Memory upgrade and self-encrypting SSD support

[TMM2K]

Hello,

I have an HP Spectre x360 15-ch025nd and I'd like to upgrade the RAM from 16GB to 32GB. From what I understand there are two slots on the motherboard so that shouldn't be a problem. Currently there are two sticks of 2400MHz CL17 DDR4 modules installed in the laptop. Would it a) work and b) actually be faster if I install 2666MHz modules and/or modules with better than CL17 timing?

The other question I have is about the SSD. Currently I have a 2TB NVMe SSD which is nice but it is actually too fast to comfortably do software disk encryption so I'd like to install a SED. Probably a samsun 970 EVO 'for business' or similar.

Would the HP Bios be able to set and unlock the drive? Or will I have to use an OPAL tool with a separate boot manager to deal with the encryption in this scenario?

Thank you!

[Echo_Lake]

@TMM2K

Welcome to HP Forums,

This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips,
Thank you for posting your query, I'll be more than glad to help you out 🙂

I see you need help in upgrading the Memory, on HP Spectre x360 - 15-ch025nd notebook. Don't worry as I have a few suggestions which should help you.

After reading your post, I did go through the Product specifications of your product and found that you have 16 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (2 x 8 GB)  installed on the PC.

Memory upgrade: 

To get the answer to this question, Yes! you can install Samsung 970 EVO.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below,

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum.  Have a great day!

[TMM2K]

@Echo_Lake

Thank you for your answer! This doesn't really answer my questions though. I had two questions:

a) Will adding ram FASTER than DDR4 2400/CL17 module actually be faster in this laptop (IE can it read XMP profiles?)

b) If I add a self-encrypting SSD like the Samsung 970 Evo for business will the HP firmware be able to ask for the disk passphrase and do the OPAL unlock.

Thank you so much for your time, could you see if you could answer my above questions?

- HP

[Echo_Lake · Accepted solution]

@TMM2K

Thank you for posting back. 

To get the answer to this question, Yes! you can add a latest and fastest ram. However, the DDR 4 ram is fastest one so far.
The increased speed means an overall increase in bandwidth. In terms of compatible DDR4 and HP will provide bios updates for the drive. 

NOTE: HP does not recommend upgrading or downgrading hardware parts or software that is bundled with the product as It may affect the manufacturer's warranty and performance, however, you could change the configuration at your own discretion.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

[TMM2K]

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@Echo_Lake

Thank you for your answer! That does answer my questions!

Do you know when HP will make the new BIOS available?

[Echo_Lake]

@TMM2K

Thank you for posting back.

It's only recommended to do this when bios updates are rolled out to your system, please use windows update to check the latest system updates and many BIOS updates are released that support new hardware. 

To download and install updates to the computer BIOS. This process is also known as 'flashing the BIOS'.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

[TMM2K]

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@Echo_Lake

Thank you for your quick response! I'm currently on the F.24 BIOS which is the newest one according to the support page for my latop.

Does this version of the BIOS support the SED SSDs?

[Echo_Lake]

@TMM2K

Thank you for posting back.

This bios package contains the WinFlash utility and a system BIOS image for the supported notebook.Yes! you're using the latest bios version Type: BIOS Version: F.24 Rev.A  

Filename: sp92383.exe (15.4 MB) 

Fix and enhancements:- Provides improved security.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

[TMM2K]

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@Echo_Lake

Thank you again for your response. I just want to clarify one thing. When you quote the release-notes of the BIOS:

"Fix and enhancements:- Provides improved security."

This means 'OPAL drive support' in this case?

[Echo_Lake]

@TMM2K

Thank you for posting back. 

It acts as an interface between the computer's hardware and its operating system, e.g. Windows, allowing the software to control the PC's hardware. The BIOS also contains instructions that the PC uses to perform basic instructions