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- HP solo permite usar RAM de la misma marca?

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04-18-2025 08:44 PM - edited 04-18-2025 08:48 PM
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?
04-18-2025 10:53 PM
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:
What’s Likely Happening:
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.
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.
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).
Steps to Troubleshoot:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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