RAM Slot 1 working, Slot 2 stopped(Not Sure) suddenly

[jinnn_xoxo]

I have this laptop for like 4 years and I've been having this 8GB RAM extension in it for 2 years so in total I had 16GB Ram. Today, the laptop suddenly started lagging heavily. In Task Manager, RAM dropped to 7.4 GB usable and showed Slots used: 1 of 2.

What I've tested(It's okay if you don't read this but read the Important one):

- Both RAM sticks work fine when tested individually in Slot 1 (laptop boots normally).

- Putting a stick in Slot 2 alone causes a black screen.

- HP UEFI Diagnostics detects Slot 1 (Passes Memory Quick Test), but shows Slot 2 as \[Not Installed\].

- The weird part(IMPORTANT):

1. Performed a hard CMOS reset (received CMOS checksum is invalid 502 prompt).

2. Put the second stick back into Slot 2 and rebooted.

3. Result: It actually detected the full 16 GB for about a minute, but shortly after, the laptop crashed to a black screen, I rebooted, and dropped back to 8 GB with Slot 2 failing to register again.

What do I do? Do i need to change my motherboard now?

[Deep_World]

Hi  @jinnn_xoxo,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thank you for reaching out and for providing the detailed troubleshooting results. It’s great to see the thorough testing you've already completed, as that helps narrow down the possible cause.

Based on what you've shared, both memory modules appear to be functional since each RAM stick works correctly when installed individually in Slot 1. The behaviour where Slot 2 is not detected by HP Hardware Diagnostics and only briefly recognizes the memory after a CMOS reset may point toward a connection issue with the memory slot, memory slot contacts, or a system board-related concern. However, before considering any hardware replacement, kindly confirm on the below additional checks.

• If you gently press near the memory compartment area while powering on, does the second slot become visible intermittently?
• Have you noticed any unexpected shutdowns?

In the meantime, kindly try the following steps:

1. Remove both memory modules and inspect the Slot 2 contacts carefully for dust or debris. If available, use compressed air to clean the slot.
2. Reseat both memory modules firmly and ensure the retention clips are fully locked.
3. Run the extensive memory test from HP Hardware Diagnostics: 
   • Power off the notebook.
   • Turn it on and repeatedly tap F2.
   • Select Component Tests > Memory > Extensive Test.
4. If the issue persists, swap the modules again and test: 
   • Stick A in Slot 1
   • Stick B in Slot 1
   • Stick A in Slot 2
   • Stick B in Slot 2

This helps confirm whether Slot 2 consistently fails regardless of the memory module installed.

Once you've completed the above checks, kindly let us know the results. If Slot 2 continues to show as Not Installed in HP Diagnostics regardless of which memory module is used, we'll be in a better position to determine whether the issue is related to the memory slot itself or if the system board requires further evaluation.

I hope this helps.