Help with Ram & upgrades on Hp Omen!

[sevenNana]

I need up help with upgrading my pc but I don't know where to start. I mostly use adobe programs and sometimes games, etc.  I want to know where should I start by buying the ram or processor? I began my research but the confusing part is the ram which my specs are 8GB DDR4-2666 (1333 MHz) found this out by downloading CPU-Z, and I know the limit is 32gb which I am comfortable with 16gb. Does it matter MHz? What recommendations do you suggest? 

Another is the processor;  Is I7-700 4.2 GHz compatible?

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@sevenNana , welcome to the forum.

I would definitely start with the processor.  The i7-7700 will be a nice upgrade from the i5-7400.  Here are the specifications for each of them:

i5-7400: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/97147/intel-core-i5-7400-processor-6m-cache-up-...

i7-7700: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/97128/intel-core-i7-7700-processor-8m-cache-up-...

I suggest opening both links and compare them side to side.  There is a major difference.

Here is the Product Specifications page: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/omen-by-hp-870-200/13687063/model/15741160/document/c05389962

Look at the section titled "Memory/Memory upgrade information".  The maximum memory is 16 GB.  I suggest installing CPU-Z to find the manufacturer and timings of the current memory: https://download.cnet.com/CPU-Z/3000-2086_4-10050423.html

This information is in the Tab titled "SPD".  Once you have this information you can try to match it with the exact memory.  This is important to get the full performance increase because the motherboard has Dual Channel Memory Architecture.  This means that the memory should be installed in matching pairs.  Here is the memory that is recommended by Crucial Memory: https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/hp---compaq/omen-870-224

The maximum amount (32 GB) shown by Crucial is incorrect.  HP has their motherboards made to their specifications.  This means that they use them in many different models with different configurations.  Your model has a maximum of 16 GB.  This has been fully tested to assure it is compatible.

You may have to remove the existing memory and replace it with two new sticks (2x8 GB) if you can't match it.  You will have to buy DDR4-2133.  This is the standard memory.  Any other memory would need to have a XMP built into the BIOS/UEFI to overclock it.  HP doesn't use variable XMP's in their motherboards.  I suggest that you contact Crucial's Tech Support for help with making your choice.

Another great upgrade would be to replace your hard driver (HDD) with a solid-stare drive (SSD).  This will improve your boot times and increase loading times in apps.  Here is a SSD that would work for you: https://www.newegg.com/samsung-860-evo-series-1tb/p/N82E16820147673

Here is a HP Knowledge Base article that will help you transition from your HDD to a SSD: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Knowledge-Base/Upgrading-Desktop-or-Laptop-to-a-SSD/ta-p/73048...

I will never have another computer without a SSD boot drive.  I know this is a lot of information.  If you have further questions, please let me know.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[sevenNana]

Thank you, this helps me out big time!! 

I know you've told me about i7-7700,  is it a difference if it's unlocked or not? 

[old_geekster]

You are very welcome, @sevenNana!

---

@sevenNana wrote:

Thank you, this helps me out big time!! 

I know you've told me about i7-7700,  is it a difference if it's unlocked or not? 

---

Yes, there is a difference.  The i7-7700 is not unlocked.  It would have a "K" at the end of the number (i7-7700K).  This takes special features in the BIOS/UEFI to allow the processor to be overclocked: https://www.howtogeek.com/56958/HTG-EXPLAINS-HOW-UEFI-WILL-REPLACE-THE-BIOS/

Your BIOS doesn't have that capability.  I believe that you will see enough performance boost without overclocking.  Just remember one thing, the speed of a processor is not always a visual thing.  Our eyes can only see so much speed and the rest is in our minds eye. 😉

Good luck!