Question about Upgrading to 32gb RAM from 16gb

[Xtralite]

OMEN by HP Obelisk Desktop PC - 875-0014 Product Specifications | HP® Customer Support

Hi all, I was looking to do up to 32gb of RAM from my single 16gb RAM stick.

I seem to be confusing myself the more of look into it. I've been looking at sticks that match mine. DDR4-2666mhz with 288 pins. From what i understand my motherboard/cpu supports dual channel with my two slots.

I tried looking at Bestbuy, but 2666mhz options are limited, so I looked at Kingston's site to buy from one of their retailers. They reccomend ordering in pairs (say 2x16gb sticks), but unsure in the difference between 1R or 2R sticks and how to order in pairs besides just ordering a quantity of 2 sticks.

Where I was looking for reference. I usually buy pre-built as my systems get towards obsolete, but wanted to see if I could get a bit more out of this setup with a little more RAM. 

Memory for a HP/Compaq - OMEN Obelisk Desktop 875-0xxx Series - Kingston Technology

Any guidance would be appreciated. Side Note- I've put off upgrading to Windows 11, should I go ahead and do it?

[Bill_To · Accepted solution]

Hi @Xtralite 

1R refers to single rank, 2R refers to dual rank. Check this Site for details.

Either module should work with your PC if Kingston is recommending them. Memory speed and CAS Latency (CL) are the same for both memory modules. 

CDW has both modules for sale (KCP426ND8/16 or KCP426NS8/16). Check CDW's return policy.

It is generally recommended to install memory in pairs on dual channel systems. The PC may not POST or the memory may default to JEDEC speeds (2133 or 2400) when you mix brands. Plus your MB may not have an XMP option to change the memory speed to 2666.

Try one stick of Kingston RAM with the HP Ram to see what happens. You would have to use CPU-Z to check if HP has installed a single rank or dual rank memory module. You should not mix single and dual rank modules.

You will double memory throughput since you are now running one 16 GB memory stick. You are running in single channel mode now. Two 16 GB memory sticks at the same speed and timings will yield dual channel mode.

Regards

[Bill_To]

Hi @Xtralite 

Sorry, did not reply to the W11 update.

Your CPU supports this update. Download the PC Health Check App Here to see if you can install W11.

There are ways to bypass the TPM requirement.

@Paul_Tikkanen can assist with this.

Regards

[Xtralite]

Appreciate the wonderful explanation @Bill_To , if I wanted to avoid potential issues would I be able to order two of the same 16gb stick from CDW?  or do you have to order sticks specifically as a paired package?

I check CPU-Z and my current HyperX Fury ranks as Dual, but (if I understand correctly) being a differnt brand than the Kingston stick it might cause issues?

Also, appreciate the tip for W11 and checking the return policy.

[Bill_To]

Hi @Xtralite 

My pleasure. Thank you.

CDW does not seem to offer a kit but two matching sticks of memory should be good to go.

I usually buy memory in kits but really don't know what the difference is if you buy a kit versus two identical memory modules. Maybe modules in a kit come from the same manufacturing batch?

Mixing memory manufacturers is usually frowned upon. I always use identical memory modules from the same manufacturer when upgrading memory.

Crucial Memory also offers compatible 16 GB memory modules in kits for your PC. Check this site before you decide to buy memory.

Crucial is offering 3200 modules. Can't say if they will run at 3200.

Regards

[Xtralite]

Apologies for barraging you with questions. My system meets the requirements for Windows 11 and the TPM requirement.

As my rig is getting on older side compared to the newer stuff, should I have an concerns with Windows 11 interacting with my hardware?

[Bill_To]

Hi @Xtralite 

No problem.

This is your call.

I have updated quite a few Z370 and Z390 PCs using the 8700K and 9900K CPUs to W11 with zero problems.

You never know how it goes until you do it. Your milage may vary.

Back up data before you try the W11 update.

I create W10 system image backups on external media for all PCs I update to W11 in case something goes wrong.

Regards

[Xtralite]

Thank you again! I'll update with what I do and if it works down the line so it might help anyone stumbling across this in the future.