are upgrading on your PC or Laptop"

My WIN Laptop came with 2x 4GB DDR3 replaced them by 1x 8GB DDR3L since I wanted 12GB at the end. The SO-DDR3L-RAM ValueSelect 1600 MHz 1x 8 GB was recognized as 8GB in BIOS but Laptop will not start. Any combination of DDR3L and DDR3 did also not work at all. Latest BIOS and WIN 10-64 newest updates