HP OMEN 17-w253dx RAM Upgrade

[DDRdan]

I'm replacing my motherboard. Failed charging circuit. Stupid ram location design has me at a stand still on the install till I get Ram specs sorted out. No external user access to Ram??? In a gaming PC?? Poor design!!

PC Specs:  https://support.hp.com/hk-en/document/c05377475

Can I use the existing HP 8GB chip (Slot 1), remove the 4GB chip (Slot 2) and add a Crucial 16GB DDR4-2400 • CL=17 • NON-ECC • SODIMM • 260-pin • 1.2V • 2Rx8 • PC4-19200?

Should I put the 16GB in Slot 1 and move the 8GB to Slot 2? Or does it matter?

Thanks for any help!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

PC manufacturers have been designing notebooks that way for many years now where you have to remove the entire bottom cover to get to the insides.

It's indeed a pain to take notebooks apart nowadays.

It doesn't matter which slot you install the 16 GB memory chip in.

This would be the one you want to buy.

Crucial 16GB DDR4-2400 SODIMM | CT16G4SFD824A | Crucial.com

Gaming memory has faster timings and since you can't adjust the memory timing/XMP profile in the BIOS, there is a good chance the gaming memory may not work--especially if you plan to add the memory to the existing OEM chip installed.

Make sure you buy a motherboard that has the Windows product key embedded in the BIOS, or you will also need to buy a new license for W10.

Below is the link to the service manual:

OMEN by HP Laptop PCModels 17-w001 through 17-w099 and Models 17-w201 through 17w299 Maintenance and...

The manual indicates that only 2 x 8 GB of memory is supported, but I am very sure that the Crucial memory report is correct regarding the 2 x 16 GB max.

[DDRdan]

Thanks for the info. I thought the crucial sight would have credible info, but I wanted to be sure. I need this unit up and running quick.

Thanks for the OS note. The board is a pull with Win 10. They do an OS boot check so the key should be there.

I use the unit for Autocad. The Omen hardware is a great match for that software.  I've decided to pull both HP chips and just put a 2x16 32gb Crucial upgrade in it. They've got a new buyer deal at $100. And my CAD will run better.

Not putting a memory access door is just being cheap. I've been a hardware tech since 1991. Retired now, but I'm not a believer in the "everybody's doing it" excuse as a viable cop out for lousy design practices that stem from 'better profit' ideas. Most users these days would have throw this laptop in the trash and bought newer HP Chineese junk to throw away. With a new battery, ram, and board I'll have exactly what I need for just under $500.

To other 200 series users: I installed a 2mm I.D. hose from the fan to the charge circuit on the board. Slope cut the hose over the circuit and hot glue it to the blank spot on the board. I saw a 18f temp change. That should protect that circuit from failure.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.