Less usable RAM after upgrading it to 16 GB

[harry0310]

My HP pavilion gaming laptop ec101ax has a 8 GB RAM, out of which 5.8 GB was usable and rest 2 GB is reserved for Integrated GPU. So, I added an extra 8 GB RAM in my empty slot, but the overall usable RAM didn't increased. Hence the Installed Physical Memory is 16 GB and Total Physical Memory is 5.88 GB. HP has also locked the advanced option for bios so can't workaround with it.

Not only this, sometimes my laptop goes to infinite boot, and doesn't boots up.
PS: Few years back I installed the RAM in the extra slot, which worked fine for a year but later went to same infinite boot problem, I took the laptop to service center and they said it was problem due to this extra RAM which I have added. 

I swapped the RAM within their slots, and the problem still persisted. I added existing and new RAM one by one in the slot2 but my laptop didn't started, just the caps lock key was blinking. I did some research and found out that some HP laptops have made it mandatory to have RAM in its primary slot.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @harry0310 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're facing a few issues with your HP Pavilion Gaming laptop after upgrading the RAM. Here’s a structured approach to troubleshoot and potentially resolve these problems:

1. RAM Compatibility

• Check Compatibility: Ensure that the new RAM module is compatible with your laptop. Check the specifications for type (e.g., DDR4), speed (e.g., 2400 MHz), and voltage.
• Match RAM: Ideally, both RAM sticks should match in speed and size for optimal performance.

2. BIOS Settings

• Since you mentioned that advanced options in BIOS are locked, there may be limited ability to change settings. However, check the following:
  • Access BIOS (usually by pressing F10 during startup) to see if the new RAM is recognized.
  • Look for any settings related to integrated graphics that may allow you to change how much RAM is reserved for the GPU.

3. Reseat RAM Modules

• Power Off and Unplug: Turn off your laptop and unplug it.
• Reseat Both Modules: Remove both RAM sticks and reinstall them firmly. Make sure they click into place properly.

4. Test RAM Individually

• Since you experienced boot issues with both modules:
  • Test each RAM stick individually in the primary slot. This helps determine if one of the modules is faulty.
  • If both work individually, try different combinations (one in primary, one in secondary).

5. Run Memory Diagnostics

• Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:
  1. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search bar and select it.
  2. Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
  3. Allow the test to run and check for errors.

6. Check for BIOS Updates

• If possible, check for BIOS updates from the HP support website. Sometimes updates can resolve memory issues and improve compatibility with RAM.

7. Infinite Boot Issue

• Check Boot Order: In BIOS, ensure the boot order is set correctly.
• Hard Drive Connections: If you’re comfortable, check the connections to your hard drive to ensure it’s secure.
• Recovery Options: If the laptop continues to boot infinitely, you may need to use recovery media to troubleshoot or repair the installation.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support