Z4 G4 memory upgrade with Kingston modules does not work?

[Puluman]

I'm trying to upgrade the memory in my HP Z4 G4 workstation equipped with an Intel Xeon W-2123 processor.

I assumed that this system would support any DDR4 ECC memory running at 2666 MT/s. However, when I installed Kingston KTD-PE426D8/16G modules (16 GB DDR4 ECC RAM rated for 2666 MT/s) the system doesn’t recognize them at all.

Is there a BIOS setting or another configuration I might be missing that could allow the system to accept this memory? Or is this module simply incompatible with the Z4 G4?

[Meghana_10]

@Puluman, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP Z4 G4 workstation.

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution. We hope our assistance has been helpful! 

Your HP Z4 G4 workstation might not recognize the Kingston KTD-PE426D8/16G modules due to compatibility issues. Although the memory you are trying to install is rated for 2666 MT/s, it is essential to ensure that the memory modules are compatible with your workstation's hardware and BIOS.

Here are a few things you can consider:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that the memory modules are compatible with your workstation's motherboard. Not all third-party memory modules may be compatible with HP workstations. HP recommends using HP certified memory to ensure compatibility.

2. BIOS Update: Check if there is a BIOS update available for your workstation. Sometimes, updating the BIOS can enhance compatibility with different hardware components, including RAM.

3. Memory Configuration: Confirm that the memory is installed in the correct memory slots. HP systems may have specific guidelines on which slots to populate first, which can be found in the documentation or service manual for your workstation.

4. Clear CMOS: If you are comfortable doing so, you could try clearing the CMOS to reset the BIOS settings to default. This step might help in the case of configuration issues. Refer to the HP manual for instructions on clearing the CMOS safely.

5. Memory Module Testing: Test the memory modules individually to ensure they are in working order. Faulty memory modules can sometimes be the issue.

I hope this helps!

Take care and have an amazing day! 

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Regards,

Meghana

[SDH]

Over the years I've found the best way to get compatible memory for HP workstations is to figure out what officially HP sells for them. Not always easy but given the Z4 G4 is a common excellent workstation you can find that out, and they are coming off lease and being parted out so there are good deals on recycled HP memory to be had. 

Another way has been to go to a large memory seller's web site (Corsair/Kingston/Micron) and use their web based search sites for exactly the workstation you have. You did not do either... and did not come out lucky. Hopefully you can return what you bought. Kingston's site has zero of what you bought in their listings for Z4 G4 Xeon processor memory. Go take a look. You might wish to call them for help. If you bought recycled off eBay you might still be able to return.

Go find the latest Z4 G4 QuickSpecs, from January 2025 and look up the part number you need. Then dig via google to try to convert that option part number to an assembly part number. Plus, if you search in HP Part Surfer you may find a spares part number to search under too. Yes... 3 different part numbers for the same thing.

[DGroves]

kingston no longer sells the   KTD-PE426D8/16G part

it's a  discontinued item

but for those interested the specs for it are as follows 

16GB DDR4 2666MT/s ECC Registered DIMM, CL19, 2RX8, 1.2V, 288-pin, 8Gbit,

kingston site info:

note that the systems max memory depends on the CPU family!!! 

• Xeon W-2100 Systems

  Configurations up to 256GB can be reached using Kingston's 8, 16, and 32GB modules IN GROUPS OF FOUR.

• Xeon W-2200 Systems

  Configurations up to 512GB can be reached using Kingston's 8, 16, 32, and 64GB modules IN GROUPS OF FOUR.

• **64GB RDIMM can ONLY be used on the Xeon W-2200 Series processors!**

and last, you can not mix dimms with different "ranks" on the same memory channel

 2RX8 and 1Rx16 rank dimms are not compatible with each other even though each dimm is a 16Gb module

you can however have different rank memory modules on different memory channels

IE-mem channel one is two rank 1 dimms and memory channel two is two rank 2 dimms

https://www.kingston.com/en/memory/search/model/97125/hp-hpe-workstation-z4-g4-xeon?status=active

[Z440Roger]

When i bought Kingston RAM to my Z4 G4 some years ago i used to search using the "Search by System/Device" on Kingston´s homepage to find the correct modules. At that time it was the KTH-PL429/16G.

Today those are the ones: Memory for a HP/HPE - Workstation Z4 G4 (Xeon) - Kingston Technology (Scroll down to see them)

KTD-PE426D8/16G is not on that list and that may be the answer to why your computer refuses to accept them. KTH-PL432/16G should work according to Kingston.

[SDH]

To help a bit more...

Attached below is that page from the latest v62 Z4G4 QuickSpecs. Currently the small HP sticker for the faster 2933 memory shows an Assembly Part Number of L15416-501... the faster is what I "mine" for on eBay because it will run with the slower Xeon Z4 G4 processors plus with the faster ones. Those faster processors are listed in the more recent QuickSpecs and also are coming down in price, recycled. Slower memory will slow down a faster processor so getting the faster recycled sticks is worth it to me.

Good info from DGroves and Z440Roger, and note that on the Kingston memory search site you can also check the option box to show their no longer available prior memory to peek into the past.

Were you mixing in your original memory with the new? The faster (2933) official HP 8GB memory sticks for our Z4 G4 Xeon workstations I've been getting are 1Rx8. In contrast the faster 2933 official 16GB HP sticks for the Z4 G4 are 1Rx4. You'll see 2Rx4 when you get up into the official 32 and 64 GB sticks. It can get complicated... Note that the OEM memory HP has been providing for these are generally Samsung/ SKHynix/ Micron. HP also has officially provided Kingston memory as an OEM supplier, less commonly. Here is an official HP 16GB 2933 Samsung stick for the Z4 G4:

I also realized that with the newer HP part numbering scheme there may be older non-L part numbers from the past, for both Assembly and Spares part numbers.  Another tip is that the PDF's "Option Kit Part Number" for the faster version memory I search for can be either 5YZ54AA or 5YZ54AT. The "AT" one simply means it is a promotional sale item for the exact same item.  No surprise that the slower version memory in smaller GB sizes is less expensive. Finally, fun fact is that the "2013" on the Samsung label above means manufactured in 2020, week 13.

See PDF page attached below, and here is an official 2933 version of the Z4 G4 64GB sticks if you're feeling rich:

Made in 2022, week 42