Upgrade 870-244 desktop

[JenniferZz]

I need to upgrade the memory and hard drive space on my son's Omen. The instructions I've found say to remove the existing drive and memory card. I don't want to remove anything, just add to it. Please help me.

This is the memory I was looking at: Crucial 8GB Single DDR4 2400 MT/s (PC4-19200) SR x8 DIMM 288-Pin Memory - CT8G4DFS824A will that work? Can I just add that with the two that are there? Can I add one, or do I need two? There are 4 slots, 2 empty.

What do I need to get to add hard drive space? This is what I found for that: Crucial MX500 500GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, up to 560MB/s - CT500MX500SSD1 there are two empty spots.

It seems pretty easy to install, but I want to make sure I get the right things. 

Thank you for any help and advice.

[old_geekster]

@JenniferZz , welcome to the forum.

Here is the memory and SSD's that are recommended by Crucial Memory for your son's computer: https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/hP---Compaq/omen-870-244

If you go through the list of memory the module that you mentioned is listed.  However, before you buy it you should use CPU-Z to find the manufacturer and timings for the current memory module: https://download.cnet.com/CPU-Z/3000-2086_4-10050423.html

You will find this information in the Tab titled "SPD".  Once you have this information, you can contact Crucial's Tech Support for help with determining if  it will be compatible with the existing memory.  Sometimes different manufacturer's memory don't work well together and I don't want you to buy something that won't work.  The sellers will send to you for FREE, but you have to pay to return it.

Also, the SSD that you mentioned is on the list.  However, if you scroll down to the bottom of the page you will find three M.2, SSD's, that are compatible with his computer.  He will be extremely grateful to you if you buy one for him to use as the boot drive with Windows installed on it.  This will make his computer quicker to boot into Windows and change between pages on his browser.  I know it is considerably more expensive, but you will save money over time if you buy the 1 TB M.2: https://www.crucial.com/ssd/mx500/ct1000mx500ssd4/ct11454085

It will take far longer to fill it up with data.  You will need a some cloning software: https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

It is FREE and I believe fairly easy to use.  You can look at it to see what you think.

Here is the Motherboard Specifications page for the computer: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/omen-by-hp-870-200/13687063/document/c05369438

If you look at the Motherboard diagram it shows you on the left facing where the M.2, SSD, (M.2 SSD socket (Socket 3, key M) should be installed.  This is easier than a standard SSD.

The best way to install Windows on the M.2, SSD, is install the cloning software on the current hard drive (HDD) and run it.  The instructions will help you with this.  It will ask for the Target drive and that will be the M.2, SSD.  This will transfer all of the data to the M.2.  Then, you can go into the BIOS and make the M.2 the boot drive.

Here is a guide to help you install the memory: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05185356

Here is a video on installing a M.2, SSD:

This is not the same model of computer, but the procedure is the same.  I recommend using a magnetic phillips-head screwdriver.

I know this sounds like a lot to do, but it will be a great way for your son and you to have a project together.  There are a lot of videos to help you, also.  I will be glad to help in any way I can.  You can ask as many question as you need to ask.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.