RAM upgrade confusion

[Skywalkr2]

This HP gaming Pavilion supposedly it's using a Sunflower motherboard.  The specs are written with errors on HPs support site.  So I'm not sure exactly what memory to get to upgrade.

The manual states maximum 8gbx2400 but it also says that the mother board had 4 slots when it only has 2.  Also the included ram in the computer was a 8x2666 which the manual says won't work.

I bought another 8x2666 trying to match speeds and installed that and then the computer wouldn't post.  So I'm clueless.  Can I get a real answer?  Hopefully not someone regurgitating the manual that is wrong.

[TheOldMan]

I see the error that you reported.  The support page

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06124756

does report there to be 4 memory slots where the picture shows two, as you reported.  But if you look at the motherboard specs, it reports

Memory sockets: 2 x DDR4

I often go to the Crucial site to verify upgrades. https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/HP-Compaq/pavilion-690-0024

These upgrades are guaranteed compatible when you order from Crucial.com

Many pros indicate the memory should be matched pairs.  Even though "the included ram in the computer was a 8x2666" did what you purchased match the manufacturer and model number?

I would just go with the guaranteed/recommended compatible results from the Crucial site.  Then there are no questions.

[Skywalkr2]

Thanks for the feedback, but if I add one of these Crucial DDR4-2400 sticks to the existing Samsung DDR4-2666 that they sent - will this be a problem?  I just wish I could get HP to give me a for sure answer.  They are spreading complete FUD on the Best Buy website in response to people's questions.  They have answered both DDR4-2666 and DDR-2400.  

I also assume Crucial is going based on the motherboard information page.  Unfortunately that site says max DDR4-2400, but the fact that the DDR-2400 is on the machine and working with the 2666 speed shows that someone needs to tell us what is actually happening.

[TheOldMan]

One thing to consider is to not just add one of the Crucial sticks but buy a matched pair.  We seldom recommend just adding a stick of RAM unless you can match it exactly.  In other words, more than whether it is DDR4-2400 or DDR4-2666.  Another thing to consider is no matter what the RAM stick is rated at, if it is running at a lower speed than it is rated, it is fine.  Ram rated as 2666 does not run at that speed unless the motherboard tells it to.  If it is in with a lower rated speed, then both will run at the speed the motherboard says. Not what the label happens to say.

Again, what is the model number of the Ram in the PC and what is the model number of the additional Ram you bought.  They need to match.

[Skywalkr2]

The point is we shouldn't have to figure this out.  HP needs to be specific here on what this is.  They are creating a mystery.  The RAM included with the machine was Samsung 8gbx2666 while everyone at HP is trying to say the motherboard only supports up to 2400.  Until we get some real answer... everyone is just guessing.

My first chip was identical configuratino to the Samsung ram, but with Crucial brand.  It would not post.  in fact I even remove the original Samsung and only left the Crucial memory in and it wouldn't post.  It would only post after taking out Crucial memory and putting the Samsung 8gbx2666 back in.   

Also note the CPU-Z shows the ram running at 2666.

I refuse to rebuy 8gb of RAM (a total of 16) because HP can't figure out their own hardware.

[wb2001]

@Skywalkr2,

This is a public forum, most of us volunteer our time,  to assist others. Like @TheOldMan !!!!!!

 Unless you see a tag (HP Agent), you dealing with these volunteers, the unpaid, unsung heroes (IMHO) of this forum.  The HP Agents are doing their best,  limited by policies.

As products are created, changes do happen.  Documentation does not always follow the changes.

That has been the plague of this system.  I also look up the product, see the offered document, and hope it is correct.  When it is not correct, we both get slammed.  You slam "us" , and we are supposed to accept the insult.

Your computer only has 2 slots, capable of DDR4-2666 memory. That is proven by you, and the HP Partsurfer catalog. It lists the product part number for that exact 8GB module.  Unhappily I found insane prices of over 330 EURO ffor a single 8 GB module.  I trust Crucial, and if you look at their listing, the DDR4-2666 is listed in 8 GB pairs for only  $122 USD.

As the source sites are all non-USA, just where are you ?  Why these foreign sites have the correct modules used in that computer model (it's made there) is beyond my  imaginary  payscale.