Laptop only detecting half of my RAM

[lukec2986]

Hi all,

I've got a bit of a problem. I recently upgraded my laptop's RAM from the factory 8GB to 16GB (dual channel - 2x8GB SO-DIMM DDR4). Initially, the laptop detected the additional stick of RAM, however now, upon doing some unrelated troubleshooting, I've found out it stopped doing that. So far I've tried:

- Updating BIOS to latest available version
- Checked and updated all my drivers
- Checking the RAM sticks themselves to see if any of them are faulty (they're not)

- Checked the slots aren't faulty by replacing the original RAM (2x4GB SO-DIMM DDR4)

- Tried the RAM in another computer (it detected it fine)

As far as I'm aware, the RAM in my device is upgradable up to 32GB; and my warranty expired in 2023, so I'm at a bit of a loss here - so any help would be greatly appriciated!

Thanks!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @lukec2986 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for the detailed breakdown—you’ve already done a stellar job ruling out the usual suspects. Since your Victus 16-e0000 initially detected the upgraded RAM but now doesn’t, we’re likely dealing with a firmware-level memory mapping issue, a slot seating anomaly, or a power-related glitch that’s interfering with detection.

Here’s a deeper dive into what you can try next:

🧠 Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

Reseat with Power Drain

• Power off the laptop and unplug it.
• Remove the battery (if removable) or hold the power button for 60 seconds to discharge residual power.
• Reseat both RAM sticks carefully—make sure they click in evenly and fully.
• Boot up and check if both modules are detected.

Test One Stick at a Time

• Try each 8GB stick individually in both slots.
• This helps confirm that both slots and both sticks are still functional independently.

Check Memory Configuration in BIOS

• Enter BIOS (usually Esc or F10 at startup).
• Look for a System Information or Memory section.
• If only one stick is detected, try swapping slots and rechecking.

Reset BIOS to Defaults

• In BIOS, choose Load Setup Defaults or Restore Factory Settings.
• Save and exit—this can clear any lingering memory mapping issues.

Run HP UEFI Diagnostics

• Press Esc at startup, then F2 to launch diagnostics.
• Run the Memory Test to see if both modules are recognized and pass.

🧰 Additional Notes

• Your model does support up to 32GB DDR4-3200 (2x16GB), so your 2x8GB setup is well within spec.
• If the issue persists, it may be worth trying a matched kit (2 sticks sold together) to ensure timing and voltage are perfectly aligned.

Let me know what happens after these steps. If it’s still being stubborn, I can help you dig into SPD profiles or explore alternate memory kits that are known to play nicely with your Victus. 

You’re clearly persistent—and that’s half the battle won already 💪.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[lukec2986]

Heya,

Thanks for the tips!

Reseating and power drain didn't work - just kept seeing the same 8gb of RAM.

Trying the sticks once at a time with the different slots didn't really make a difference - it posted and booted each time which leads me to believe that the sticks and slots work fine. In terms of the BIOS, even that's only detecting 8GB so it sounds to me like the issue is on a hardware level - it's probably worth mentioning aswell that it is actually a matched kit. UEFI Diagnostics didn't detect more than 8GB either - I'm on the most recent BIOS update so that rules it out too - I think it's either hardware level problems or SPD like you mentioned - but SPD is a bit out of my knowledge.

- Luke

[Hawks_Eye]

@lukec2986 

Thanks for the update, and you’ve done a stellar job narrowing this down. Since both sticks and slots work independently, and BIOS + UEFI diagnostics consistently show only 8GB, we’re likely dealing with a low-level SPD mismatch, memory training failure, or motherboard-level limitation. 

Let’s dig deeper. 🧠🔍

 

🧪 What SPD Issues Could Be Causing This?

SPD (Serial Presence Detect) data tells your system how to configure the RAM—timing, voltage, frequency. If one module’s SPD profile isn’t being read correctly:

• The system may default to single-channel or ignore the second stick.
• BIOS memory training may fail silently and only initialize one module.

You can inspect SPD profiles using CPU-Z or Thaiphoon Burner:

• Check if both modules show identical JEDEC and XMP profiles.
• Look for mismatches in rank (1Rx8 vs 2Rx8) or timing tables.

🛠️ What You Can Try Next

1. Try a Different Matched Kit

Even if your current kit is matched, some brands use mixed ICs or looser binning. Try:

• A kit from Crucial or Kingston with verified compatibility for Victus 16-e0000.
• Prefer single-rank modules (1Rx8) for better compatibility.

2. Test with Lower Frequency

Some Victus models struggle with 3200MHz dual-channel. Try:

• Booting with one stick and setting RAM speed to 2666MHz in BIOS (if available).
• Then add the second stick and see if both are detected.

3. Inspect Motherboard for Physical Issues

If you’re comfortable:

• Open the back panel and inspect the RAM slots for dust, bent pins, or uneven solder joints.
• Use a flashlight to check for hairline cracks near the DIMM slots.

You’re clearly persistent and methodical—exactly the kind of person who wins these battles. 💪🧩

Regards,

Hawks_Eye