Maximum Memory in HP 8300 SF

[Lightman2]

I recently purchased an HP8300 and cannot get 32 GB of Memory. I have 8 GB. Chips but when I add the third and fourth chips, the computer beeps 5 time and does not start. When I examine the manual (file c03347207) page 97 seems to say that 16 GB is the maximum amount of memory. I would appreciate an answer on whether or not I can use  four each 8 GB chips or not. Thank you very much.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Page 9 of the HP quickspecs at the link below indicate 32 GB of memory is supported in the SFF and CMT form factors.

ManualsLib - Makes it easy to find manuals online!

I have two HP 8200 Elite CMT's and they both run 32 GB of memory just fine.

I'd post the links to the memory I bought, but yours uses DDR3-1600 memory and I bought DDR3-1333 MHz memory.

What 8 GB memory model and part number did you buy?

[Lightman2]

This was my first order for additional chips:

 This is record of my adventures in chip replacement

Surprisingly, these chips worked in the black sockets. In the white sockets they just caused the computer to beep 5 times and not start.

First order was from Walmart.

2 each DMS Compatible/Replacement for HP Inc. B4U37AA Elite 8300 8GB DMS Certified Memory DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) 1024x64 CL11 1.5v 240 Pin DIMM - DMS. This was returned

This was ordered from Amazon per the link that Lindsey  at Refurbtek gave me:
DDR3L / DDR3 1600MHz PC3L-12800 / PC3-12800 240-Pin Unbuffered Non-ECC 1.35V / 1.5V CL11 Dual Rank 2Rx8 based 512x8
This is being returned.

This was my last attempt to get additional memory:
DMS Compatible/Replacement for HP Inc. B4U37AA Elite 8300 8GB DMS Certified Memory DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) 1024x64 CL11 1.5v 240 Pin DIMM - DMS I purchased these due to the fact that I was told these would work.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I'd go with the Crucial chip...they guarantee compatibility.

The first one listed...

Memory RAM & SSD Upgrades | hp - compaq | elite 8300 series | HP Compaq Elite 8300 Small Form Factor...

[Lightman2]

Thanks Paul, but none of the chips worked in the white sockets. My question was more to find out if the 8300 could use four 8 GB chips for 32 GB of RAM since the manual seems to indicate otherwise. If this combination is supposed to work, is the problem a hardware or a firmware issue? I am hoping it is a correctable firmware issue. Thanks for your interest and assistance.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

Do you have any of the original memory to test in the white slots even if it is not 8 GB?

If the memory works in the white slots, then I go back to saying it is the memory you bought.

According to page 9 of the HP quickspecs, the 8300 Elite SFF PC supports 4 x 8 GB of memory, and as I wrote above, my older HP 8200 elite CMT's with the Intel i7-2600 processors support 32 GB of memory just fine.

Unfortunately, I would have no idea why none of the memory chips work in the white sockets in your PC.

I doubt a BIOS update would resolve the problem, as the PC should support 32 GB of memory with the original BIOS installed.

Please refer to this discussion where it shows that 8 GB memory modules work.

This configuration was 2 x 8 GB.

Solved: Elite 8300 SFF extra ram - HP Support Community - 5554579

[Lightman2]

The original chips did not work in the white sockets. The situation is that all chips worked in the black sockets. None worked in the white sockets. I hoped it was a firmware problem since the computer recognized that there was a problem (the 5 beeps). 

Please do not work on this further as I am resigned to not knowing. Thanks for your help and interest.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The 5 beep code is definitely not a firmware problem.

It is either a memory module problem, or a motherboard problem.

See the troubleshooting guide at the link below, Appendix A, page 58 for how to troubleshoot the 5 beep code/red flashing LED error.

c01516072.pdf (hp.com)

[Lightman2]

I looked at the troubleshooting file and maybe the business PC's are different. My computer beeps 5 times and does not repeat. I did not notice a flashing red LED. Thanks and Have a Nice Day.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The red flashing LED would be the front power LED.  Instead of green it would flash red.

If you have a way to reinstall Windows or have a product key (Windows may ask to be activated when a new motherboard is installed), it were me, and I wanted to run 32 GB of memory in the PC, I would buy a used but tested and working 8300 Elite SFF motherboard on eBay.

They are cheaper than an 8 GB memory chip.  Just make sure you get one for the SFF and not the USDT, that doesn't have a BIOS P/W on it.

hp elite 8300 sff motherboard | eBay

You have a nice day too.