which additional DDR3 strip for a Pavilion desktop 500-457 nf ?

[Elber56]

Hi everyone. Fortunately I speak English. But I am not geek. So please be clear and helpful in your advice. I would like to upgrade the RAM of my desktop. I analysed with Speccy. It tells me I have 8 Mo RAM (DDR3) at the moment but there is another vacant slot and I can add another 4 Mo memory strip, the total max being 12 Mo for my motherboard. . Speccy says "canal 3 : simple" and "DRAM frequency 798MhZ". But maybe this figure as only meant for an instant where Speccy analysed the computer. Maybe it changes all the time ?

I need advice before buying a new memory strip. Which DDR3 strip type should I buy ? There are so many different types especially where frequency is concerned.  Some are called SO-DIMM and I do not know what it means. I want to buy one which is compatible with the one I 've got and with the Motherboard ( HP 2AF7 socket 0).

A big thank in advance for your help !

My PC is too old to get a precise information from HP assistance. But it works fine.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

One of these should work.

Crucial 8GB DDR3L-1600 UDIMM | CT102464BD160B | Crucial FR

Crucial RAM CT102464BD160B 8Go DDR3L 1600 MHz CL11 Mémoire de bureau : Amazon.fr: Informatique

I think you meant to write gigabytes though.

The report is always going to indicate 798 (800) MHz but if the PC supports dual channel mode, the memory will run at 1600 MHz but still be reported as 800 MHz.

Here is the support page for your PC and the motherboard info has the memory upgrade specifications.

Ordinateur de bureau HP Pavilion - 500-457nf Informations sur le produit | Assistance clientèle HP®

After you install the second 8 GB memory chip, you can run the free utility that I zipped up and attached below and it will indicate on the summary page if the memory is running in single or dual channel mode.

Your PC has an Intel processor and chipset, so it should run the memory in dual channel mode.

[Elber56]

Thank you Paul. Yes of course, I meant Bytes ! (Gigabyte = gigaoctet = Go in French.. Sorry about that).

The link you gave me for the possible upgrade of my PC is just... perfect !

I ran the free utility you sent me. At the moment, with no upgrade it says it's "single channel" but the link to HP specifications says it is a double channel architecture and it also says :

• 2 sockets  : DIMM DDR3 -  240 pins
• Proceed as follows  :
  • PC3 10600 (DDR3-1333)
  • PC3 12800 (DDR3-1600)

Does it mean I must install an additional memory strip of only 1333 ? (which I suppose is the frequency..) ? Not very clear...

Thank you. Once I have understood that, I will no longer bother you. Promised.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

The parts list for your PC indicates that HP installed an 8 GB DDR3L1600 (PC3-12800) memory chip.

HP PartSurfer

You definitely do not want to install a DDR3-1333 MHz memory chip because that will slow down your PC's performance since the processor can run the memory at 1600 MHz.

The memory chip I posted for you on Amazon is the one that should work along with the chip HP installed.

Yes, so after you install the other 8 GB DDR3L-1600 memory chip, the memory will run in the higher performing dual channel mode, but as I posted earlier the clock speed will still be reported as 800 MHz.

But the report will indicate dual channel.

You multiply the 800 MHz x 2 in dual channel mode = 1600 MHz.

Cheers,

Paul

[Elber56]

Thank you Paul for everything. YOu definitely are an expert.

Have a nice week or enjoy your summer holiday if any.

My regards.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer too!