HP envy m6 memory upgrade

[trins3]

Hi, I opened the back of my laptop to check Memory card slots.

What I find there.. 2 cards, one says 2GB and other 4GB. 2GB is the graphics card and 4Gb is the RAM. I do not see another empty slot. Does this mean There is ONLY one slot for RAM? if I have to upgrade, I have to remove 4GB and put a 8GB? I was looking to buy another 4GB and add to the existing 4GB.

Please advise.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Both memory chips support the whole notebook. 

One does not work for the graphics and the other to support the rest of the notebook.

The 2 GB of graphics memory listed in the specs is entirely separate from the removable memory chips.

Those support the graphics and are soldered and integrated onto the motherboard, and are covered by the processor and graphics heat sink.

If you want to add memory, remove the 2 GB chip and install a 4 GB chip in its place having the same specs as the 4 GB chip in there now.

Your notebook can take a maximum of 2 x 8 GB of memory.  See chapter 1, page 4 of the manual below.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03694820

[trins3]

Makes sense. May I also know the purpose of the 2Gb card, because I see the RAM size as just 4 GB on system config.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

The 2 GB removable memory chip makes no sense to me as to why it was included, although you should be seeing 6 GB.

You may want to switch the memory  and see if the slot is bad, or the memory chip is bad. 

In other words, if the slot is bad, you will now only see 2 GB.  But if the 2 GB memory chip is bad, you will still see 4 GB.

The 2 GB chip does give a little more memory, but it also causes the memory to run at the slower SDR (Single Data Rate), vice the optimal DDR (Dual Data Rate).

So, removing the 2 GB chip and replacing it with a 4 GB memory chip will accomplish two things for you...

1. Increase the memory from 6 to 8 GB

2. Increase the memory efficiency, allowing it to run at the DDR.

You need matching sizes of memory to run DDR.

For example.

2 x 1 GB, 2 x 2 GB, 2 x 4 GB, 2 x 8 GB

An empty slot or mismatched memory capacities cause the memory to run at the SDR.

[trins3]

Thanks you very much for your details.

Lat question: How do I identify the type of RAM(DDR2/3, MHz?) so I can buy a compatible one.

Thnaks in advance.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Did you figure out why you aren't seeing 6 GB in the system info?

The manual states that your notebook uses DDR3-1600 memory.

So, you would want something like this, if you are looking for a 4 GB module...

Make sure the voltage you get is 1.5v DDR3, not 1.35v, which is DDR3L

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PC3-12800-1600MHz-204-Pin-M471B5273DH0-CK0/dp/B009AEYBYI/ref=sr_1_6?s...