RAM Upgrade

[xzombeex]

Hi  I am looking to add more RAM to my HP Pavillion...as much as possible !   I currently have (1) 8 GB 2400 mhz stick  (one open RAM slot available) I am looking at ordering  (2) 16 GB RAM sticks (32 GB total) rated @3200mhz but wanted to check with you experts out there first to see if this will work. 

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE !  

I ran a system check with HP and IObit software:  

Model 17z-ca000 CTO
CPU Name AMD A9-9425 RADEON R5, 5 COMPUTE CORES 2C+3G
Number of logical processors 2
Code Name Model 0, Stepping 0
Manufacturer AuthenticAMD
Current Clock Speed 3100 Mhz
Max Clock Speed 3100 Mhz
Voltage 1.1V
External Clock 100 Mhz

General specifications

Operating system

Windows 10 Home 64-bit Version: 19044.2251

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The Crucial memory report for the model series indicates the max memory is 2 x 8 GB.

HP - Compaq HP 17z-ca000 CTO | Memory RAM & SSD Upgrades | Crucial.com

The fastest speed the processor can run the memory at according to the processor specs is 2133 MHz.

7th Gen A9-9425 APU | AMD

You can do this to see how much memory your notebook can support:

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.

If the report indicates you can install 2 x 16 GB of memory, you may want to test out one 16 GB chip first.

Add it to the existing memory and if the notebook boots up, works fine and reports the correct amount of memory, it would probably be safe to add a second 16 GB chip.

This should be a compatible 16 GB chip if the report indicates 32 GB is supported.

Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM | CT16G4SFRA32A | Crucial.com

While DDR4-3200 memory would work, it will automatically bridge to the fastest speed the processor can run the memory at.

For whatever reason, the Maintenance and Service Guide is not working for me at this time.

HP Notebook - 17z-ca000 CTO Manuals | HP® Customer Support

[xzombeex]

Thank You Paul !    

RAM capacity check showed 33554432 / 1,048,576 = 32 GB 

IObit system check says currently running 3100mhz / max 3100mhz   

This is a little confusing as other online specs I found for this exact model laptop 17z-ca000 CTO showed 16 GB max / 2400 mhz.    Going to  throw the dice and order the 32 GB/3200 sticks betting the diagnostics from inside my machine are correct.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[xzombeex]

Sorry... one follow up... I'm just now seeing an article about 3200 mhz cards needing XMP enabled in BIOS , otherwise they will only run at 2666 mhz max.   I am completely new to this but I rebooted, hit f10, and opened BIOS settings.  It showed 3100 mhz and basic motherboard info but nothing allowed me to go into memory settings / enable XMP.  (I can turn the fan on / off or change the date / time and that was about it).   I am doubting my system even has XMP.  

Do you think I should do the 2666 mhz cards instead of the 3200's ?     

Thanks again for your time / input  !  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The processor's clock speed is what is running at 3100 MHz.

You can install DDR4-2400 up to DDR4-3200 and it is all going to run at 2133 MHz.

If you run the free utility that I zipped up and attached below, you will see what speed the memory is running at.

Should be DDR4-2400 running at 2133 MHz.

That is why HP installed a DDR4-2400 memory chip in your notebook.

[xzombeex]

Hi Paul    Thanks for clearing that up....appears I was having delusions of grandure about what this older machine could do!

I'm back to the 32/2400's  plan and sure it will be significant improvement.   

You've been great help ..have an awesome day !    

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

You have a great day too and please let us know your notebook's memory upgrade project went.