Do i need DDR3 or DDR4 RAM?

[Craftymum]

I have an HP Notebook 15, bw959sa .  I need to upgrade the current RAM (single slot 4gb) to 2 x 8gb minimum however I am getting mixed information from the HP website and parts lists whether I can use DDR3 or DDR4 RAM.  

The current RAM is 4GB 1Rx16 PC4 - 2400T - SCO-11 Samsung.  When I look up the RAM parts numbers in the Maintenance and Service Guide the 2GB and 4GB show DDR3 but the 8GB is DDR4.  Looking up on recommended partner websites shows mostly DDR4.  Which do I have, and what do I need to get the best RAM for my machine please?  I need to run Adobe Photoshop! Many thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

There is no such model number as a 15-bw959sa.

Please use this guide for how to find the model number/product number of your notebook:

How to Find Your HP Laptop Model Number (Video) | HP® Tech Takes

Below is the link to the service manual for your notebook.  Chapter 1 has the memory upgrade info.

HP 15 Laptop PC (AMD)* Model numbers: 15-bw0xxHP 15g Laptop PC* Model numbers: 15g-bx0xxHP 15q Lapto...

Depending on the model processor your notebook has, it either has one memory slot that supports 1 x 8 GB of memory or two memory slots that support 2 x 8 GB of memory.

There is no doubt that your notebook uses DDR4 memory.

Once you provide the correct model number, I can let you know the specific details for upgrading the memory.

[Craftymum]

Apologies Paul, mistyped a digit, it is HP Laptop 15-bw059sa.  HP have come back to me via FB messenger and told me I need DDR4-1866 SDRAM 2 x 8gb but Crucial only offer DDR4-2666 SODIMM will this extra speed cause problems or can I safely install these in my machine?  Many thanks for your help

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

According to the table in chapter 1 of the service manual, AMD notebooks with the onboard AMD graphics and the dual core processors, such as your model, have one memory slot and the max memory the slot can support is 1 x 8 GB.

That means you will have to remove the 4 GB memory chip and replace it with an 8 GB memory chip.

The memory runs at 1866 MHz, but you can install the 8 GB crucial DDR4-2666 MHz memory chip, and it should work fine.

Crucial 8GB DDR4-2666 SODIMM | CT8G4SFRA266 | Crucial UK

It will automatically bridge to 1866 MHz.

[Craftymum · Accepted solution]

Hi Paul,  I have checked the laptop and there are 2 slots available and HP indicated I could use 2 x 8gb to a maximum of 16gb.  But you have answered my question about the Bus speed so I am good to search for some RAM now and get this little baby moving with Photoshop!  Many thanks for your prompt responses 🙂

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

That is great news your notebook has two memory slots even though the service manual indicated there is only one.