RAM upgrade

[Tunkubadly]

Hi, I'd would to know whether my HP Pavilion 14 x360 with 2133Mhz RAM can be upgrade to 8GB 3200Mhz RAM? For your info, my HP is using Intel i5-7200U CPU with one slot 4GB of DDR4 RAM. Does it makes any difference?

[BeemerBiker · Accepted solution]

A quick check to see what memory your system is compatible with is to use a memory finder from a major vendor such as Kingston or Crucial. Both companies have a good return policy for incompatible memory. HP and other OEM code memory parameters into their BIOS and a memory stick with an HP label is more likely to work than the same speed generic memory. When buying more than one stick of memory, the memory should be bought in a kit. Just because one stick of memory is known to be compatible does not mean that a pair of them will work. For example, memory that is dual rank takes two virtual slots and single rank memory takes one virtual slot. Depending on the motherboard design, the system might accept a pair of single rank but reject a pair of dual rank if it counts dual rank as taking two physical slots. It is always a good idea to get the memory you need when you buy the system as years or even months later, memory designs change and newer memory may not be compatible.

Kingston memory can be found here.

Click here to lookup Crucial memory for your system.

HP also sells memory but is likely to be out of stock for older system.

[Tunkubadly]

Thanks Beemer, I think I stick to SSD memory sticks rather than upgrading my RAM for my laptop.

[Tunkubadly]

What about 8GB RAM of the same speed of 2133Mhz just to play safe? What problems if not compatible RAM installed?

[BeemerBiker]

If you have one stick of memory and an empty slot the best option is to get an identical stick of memory.

An easy way to find what memory you have is to run the wmic app from the windows command prompt. Bring up the window CMD prompt and enter the first line to set what memory you have. The second line may give the maximum memory possible based on the chipset. The number of memory sockets limit what can be added.

wmic memorychip get devicelocator, capacity, speed, MemoryType, formfactor, partnumber, manufacturer

wmic memphysical get maxcapacityEx, MemoryDevices

Should look something like the following. To purchase identical memory search for the part number shown and look for the letters 'HP' on any label attached to the memory stick.

Let me know if you need more help.