HP Omen 16 Ram Upgrade Issue

[divyanshu_bbd]

I had bought this ram 2 weeks ago to install in my HP Omen 16 am0279tx and a couple of days ago when I encountered WHEA issues on my device I decided to reflash the BIOS. After the reflash I got the 3 long and 2 short caps error code and the laptop refused to start even with the ram sticks removed. I called up HP support and asked them about this and they immediately issued a ram replacement and said a technician will come and check it out. Today they came in and said that the ram I have is not compatible with the motherboard.

They said that the motherboard only supports ram from samsung or sk hynix. Kingston is just not supported and told me that the 011 is mismatched and cannot be used with the stock SK Hynix RAM. Why was this not specified before I bought it by the store rep or on the site?? Do HP Omen laptops have compatibility with expensive, high CL sticks only?? If this is the case, why is it not specified in the user manual that only HP Replacement RAM is allowed on the system and any other RAM installation is not supported??

The tech said there are two IC on the motherboard and one of them shorted when I installed the RAM and the other shorted when I tried to reflash the bios. Is this true?? Can this be deduced by just having the back panel removed without removing the heatsink or even the motherboard?? If this is how HP products are, I don't want it. Please clarify what I am supposed to do with a RAM stick that cost me a lot and is not compatible with my motherboard.

 

[resistencia]

Hi @divyanshu_bbd 

Based on the memory's serial number (KF556S40IB-16), it is a Fury memory module with CL40. These memory modules are not compatible because you cannot use memory modules with CL40; you can purchase any memory module with CL46.

KF556S40IB-16

[divyanshu_bbd]

Hi, when I ran the memtest, it reported that both of them ran at 5586MT/s at 46-45-45-89 timings. The kingston one doesn't have a fixed and rigid requirement of cl40, it can run at higher cl as well. If that were the case, how was it running fine for 2 weeks before the issue?

[resistencia]

It's likely that when the BIOS was updated, the memory requirements for CL46 were set. But I checked the service manual for this model, and all the memory modules recommended by HP use CL46 latency.  HP notebook BIOS are not compatible with memory modules that use the XMP format.

HP OMEN PCs – Configure XMP-compatible memory that is not verified by HP | HP® Support

Computer does not start after installing or configuring XMP-compatible memory

If you install a memory module that is not certified by HP, you might experience problems with different memory frequency, and the quality is not guaranteed. See the memory manufacturer specifications regarding performance. Unsuccessful memory tuning might occur if the memory modules are not compatible with the computer. If this occurs, the computer does not start correctly and emits beeping sounds (three long, two short).

[divyanshu_bbd]

Again, if it was not compatible, it would immediately throw the 3 long and 2 short blinking error. It ran fine with no issues for 2 weeks but then it decided to brick the motherboard?? And the BIOS for me, doesn't even show the advanced memory configuration menu. It appeared blank whether I had it installed or not.

The issue is not that the system did not work after installing the memory module. The issue is that the system is not working after a WHEA issue within Windows and a BIOS reflash then threw the memory error. 

[resistencia]

You won't see any advanced BIOS menu because you have a laptop; as far as I know, no HP laptop is compatible with XMP memory, which is why there's no advanced BIOS setting for the memory. This memory worked for you, but likely with limitations; on other laptops, it doesn't even work.

Does it work with the original memory? Or is the BIOS damaged and the laptop no longer works?

[divyanshu_bbd]

Nope not working entirely, tried with just the oem memory and storage but didn't work. It's bricked and a replacement motherboard has been ordered by the technician. What I'm failing to understand is why the the technician told me that I need to contact hp for upgrading my product and not to use specific brand memory when the same has not been communicated during purchase or in the user manual. Why has it not been in written anywhere and only been told to me after a serious issue has occured?? The ram prices are sky high and rising and if we want to upgrade, the instructions and buying procedure should be as transparent but I'm not feeling the same now. Is there a similar restriction for SSDs?? Can I not use WD or Crucial SSDs with the laptop?? Why is this not mentioned anywhere?

[resistencia]

Unfortunately, you'll have to replace the motherboard. There are no restrictions if you use standard memory modules (not XMP), and you can use any SSD.

XMP memory modules are used only in some desktop computers. There may not be much documentation, but this forum can provide guidance before making changes to the product

[divyanshu_bbd]

Got it. Thanks for the clarification. I shared the image precisely so that I can know from ppl in the forum and HP personnel whether the stick is supported or not. I've seen it be used in laptops and some people have confirmed it works but no confirmation from HP itself. I've just checked with an HP store and they say it's not an issue.