32 GB Ram upgrade for HP Spectre x360 bl101na

[AlexJCharles]

This isn't a question for the community, but an answer, sharing my experience of the somewhat contradictory answers given regarding this matter on the forum.

In short; To those of the community thinking of performing a 32gb ram upgrade, it is indeed possible to use 32gb of ram in the system (bl101na, late 2017 model with MX150 graphics) without any modifications (both in Windows 10 and Ubuntu 18.04, dual boot). 

In detail; Despite what the service manual states, (that the ram is not user upgradable, and that the largest configuration is 16gb with 2x8gb sticks), it is indeed possible to use 32gb of ram using 2x16gb sticks of DDR4 in the 15" model, as physical ram slots are used.

Being a researcher, and needing more RAM to conduct some analyses on the go (not on my workstation or departmental supercomputer) I took the risk to purchase a Corsair Vengeance 2666mz (2x16gb) sodimms (CMSX32GX4M2A2666C18) to use in my machine. From the Intel product description of the i7-8550u, I knew that there was at least CPU level support for 32gb of ram at 2400mz, (I purchased the faster-clocked kit for potential use in future and potentially compatible machines, but as you'd expect, this kit downclocks to 2400mz without issue). 

Opening the laptop is simple; there are 6 visible screws on the underside of the machine, with a further two hidden underneath the rubber feet located closest to the perforations in the panel for ventilation. To remove, use a little heat if possible and use a pry tool in line with the corners (there is a small section where glue isn't applied for this purpose I presume). Double-sided tape may be required to reapply the feet securely; I had difficulty removing the first until I noted the glue pattern underneath. A small Torx screwdriver and Phillips screwdriver for small electronics repairs are required. Note, there are clips around the edge of the panel, so be careful to pry these away as you move around the case. The ram is located in the centre of the machine, under overlapping rectangular shielding (be very careful not to touch this on the motherboard).

At any rate, for anyone still considering this upgrade and can give a good reason for the ~£250 cost for the upgrade dependent on kit don't hesitate. The increase in speed is only slightly noticeable, but the capacity is there for those who need it. I can only speak for this model specifically (bl101na), but it appears that many models have had success. The m.2 drive is also easily accessible, but further disassembly may be required to repaste the CPU, so I wouldn't bother for a few degrees cooler unless there's cause to tear the machine down further or overheating becomes an issue with time. Shame, this model was not budget friendly to begin with, yet wouldn't ship with an option for 32gb ram. In hindsight, it would have probably been best (and cheaper) to buy the base model and upgrade the RAM and m.2 drive to better aftermarket solutions after purchase.

Anyway, any questions, feel free to ask, I'll do my best to check on this every now and again.

Thanks to the community who shared their past experiences which helped tremendously with making my own decision 🙂 

• Currently installed RAM: Corsair Vengeance® Series 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 SODIMM 2666MHz CL18 Memory Kit
• Previously installed RAM: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/dram/module/M471A1K43CB1-CRC/

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Yes the Forum has been out there on this issue for a long time and we have been telling anyone who asks that systems using Intel Core 6th gen and higher CPU and DDR4 memory will run 2 x 16 gig = 32 gigs total and this has been confirmed by many users. Also, the warranty will not be rendered void by doing the upgrade as long as no damage is done in the process. As you say, this upgrade ain't for everybody. It is very expensive and the only advantage to 32 gigs over 16 gigs comes in running multiple virtual machines, heavy video or image editing and maybe compiling Code. Even gaming will not benefit from the jump to 32 gigs.