RAM Upgrade - Confusing specs (Laptop - 14s-fq0014na)

[JohnP-88]

According to the HP Support Assistant, I have a System(Mother) Board 87B7 28.21 with 4GB of 3200MHz RAM

If I look on a third-party site, it suggests my Laptop has 2 Slots (I took it apart, and cannot see a second slot).

I don't work it that hard, but it often runs above 90% memory use. 

So, if I want to upgrade to 8GB, can I use the same speed RAM (1 card, at 3200), or is there going to be a compatibility problem because this (HP, Knowledge Base) site tells me that the standard is 4GB at 2400?

Or is there a second slot that I am unable to see?  (As you'd expect, another 4GB at 3200 would be the cheaper option).

Thanks. 

(I can provide a bundle more information, but wanted to keep it simple, initially).

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The 14s-fq0000 notebooks that come with the AMD 3020e processor only have one memory slot, and the service manual makes no mention of that fact.

Maintenance and Service Guide (hp.com)

However, I'm pretty sure the single slot will support a 16 GB memory chip.

1. In the search box, search for cmd and click Run as administrator.

This will open the command prompt.

2. Once command prompt is opened, type wmic memphysical get maxcapacityEx and hit enter.

There, it will show the maximum RAM capacity your PC's motherboard can support.

The capacity is shown as Kilobytes, so you have to convert it to Gigabytes by dividing the number provided in the report by 1,048,576.

This should be a compatible 16 GB memory chip for your notebook if the report confirms it will support 32 GB of memory.

Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM | CT16G4SFRA32A | Crucial UK

Or you can play it safe with the 8 GB chip.

Crucial 8GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM | CT8G4SFRA32A | Crucial UK

It may provide a false report of 2 memory slots.

HP installs whatever speed memory they have on hand at the time the PC is being manufactured.

The DDR4-3200 memory will automatically run at a max speed of 2400 MHz because that is as fast as your notebook's processor can run the memory at.

[JohnP-88]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for taking the time to give such a detailed reply.  Very much appreciated.

I now know which path to take.

Clear, to the point, and perfect for my needs.  Your reply is an excellent example of online assistance, and pretty **bleep** (I didn't consider the word a profanity, but have left the auto-amendment as is 🙂) quick as well.

(Yes, the single-slot issue is perplexing.  Thanks also for clarifying.  A single card it will be.  I only need 8GB for now, but I am glad to know of possibilities for the near-future.)

Cheers 👍,

JP

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

[davidwarner007]

Certainly!

It is possible that your laptop's current RAM speed is 2400 MHz with a capacity of 4GB. If you're looking to upgrade to 8GB, you may be considering purchasing a single 8GB RAM card at a faster speed of 3200 MHz and using it alongside the existing 4GB 2400 MHz RAM card.

However, mixing RAM speeds and capacities can be challenging, as there's no assurance that the two different RAM cards will function correctly together. Generally, it's recommended to use RAM cards with the same speed, capacity, and timings for optimal performance and compatibility.

Despite this, it is not impossible to combine different RAM cards, particularly if they are both DDR4 (assuming that is what your laptop uses). If you decide to mix RAM cards, it's crucial to ensure that the new RAM card you buy is compatible with your laptop's motherboard, processor, and existing RAM card.

You may use a RAM compatibility checker tool to determine what type of RAM is compatible with your laptop. Alternatively, you can refer to your laptop's manual or contact the manufacturer's support team for guidance on which RAM upgrades are compatible with your specific model.....

[JohnP-88]

Hi SophiaGracie,

Thank you for taking the time to post an answer.  I know about mixing RAM speeds, and ensuing problems, but the first question was how many slots, there being conflicting details available (and note that I took the Laptop apart to visually inspect).

Paul (resolved answer) helped with this, and the only remaining question was whether a new card had to match the Motherboard speed, given that - again - there is conflicting information between what HP lists, and what is physically in my Laptop. 

It's all good now.  I can make do with 8GB.  Well, for the time being. 

Thanks again,

JP (I am grateful for your time, but am unsure what icons to click, seeing as the question had been resolved)

[JohnP-88]

Thanks.  But I got the precise answer from Paul ("Resolved" answer).  Note that referring to the manual would have perpetuated the slot-number confusion.  I wasn't imagining a single slot when I dismantled the Laptop.  There really is only one.  If there had been two, I would have just purchased a second 4GB card to match the existing one. 

Regards,

JP