What Is The Maxium RAM For My PC ?

[SL58]

Subject: RAM Upgrade

Hello,

My PC now has 4gb of ram (Two 2gb cards, 4 memory slots total).

The MB is an MSI model 2A9C, version 1.1

In my research I found the max memory is 16gb. I'd like to do this but I'm confused because some vendors

& other info out there state the max is 8gb.

Can anyone please help ?  I could also use some tips as I've never done a memory upgrade before.

Thank You !

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@SL58,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

The max RAM your HP Pavilion P6670t CTO Desktop PC can take, is 16GB with this RAM arrangement: 4 x 4GB.

I would recommend 4 x 4GB of DDR3 PC3-12800, 1600 MHz, Non-ECC, Unbuffered, DIMM, 240-pin RAM sticks, which will down throttle to 1333 MHz.

References:

https://www.memorystock.com/memory/HewlettPackardPavilionp6670tCTO.html
https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/hp---compaq/pavilion-p6670t
https://www.mrmemory.co.uk/memory-ram-upgrades/hp/pavilion-desktop/p6670t-cto

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[SL58]

Hi  NonSequitur777,

Thanks for your help & reply !

I'm not sure if you knew but my CPU is an Intel Core i3 540 Clarkdale. Going by specs it doesn't support quad channel, just dual (Intel Core i3-540 Specs | TechPowerUp CPU Database).

So shouldn't I use two 8gb sticks vs four 4gb sticks being the other 2 will remain unused ?  

What also confuses me is there are 4 ram slots.

Btw, I'm also using Speccy for help. It's also possible I'm overlooking something.

Thanks again NonSequitur777 ! 

Kind regards,

SL58

[NonSequitur777]

@SL58,

There is not a whole lot of (User/HP) information available for your HP Pavilion P6670t online.

Your suggestion to use 2 x 8GB makes sense, when we look here for example: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/46473/intel-core-i3540-processor-4m-cache-3-06-...:

However, what matters is not just what Intel specified; HP apparently designed its motherboard RAM configuration as 2 banks of 2. As my understanding goes with regard to legacy HP configs, this will not allow you to fit 2 x 8GB RAM sticks, but only 4 x 4GB in order to reach max RAM capacity.  By all means, you could try 2 x 8GB, but I couldn't find any HP Pavilion P6670t User online who was able to show-and-tell.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[SL58]

Hello again NonSequitur777,

It looks like I'll be going with two 8gb sticks. To me, if I went with four 4gb sticks, I'd only be getting 8gb of total

RAM instead of 16 due to the fact that my CPU only supports dual-channel. The other 2 sticks would just be collecting dust, correct ? 

I don't know anything about the HP design stuff, but from what I've gathered two 8gb sticks would be the best choice.

Please have a look @ the below link & the attachments.

Thanks again for your help & support !   If you find anything else out please let me know.

Kind regards,

SL58

2 vs. 4 Sticks of RAM: Which One Should You Go With? - TechTreatBox

[NonSequitur777]

@SL58,

Excellent point: your processor is dual-channel not quad-channel.  Given this, why HP designed your desktop with 4 RAM slots is, well, counter intuitive.

I am very interested in what you find out with 2 x 8GB RAM!  -Please keep me informed.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[SL58]

Will do !

Got a great deal on a new 2-pack of Samsung. On their way !

Didn't want/need anything fancy so I should be just fine.

Cheers !!  

 

[SL58]

@ NonSequitur777,

I couldn't find anything out there on this, but after disconnecting everything from my tower &

opening it up, should I hold the power button down for at least 30 seconds to drain it before I R&R the

RAM sticks ?

Thanks !

[NonSequitur777]

@SL58,

Correct: disconnect from power and hold the power button down for a couple of seconds.  What this does is to discharge any remaining power from the internal power supply and motherboard (capacitors).

Then you are good to go to open up your PC and exchange the RAM module(s) -or any other electronic component for that matter.  Make sure that before you touch the RAM, that you touch something metallic (including the metal PC case) to avoid 'zapping' any components with static electricity.  (Don't pet your cat/dog prior to this activity. 😁).

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[SL58]

@NonSequitur777

Thought so but wasn't sure.

Thank you much !

SL58