How to add RAM and what is max and how many slots

[TLBONE]

Model# 17-G120NR, AMD A8-7410, Radeon R5, 2.20 GHZ. I think that is all the info plus some that could be used.

This is my first time ever, posting or interacting in any way publicly so I apologize in advance.

My knowledge of PC's and working on them is better than most, however, laptops I have only taken 5 or 6 apart for things like replacing a heatsink and fan combo unit, seems older AMD's have a habit of killing ther thermal paste given the time.

Enough of that, now the issue, this laptop ships with 4GB. RAM on one stick. I of course woud like and need to upgrade it to say 12GB. I can only find bits of Info on this unit, I believe the MB will accept up to 16GB. I think it has 2 slots so I would buy and add 1, 8GB. stick, easy enough most of the time, however, not with this machine. It does not have any access panels at all, just my luck, so this means it is accessed under the backlit keyboard or worst case (pun intended) would need to remove bottom shell. 

SSOOooo, would like to verify how to get to it's RAM, that it does indeed have 2 slots, 16GB's is its max, and finally

1600mhz DDR3L NON EEC CL 11 SoDimm 1.35v is the correct type.

Thank You so very much for your time and knowledge.  

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Manual:

Manual

Two SODIMM slots - NON customer accessible / upgradeable DDR3L-1600-MHz Single Channel Support DDR3L-1600-MHz Dual Channel Support Supports up to 16 GB of system RAM in the following conƭgurations ● 16384-MB total system memory (8192×2)

See pp. 32-35 and then p. 41 for memory upgrade "how to". Back panel is removeable. Takes quite a few screws to come out but is not nearly as hard as some other models. 

8 gig module:

https://www.amazon.com/HP-PC3L-12800-DDR3L-1600-SODIMM-Notebooks/dp/B00ILBWRRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qi...

Memory prices are high right now sorry to say...16 gigs is going to cost at or over $100. Frankly you will get a better return on investment upgrading to 8 gigs by just adding a second 4 gig module. 8 might run better than 12 because 8 would be dual channel but 12 would be single channel because of mismatched modules. 

Post back with any more questions. 

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.  

[KNRK]

Click the below link which has complete information about upgrading the Memory Module for your HP Notebook:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04655126

Hope this helps, for any further queries reply to the post and feel free to join us again

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Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

Thank You,

K N R K

Although I am an HP employee, I am speaking for myself and not for HP

[KNRK]

You're most welcome & have a great day:)

**Click the White Thumbs Up Button on the right to say Thanks**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

Thank You,
K N R K
Although I am an HP employee, I am speaking for myself and not for HP

[TLBONE]

3rd attempt to reply, just having silly issues, dislike place to reply on these sites, using word this time, one mistake and everything you write is gone on site reply board, just noting this because of the long time for reply.

Now, is it that much better to run in dual mode as to where 12 gb vs 8 gb in dual would be more efficient? Also, I have always understood that to run in dual the sticks must be matched, need to purchase a matching set, not just two sticks of same size.

Kingston 8GB Module - DDR3L 1600MHz

$40.95

Axiom 4GB DDR3L-1600 Low Voltage SODIMM for Dell - A6909766,...

$25.95

Now with these not sure if when listing brand RAM is for if they would not work in other machines, didn’t notice the brand tag until I copied it here. But these are live prices I am finding.

Main question is running dual vs non, is 8GB better than 12 gb and do sticks need to be bought in pairs as I understood it?

[Huffer]

Dual channel does not require identical as in same manufacturer and part number. It can be two different maker modules but have to be the same in the major specs...speed capacity, latency and density. 

I have a Zbook 15 G3 with 2 x 8 gig DDR4-2133. One is OEM and one I bought at Frys..Patriot brand. They do not even look quite the same but run in dual channel. 

Most computer users never actually tap into memory above 8 gigs and if that is true your computer will run better on 8 gigs in dual channel than 12 gigs in single channel if you never even use the extra 4 gigs. 8 gigs is a lot of memory and will handle most tasks 90+ percent of computer users do. 

[TLBONE]

Than you for the great information, and rapid reply. I do belive you are also correct in never using the extra RAM unless of coures you are into major graphic design or video editing, this pc is actually used by my wife and she just manages to always bog it down to a crawl by having way too many things open at same time, cant get her to change so inorder to settle the issue and keep the peace thinking the addition of 4 GB will help.

One last question, it is still under warranty, if I install this RAM, would it affect warranty at all seeing as it states that RAM is not a user type upgrade? 

[Huffer]

As long as you do not harm anything in the upgrade the warranty will be fine. 

[TLBONE]

Thanks again and i will not damage anything, understood if i break it not covered. Happy I found this site and profesional responses.