My Omen 17 slowed down after RAM upgrade

[JordiLedda2]

HI, I have an OMEN by HP 17-cb0024nl, it came stock with 2X SDRAM DDR4-2666 8gb (16GB total), i recently updated it to 32GB with 2X Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM, the problem is games are running slower and i'm forced to use lower graphics, i can't do multiple things at once like i used to with the older ram like streaming on discord and playing a game? how do i solve this? i heard that it could be the ram speed and i should adjust it trough the bios but i'm not sure, pls help

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @JordiLedda2,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

Upgrading RAM should generally improve performance, but there are several factors that could cause the issues you’re experiencing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to diagnose and potentially fix the problem:

1. Check RAM Compatibility

Ensure that the new RAM modules are compatible with your laptop. The Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM should be compatible, but verify the specifications in your laptop's manual or on HP’s support website.

2. Check BIOS Settings

• Enter your BIOS/UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a key during boot, such as F2, F10, Esc, or Delete.
• Look for settings related to memory or RAM. Check if the RAM is running at the correct speed. If your laptop supports DDR4-3200, it should automatically adjust. However, it might still be running at the older speed (DDR4-2666).
• Ensure XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) is enabled if available. This allows the RAM to run at its rated speed.

3. Update BIOS

Sometimes a BIOS update is necessary to support newer hardware correctly.

• Visit the HP support website and check for any available BIOS updates for your specific laptop model.
• Follow the instructions to update your BIOS if an update is available.

4. Check RAM Configuration

• Ensure the RAM is properly seated in their slots.
• Verify that the laptop is recognizing the full 32GB of RAM. You can check this in the system properties or task manager in Windows.

5. Run Memory Diagnostic

• Use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for any errors in the new RAM.
  1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Choose to restart and check for problems.

6. Check Task Manager/Resource Monitor

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the performance tab.
• Look for any unusual CPU, GPU, or disk usage that might be causing the slowdown.

7. Revert to Original RAM

If the problem persists, revert to the original RAM to check if the performance issues are resolved. This will help you determine if the new RAM is the cause of the problem.

8. Stress Test

• Perform a stress test using software like Prime95 or Memtest86 to ensure the RAM is stable.

9. Check for Throttling

• Ensure your laptop isn’t thermal throttling. High temperatures can cause the CPU and GPU to slow down. Clean any dust from the vents and ensure proper airflow.

10. System Settings

• Reset your BIOS settings to default if you’ve changed any settings previously.
• Check for any power settings in Windows that might be limiting performance.

11. Reinstall Drivers

• Ensure all your drivers, especially for the chipset and graphics, are up to date.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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