Can I replace 1RX8 memory with 2RX8 memory?

[Snarf_NL]

Hello everyone,

I have a Victus 16 e-0548nd with 16GB Dual Channel RAM, through 2x 8GB (Samsung Single Rank M471A1K43DB1-CWE / 3200MHZ 1RX8).
I would like to do a RAM upgrade to 32GB Dual Channel, by completely replacing the current memory for 2x 16GB.

To stay in the safety zone in terms of compatibility, I want to go for either Samsung or Crucial memory.

I prefer Samsung because I can buy 2x 16GB Dual Rank memory so-dimms at a good price (M471A2K43EB1-CWE / 3200MHZ 2RX8).
I read in several places (websites) that 2RX8 RAM performs slightly better and is faster than 1RX8 RAM.

Crucial RAM is a bit cheaper, but with Crucial it is questionable whether you get 1RX8 or 2RX8, if I can believe the reviews. And if I do invest in more memory, I am willing to pay more for 5% better performance.

However, I do not know whether, for example, the motherboard or the CPU determines whether I can use 2RX8 memory.
I can't find any specific HP-info about it.

My question:
Can I use the Samsung M471A2K43EB1-CWE 2RX8 in my laptop without problems (in terms of compatibility) or do I have to stay with 1RX8 RAM memory?

With kind regards,
Snarf

[TzortzisG · Accepted solution]

Hello Snarf_NL.

The CT16G4SFRA32A modules that are offered on Crucial's page for your model have given a lot of HP customers a big headache (or more correctly a big migraine) by making their systems completely unbootable....or sometimes "just" prone to BSODs and other such wonderful stuff. I generally advise AGAINST these modules, and the same goes for the smaller 8GB modules (of also unspecified chip organization).

To answer your question:

- Can I use the Samsung M471A2K43EB1-CWE 2RX8 in my laptop without problems (in terms of compatibility) or do I have to stay with 1RX8 RAM memory?
Yes please, use the ultra-compatible better performance, better quality, better everything modules and AVOID 1RX8 16GB RAM (especially from Crucial).

Long explanation:

Unfortunately not many people fully understand how chip organization and compatibility work. A system's motherboard doesn't support single OR dual-rank, they support both and it all depends upon the size (capacity) of the installed modules. The thing is that with the smaller capacity modules, it's OK to have the memory banks closely packed together in a "high-density" configuration. But when moving on to higher capacity modules, these closely packed organizations might not work at all. For example, there are no 1Rx8 32GB DDR4 modules (yet). A while back, you could only get the "exotic" 1Rx8 16GB modules by purchasing gaming RAM. Nowadays most 16GB chips are single-rank. If DDR4 RAM continues to be used on new systems, we might even get to see those 1Rx8 32GB modules.

Systems that were manufactured 5 years ago (or more) are 1Rx8-16GB-agnostic, and usually have problems with these modules. This is also true with the smaller 1Rx16 8GB modules. Your system is relatively new and SHOULD work fine with single-rank 16GB modules (although preferably not the Crucial ones). However, it is important to understand that the order -when it comes to compatibility- is 2Rx8>1Rx8>1Rx16, and the same holds true about performance. Original data, when they were first introduced, seemed to indicate that 1Rx8 16GB modules would be faster, but it was soon proven completely wrong. Performance-wise the order (yet again) is 2Rx8>1Rx8>1Rx16.

Finally, I'd like to point out HP's official perspective on your system's compatible RAM (specs). According to your laptop's manual, the recommended 16GB RAM modules are part number "L67710-001". By taking a look at the Official HP Partsurfer page for these modules.....this is what comes up:

As you can see, the suggested module is the Micron "MTA16ATF2G64HZ-3G2J1" 2Rx8 16GB module, and it has an identical chip organization to the "M471A2K43EB1-CWE" you're considering. Therefore, purchasing either one of these modules means going ALONG with official HP specs -not against them......

Have fun upgrading!

* By the way, I completely agree with you that RAM is the single most important upgrade on a computer, and spending more for good quality products is a no-brainer.

[Snarf_NL]

Hello TzortzisG,

Are you an HP or ICT Expert or perhaps a doctor? I think you saved me from a migraine attack.

I really appreciate your detailed information and the time you spent on this. Thanks for that!

Besides being informative and practical, I read your content with great interest. It was very educational.

I saved the manual and the partsurfer website.

I will definitely look for the 2Rx8 modules from Micron. If I don't find them in my country, I will go for the Samsung modules as an alternative.

Thank you again, you helped me very much.