HP solo permite usar RAM de la misma marca?

[Olbera]

Hola, compré una memoria RAM Crucial de 8GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM para ampliar la memoria de mi laptop HP Pavilion Gaming 15-ec1073dx, que ya trae de fábrica 1 módulo Samsung de 8GB DDR4-3200 MHz.

El problema es que Windows y la BIOS solo detectan los 8GB originales, pero al revisar con CPU-Z sí aparecen las dos memorias instaladas (la Samsung y la Crucial).

¿Alguien sabe si esto puede ser por la diferencia de marcas? ¿Necesito que las dos RAM sean de la misma marca o modelo para que funcionen correctamente en esta laptop?

I bought a Crucial 8GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM RAM stick to upgrade my HP Pavilion Gaming 15-ec1073dx, which originally comes with 1 Samsung 8GB DDR4-3200 MHz module.

The issue is that Windows and the BIOS only detect the original 8GB, but when I check with CPU-Z, it shows both RAM sticks (the Samsung and the Crucial).

Could this be happening because the two RAM sticks are from different brands? Do I need both sticks to be the same brand or model for them to work properly on this laptop?

[NonSequitur777]

@Olbera,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

This issue is not uncommon in mixed-RAM upgrades, especially on laptops such as the HP Pavilion Gaming 15-ec1073dx, and it’s not necessarily due to the RAM brands being different. Here’s a breakdown of what might be going on and how to fix or verify it:

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What’s Likely Happening:

1. Physical Detection vs. Usable Memory:

   • CPU-Z showing both modules means that both sticks are physically detected by the memory controller.

   • If Windows and BIOS only show 8GB, the system may not be using the second module properly -possibly due to compatibility or a firmware-level restriction.

2. Mixing RAM Brands/Chips:

   • Using RAM from different brands or with different internal chip architectures can sometimes cause training or timing mismatches.

   • It does not always require both sticks to be the same brand, but matching JEDEC profiles (timings, voltages, and ranks) increases the likelihood of full compatibility.

3. BIOS/UEFI Limitation or Training Failure:

   • Some BIOS versions have issues properly initializing mismatched RAM.

   • HP firmware may be picky, especially if the second stick deviates in subtimings or rank (e.g., single vs. dual rank).

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Steps to Troubleshoot:

1. Swap Slots:

   • Try putting the Crucial stick where the Samsung stick was and vice versa.

   • See if the 8GB recognized in BIOS changes to the Crucial one. This tests whether both slots are working properly.

2. Boot with Crucial Only:

   • Remove the Samsung RAM and boot with only the Crucial 8GB stick. If it boots and is detected, then the stick is not defective.

3. Update BIOS:

   • Go to the HP Drivers page for 15-ec1073dx and make sure the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware is installed. A BIOS update may improve memory compatibility.

4. Check Windows Limits (Rare Case):

   • In Windows, press Win+R, type msconfig, go to the Boot tab > Advanced options, and make sure Maximum memory is unchecked.

5. Try Identical RAM for Testing:

   • If all else fails, try getting another stick identical to the Samsung module (same brand, speed, and model if possible) to verify dual-channel functionality.

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Quick Note on Dual Channel:

• If the two sticks are not identical, dual-channel mode may not activate, and the system may fall back to single-channel mode -or, as may be in your case, possibly fail to initialize both sticks altogether depending on timing mismatches.

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Summary:

• No, the two sticks don’t necessarily have to be the same brand, but they must be compatible in terms of speed, timings, voltage, and rank.

• Your Crucial stick might be slightly different in one of those areas, enough to confuse HP’s BIOS.

• If all testing fails, I would strongly recommend using two matching sticks (same brand/model/speed & capacity) as it is the best way to ensure proper recognition, dual-channel operation, and overall best RAM performance.

Let me know the exact model of your Crucial stick and the Samsung one (CPU-Z > SPD tab), and I can help you compare the specs directly.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777