omen 870-220na RAM upgrade

[BenBrit]

Hi, 

I was looking to upgrade the RAm for my computer - omen 870-220na. I worked out the Crucial system checker, found a bunch of RAM that is apparently compatable, and then I got a bit confused. 

Currently the compter has one 8GB slot filled of its 2-slot Compaq HP 82F1 Motherboard. I was wondering, can I simply buy one new Memory card to fill the empty slot (preferable, as single cards are cheaper), or do I have to buy two new cards and swap out the old one because of compatability issues? Also, are there any recomendations for memory (Crucial or HP branded is preferred)? I'm not sure whether it's better to go with SR or DR? 

Any help is much appreciated! 

Thanks very much,

B

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I have personally installed a different brand memory module along with the original one, in several of my HP notebook and desktop PC's.  Never had an issue.

As long as you get the same memory specs you should be fine.

I am giving you a free utility that I zipped up and attached below, that will tell you everything about the memory module in there now, speed, timing...could be right down to the chip manufacturer itself.

That way you can buy a compatible memory chip without too much guesswork.

The SDR and DDR memory spec is a bit confusing. 

If you do not install memory in matched pairs, it will only run in SDR (Single Data Rate) mode.  

In order for the memory to run in DDR (Dual Data Rate) mode, the memory has to be installed in matched pairs (same storage capacity, as the other chip).  In other words, 2 x 8 GB of memory will run in DDR mode.  An 8 GB + a 4 GB will only run in SDR mode.

[BenBrit]

Great, thanks very much 🙂

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.