Memory Upgrade Problem/Slot not Working

[atkron145]

I have an HP Pavilion G7-1260us.  The laptop came with 4 gigs of memory in one module in one slot.  It is upgradeable to 8 gigs, 4 gigs in 2 slots.  I purchased a 4 gig memory module, installed it and it didn't work.  I figured the system wasn't reading this particular brand on memory so I took it back and got a different brand.  The same thing happened.  System didn't recognize the memory so I took out the installed memory, put the new one in and it worked.  I took that out, put the installed memory in the other slot and it didn't work, so now, I'm fairly sure the slot isn't working.  My question is this, if I purchase an 8 gig memory module and install it in the working slot, will that work and will the system show that I have 8 gigs?  Or will this system only recognize 8 gigs if it's 2 4 gigs in each slot?

Thanks...

[SSDdrive]

   Hp Support Assistant should tell you what you have. Open up the HP Support Assistant and go to General Specifications, read down to slots. If it shows two slots then they are obviously functioning. If not, go to Device Manager to ensure that there is no conflict.

    It is also very-very of the utmost importance that the two memory cards are compatible with themselves and with your system's memory speed.. . . Which is? . . . .It is always best to have matching cards with sychronized speeds from a single vendor.

   As for: My question is this, if I purchase an 8 gig memory module and install it in the working slot, will that work and will the system show that I have 8 gigs?  Or will this system only recognize 8 gigs if it's 2 4 gigs in each slot?

If your running Windows 7, Yes, your system will recognize and use the entire eight gigs. 

If it were a rattler. . . .

[atkron145]

It's showing both slots in the Support Assistant.  What memory would you suggest?  I've tried PNY and Corsair and both didn't work.

[SSDdrive]

Hi,

  First, did you  look in Device Manager for any conflicts?/with or without the other cards? If no conflicts, you need to open up HP Support Assistant/Learn. Look at your computer's Specifications in the right hand column. Click 'More information', where you will find your system's memory speed. Also goto HP PartSurfer, at this website you can get an idea of the cards needed for your computer.

 I have Micron @ 1333 Mhz

If it were a rattler. . . .

[atkron145]

Got it...  It says 1333mhz.  The PNY says 1066mhz.  I assume that's the problem?  The used slot is showing SO-DIMM.  The open slot is showing DIMM.  Does that make a difference?

[SSDdrive · Accepted solution]

Yes, and no, memory is backward compatible. But the cards not matching is an issue, and your running a fast 1333, you don't want to slow that down. Just get a card that matches your original!

 SO-DIMM-DIMM: occupied/ unoccupied

If it were a rattler. . . .

[atkron145]

Roger that and thanks!