New RAM installation might be causing issues!

[ramenoodles]

Hey! So I've come across a new issue with my gaming laptop. For reference, I have an HP Victus 15'' that I got in 2023, and earlier this year, we upgraded the RAM from 8GB to to 16GB. However, since then, Ive noticed that whenever I open applications, or close others, it seems to trigger a reaction. When closing games (for reference, I don't play any RAM intense games, the main ones being Minecraft, VALORANT, Roblox, Stardew Valley, AimLabs, Gang beasts, and some story games such as Little Nightmares, etc) I notice that it crashes any other games I might have open in the background, and it opens up a bunch of applications, like Riot Client, Discord, File Explorer, Steam, and a terminal called SECCNH pipe name: \\.\pipe\{68327F92-4C65-4484-860D-DA80B61FCDBA}.SoundResearch_CoCl_1. Ive also noticed that some games, for example AimLabs and Stardew Valley (specifically when I'm trying to play CO-OP) the game straight up just crashes and triggers all the applications to open up

I've been told that the issue was that HP has Sound Research programs that trigger the applications to all crash, and that disabling it would fix everything. I did that, and the terminal doesn't open up anymore. However, all the other applications still open up and crash, so I feel that that didn't do anything. Is there anything I can do to fully fix this issue? Besides making sure the RAM is current. I'm 99% sure it's the same brand, DDR5 and frequency and my laptop registers that I do indeed have 16 GB RAM but I'll be double checking just in case soon and making sure it's actually in correctly, but I just wanted to see if this would also be considered a software issue to be fixed. 

Thank you, any help is greatly appreciated! 

Note: preferably would like to keep my laptop at 16 GB, especially now in this RAM shortage economy we have going on 😅

I want to have my cake and eat it too! 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @ramenoodles 

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

I can imagine how frustrating it must feel to upgrade your Victus 15 to 16 GB RAM expecting smoother performance, only to be met with crashes and strange application behavior. You’ve already shown great persistence by disabling the Sound Research program and double‑checking your RAM specifications—that’s excellent groundwork. 

Let’s carefully separate hardware and software possibilities so you can keep the 16 GB upgrade without compromise.

 

Step 1: Verify RAM Installation

• Power off the laptop, remove the bottom cover, and ensure both RAM sticks are seated firmly in their slots.
• Confirm they are the same brand, DDR5, and frequency. Even small mismatches can cause instability.
• If possible, test each stick individually to confirm both are stable.

 

Step 2: Run Memory Diagnostics

• Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose Restart now and check for problems.
• Allow the test to complete and note if any errors are reported.

 

Step 3: Update BIOS and Drivers

• Open the HP App on your laptop.
• Go to Settings > Preferences > Diagnose & Fix.
• Check for updates to BIOS, chipset, and graphics drivers. These updates often improve memory compatibility and system stability.

 

Step 4: Check Background Programs

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Under Startup, disable non‑essential programs that may be auto‑launching when applications close.
• This helps prevent the sudden opening of Riot Client, Discord, and Steam when games crash.

 

Step 5: Test in Clean Boot Mode

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. Under the Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
4. Restart and test your games.
   • If stability improves, the issue is software‑related, and you can re‑enable items one by one to identify the culprit.

 

Step 6: Monitor System Logs

• Open Event Viewer (search in Start menu).
• Check Windows Logs > System for errors around the time of crashes.
• This can confirm whether the issue is driver‑related or triggered by a specific service.

For more guidance, you can refer to HP’s official article: HP PCs – Computer Is Slow or Freezes (Windows 11, 10).

You’ve already taken smart steps, and with these checks—especially memory diagnostics and BIOS updates—you should be able to keep your 16 GB upgrade while stabilizing performance. 

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