RAM and USB 3.0 Upgrades

[thatwdbme]

What is the maximum RAM for my specific laptop, size and type please? I've seen some information in other forums but I want to ensure whatever I get is accurate. Are there tutorials on how to replace and/or upgrade the RAM? I've never upgraded anything in a laptop before.

Also, what is suggested for switching the available USB ports to 3.0 to further support my 3.0 devices? Same tutorial or step-by step guide for USB port replacement as well please?

Please advise. Thanks in advance.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Below is the link to the service manual.

Maintenance and Service Guide

Chapter 1 has the memory upgrade information and chapter 5 has the memory removal and replacement procedure.

You cannot upgrade the USB 3 ports.

You can only replace what's there with the spart part listed in chapter 3 of the service manual.

[thatwdbme]

Thanks. Wait, I can't upgrade to USB 3.0 ports, unless I'm misunderstanding? Wish I had realized that prior to purchase if true. I should have paid that more attention though. Why can't it be upgraded though if true?

Also, what about my inquiries about the specific RAM upgrade options for this laptop? Or are you saying that's in the manual? I recall there was a supposed maximum RAM but also noticed you might be able to go above this? Specifics on the max and the type of RAM cards I need would be helpful.

Lastly, I noticed that when I look at the specs per HP, they state the following: Memory
8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (1 x 8 GB) Transfer rates up to 3200 MT/s.

But the System information page on my laptop states: Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 16.0 GB

I would have to believe this is accurate, but I don't know if this is one 16.0 RAM memory card, or 2 8 GB cards. I also assume the seller added this additional 8 GBs ahead of sell since it's not matching the specs. I should be able to trust the system information ultimately though, right? 

Thanks again.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

There is only one USB board for your notebook and that is the same one that is installed now.

Chapter 1 of the service manual indicates that the maximum memory is 2 x 8 GB if your notebook has an Intel Core processor.

If it has an Intel Pentium or Celeron processor, then there is only one memory slot and the maximum memory the slot can support is 1 x 8 GB.

You might be able to install more than 16 GB of memory if you run this command and it indicates that you can:

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 press the enter key.

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 you enter your notebook's product number in the search window at the link below, it should tell you whether the notebook came with 2 x 8 GB of memory or 1 x 16 GB of memory.

HP PartSurfer

[thatwdbme]

Processor (according to the spec page for my laptop from this website:
Intel® Core™ i5-1135G7 (up to 4.2 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores)

Per the HP PartsSurfer link, this is what it displayed for Memory: -N/A- L46598-005 
MEMORY 8GB 3200MHz 1.2v DDR4 SHARED
N Compliant/Exempted -N/A-

I included the pic also included on the HP Parts Surfer Link displaying the 8 GB. Also included is the laptop's system Information page where it is displaying 16 GB, not 8. I'm not sure where the other 8 GB are coming from and based on your earlier response and the pic, there appears to be only one card, but per the system info, it's already at 16 GB.

Here are the results copied and pasted from the command:

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.22631.4602]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Windows\System32>wmic memphysical getmaxcapacityEx
'PWhere' expression for the alias undefined.

C:\Windows\System32>wmic memphysical get maxcapacityEx
MaxCapacityEx
67108864

67108864/1,048,576 = 64

System Info Per Windows on LaptopPic from HPParts

[Paul_Tikkanen]

There is probably 2 x 8 GB of memory installed, or the parts list would have provided the part number for a 16 GB memory chip.

Windows is reporting that the notebook can support up to 2 x 32 GB of memory.

That's probably overkill but if 16 GB of memory is not doing it for you, then you may want to install 2 x 16 GB of memory.

[thatwdbme]

Thanks again. I want to operate DJ and production software off this laptop and I thought more RAM couldn't hurt from a functionality standpoint. But you can do 2 cards in this laptop? I thought only one based on your previous reply.

Any idea on why the actual RAM per the system isn't matching what the specs per this spite say it there?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

My reply stated the PC has two memory slots when it has an Intel Core processor, which the Intel® Core™ i5-1135G7 processor is.

You'd have to look up the specs for the product number of your 250 G8 notebook and see what it indicates for the memory.

The fact that the parts list only shows a part number for an 8 GB memory chip doesn't necessarily mean that the notebook only came with 8 GB of memory.

[thatwdbme]

Understood. As I reviewed the specs page again, it's actually clear on two: Memory Slots - 2 SODIMM

To be sure I'm clear, there is no way to switch to 3.0 USB ports on this laptop? I don't see anything about the ports in the specs, but I know the USB slots do not have the light blue color I normally see in the 3.0 ports, so I assume they're at least 2.0.

I appreciate the assistance!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Your PC does come with USB 3 ports--actually it has USB 3.2 ports.

See the USB port specs in chapter 1 and the location of the USB ports in chapter 2 of the service manual.

I thought you wanted to upgrade those to something faster like USB 4.0.

USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A (2) (right side)

It also has a USB-C 3.2 port on the left side.

I don't believe they have those blue inside tabs anymore.

That was for older PC's so you could tell the difference.