HP Envy is extremely slow

[CANONMENON]

My HP Envy (two months old) is extremely slow.  It gets worse when I launch Adobe Illustrator.  Here are the specs:

HP Envy x360 14 inch 2-in-1 Laptop

Windows 11 Home 64-bit Version: 26100.3624

16 GB RAM: Slot 1 - 8GB SK Hynix 6400MHz; Slot 2 - 8GB SK Hynix 6400MHz

1 TB SSD Drive

Can I upgrade to 32GB RAM and if so, please tell me the right SKU to buy.

Does it void my warranty?

[zoey7886 · Accepted solution]

@CANONMENON, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your HP Envy that is extremely slow! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Upgrading to 32GB RAM:

Your HP Envy x360 14 inch 2-in-1 Laptop currently has 16GB of RAM installed (8GB in each slot). Yes, you can upgrade to 32GB RAM, which might help improve performance, especially when using demanding applications like Adobe Illustrator.

Compatible RAM SKU:

For upgrading to 32GB RAM, you will need to purchase two 16GB RAM modules that match the specifications of your existing RAM (6400MHz DDR5).

Recommended RAM Modules:

• SKU Example: SK Hynix 16GB 6400MHz DDR5 RAM (Make sure to verify the exact compatibility before purchasing)
• Ensure to check compatibility with the specific model number of your current RAM to ensure it's suitable for your laptop.

Warranty Information:

Upgrading the RAM in your HP Envy x360 typically does not void your warranty. HP allows for user upgrades of memory and storage, provided that the process does not cause damage to the machine. Ensure all changes are done following HP's guidelines and procedures.

Steps for Upgrading:

1. Shut down the laptop and disconnect all peripherals.
2. Remove the back cover using a compatible screwdriver.
3. Locate the RAM slots and replace the existing RAM modules with the new 16GB modules.
4. Reattach the cover and reconnect peripherals.
5. Power up the laptop and verify the RAM upgrade in the system settings.  

Hope this helps!

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[CANONMENON]

Thank you so much for the detailed response.  You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

[zoey7886]

@CANONMENON, A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

[CANONMENON]

Zoey,

I opened the laptop to see what type of RAM I have and I found out that I do not have upgradable RAM, but the 16GB is integrated with the motherboard.  Is this really so?  Normally there should be integrated and expandable, if I am correct.

How do I establish that?  I am at a point where I want to get rid of this laptop and buy another brand after two months of frustrations.  Does HP actually shut a customer out of expanding RAM or Storage?  Please advise.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @CANONMENON,

Thank you for the response.

I totally understand how frustrating that must feel, especially after just two months. You were all set to upgrade and boost performance, only to hit this unexpected wall. Let me break it down for you gently and clearly so you know exactly where you stand and what your options are.

Some models of the HP Envy x360 14" indeed come with soldered (non-upgradable) RAM, meaning the memory is directly integrated into the motherboard and cannot be physically removed or upgraded.

This design choice is made in ultra-thin laptops to save space, reduce heat, and make the system more compact—but yes, it does limit upgrade potential, which can be frustrating when you're trying to future-proof your system.

To confirm this for your specific model:

Check Your Model Number
Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
Look for System Model, it’ll be something like HP Envy x360 14-ey0000 series.

Visit HP's Official Support Page
Enter that model number here: support.hp.com
Look under "Memory specifications" in the product manual or datasheet. It'll say if memory is “soldered” or if it has “1 SO-DIMM slot” (upgradable).

Optional Tool:
You can also use Crucial's System Scanner to verify upgrade options.

The SSD on almost all HP Envy models can be upgraded, even if the RAM isn’t. You can swap out the 1TB SSD for a faster or larger one (like a Gen 4 NVMe SSD) for better performance and more space.

That might help relieve some of the sluggishness, especially if the slowdown is caused by disk bottlenecks or too many background apps running.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[CANONMENON]

Hi Kuroi,

I did exactly what you asked me to do.  Here is what the HP support site says:

If the above snip is not clear, what it says is:

Chipset: Intel Integrated SoC

Memory, standard: Dual Channel Memory Support

Memory Options: 32 GB LPDDR5-6400 Mhz RAM (on-board)

or 16 GB LPDD45-6400 Mhz RAM (on-board)

I assume the word on-board means it is integrated into the mother board.  Am I right?  

Does that mean my options are not very good with this laptop?

Thank you for your response.  I would really appreciate your feedback.

Canon Menon

[CANONMENON]

Sorry, Kuroi, I should have mentioned my model number. 

It is HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-fc0000ca

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for replying @CANONMENON 

Kuroi_Kenshi away for now; however, I'm Hawks_Eye, and I'll be happy to help you out!

Yes, the memory on the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-fc0000ca is soldered onto the motherboard, which means it is not upgradable. 

This design is common in slim and compact laptops to save space and improve efficiency. 

If you're looking for more performance, you might consider optimizing other aspects of the laptop, such as upgrading the SSD for faster storage or ensuring your software is running efficiently.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Here are some tips to help you get the best performance out of your Laptop:

1. Keep Your Software Updated

• Regularly check for updates to Windows, drivers, and firmware through Settings > Windows Update or the HP Support Assistant. Updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes.

2. Optimize Startup Programs

• Disable unnecessary apps that run during startup:
  • Right-click on the taskbar, select Task Manager, and navigate to the Startup tab.
  • Disable any programs you don’t need immediately when the computer boots.

3. Manage Storage Efficiently

• Keep your SSD or storage drive as free as possible:
  • Use the Storage Sense feature in Settings > System > Storage to delete temporary files automatically.
  • Regularly clean up old files, and consider storing rarely used files on an external drive or cloud storage.

4. Enable High-Performance Power Settings

• Change your power plan to prioritize performance:
  • Go to Control Panel > Power Options and select the High Performance plan.
  • If you use the laptop on battery often, balance performance with battery life in this setting.

5. Monitor and Close Background Processes

• Open Task Manager to check for apps or processes consuming too many resources. Close non-essential ones that may slow down the system.

6. Adjust Graphics Settings

• If you're gaming or running visually demanding apps, tweak graphics settings for better performance:
  • For laptops with discrete GPUs, set specific apps to use the GPU via Settings > System > Display > Graphics Settings.

7. Clean Dust and Maintain Cooling

• Ensure your laptop’s fans and vents are free of dust to prevent overheating, which can throttle performance. Use compressed air to clean vents gently.

8. Upgrade the SSD (if needed)

• While your memory is onboard, storage upgrades are often possible. 
  Replacing the SSD with a larger or faster one (e.g., NVMe SSD) can significantly improve performance.

9. Use Browser Extensions Wisely

• If you frequently use a web browser, manage tabs efficiently and disable unnecessary extensions, which can hog system resources.

10. Run a System Scan

• Use built-in tools like Windows Security or third-party antivirus software to check for malware or unwanted programs slowing down your laptop.

11. Enable Hardware Acceleration

• For apps like Chrome or media players, enable hardware acceleration in the settings to utilize the GPU for smoother performance.

By following these tips, you can keep your laptop running at its full potential. 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye