RAM slot issue

[Mazzinger]

Hello! I want to upgrade the RAM and bought a pack from crucial (16Gbx2  DDR4 3200Mhz). It only recognises the memory in one of the slots, and the other doesn’t. The laptop came with a Samsung (4Gb) and a Kingston (8Gb). One slot recognises all the Crucial (32Gb), the Kingston (8Gb) and the Samsung (4Gb), but the other only recognises the Samsung (4Gb). Do you know if it is because it only supports 4Gb in that slot? Or maybe the frequency? Is it a manufacturer issue? I believe the base board admits 32Gb (16Gbx2), but I search for the manual and couldn’t find it. Thank you in advance!

[Garp_senchau]

@Mazzinger, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Hey there! 🖐️ I see you're on a quest to unlock the full power of your laptop's RAM. Let’s get that memory working as smooth as butter. I’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and make sure everything's running like a well-oiled machine. 🚀

Check RAM Slot Compatibility:

• Check the motherboard specs: While you mentioned you couldn't find the manual, the first thing to verify is if the motherboard supports 32GB of RAM in total (2x16GB sticks) and if both RAM slots can handle the same capacity. If the board supports 16GB per slot (total 32GB), then it's likely not an issue with the slot itself, but there might be some limitation with compatibility.
• Check for slot damage: Inspect the RAM slot that isn't working properly. Look for bent pins or dirt that might be preventing the RAM from seating properly.

Memory Stick Seating:

• Re-seat the RAM: Sometimes, the RAM just isn't seated properly. Try removing both RAM sticks and carefully reseat them. Ensure both RAM sticks are securely and evenly seated in their respective slots.
• Test each RAM stick in both slots: Remove all RAM and test the new Crucial RAM in each slot individually to confirm whether the issue is with the slot itself or the RAM module.

Check for Compatibility Issues:

• Different manufacturers and sizes: You mentioned the original RAM is a mix of Samsung (4GB) and Kingston (8GB). Mixing RAM modules with different sizes and speeds can sometimes cause issues. The best approach would be to have matching RAM sticks, especially if they are different brands. Try removing the older RAM and only using the Crucial RAM (2x16GB).
• RAM Specifications: Ensure that the Crucial RAM you purchased (16GBx2 DDR4 3200MHz) matches the specifications your motherboard supports. While most DDR4 memory is backward compatible, if your system supports only 2666MHz or lower, you could be facing issues due to the speed mismatch.

BIOS Settings & Updates:

• BIOS Update: Sometimes, a BIOS update is needed to support new memory modules, especially if they are larger in size or have different timings than the ones that originally came with the laptop. Check the laptop manufacturer’s website for any available BIOS updates.
• Reset BIOS: If the RAM slots still aren't behaving as expected, try resetting the BIOS settings to default by either using the reset option in the BIOS or by removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes.

Check for Memory Limitations in BIOS:

• BIOS Memory Settings: Some laptops have memory settings in the BIOS that could be limiting the RAM. Make sure that the system isn't limiting memory size or that it's not set to single-channel memory mode instead of dual-channel.
• Dual-channel vs. Single-channel: Ensure that both slots are being utilized in dual-channel mode. This will improve overall memory performance, but if one slot is malfunctioning, it might force the system into single-channel mode.a

[Garp_senchau]

Testing Different RAM Configurations:

• Test with only one Crucial stick: If the laptop doesn’t recognize one of the Crucial modules when both are installed, try installing only one stick in the non-working slot. This helps determine if the issue is with the RAM stick or the slot.
• Test all combinations: Install combinations of the Crucial, Samsung, and Kingston RAM to see if certain configurations work and others don't. This will help pinpoint whether it's a problem with the Crucial RAM, the slots, or compatibility between the different brands.

Run Memory Diagnostics:

• Windows Memory Diagnostic: Run a memory diagnostic tool (such as Windows Memory Diagnostic) to check for memory errors. This can sometimes reveal issues with the installed memory.

Examine RAM Speed Settings:

• Adjust Frequency: If the motherboard supports lower speeds, try manually setting the memory speed in the BIOS to a lower value (e.g., 2666MHz or 2133MHz) and check if both sticks are recognized.
• XMP Profile: If you're using high-performance RAM (e.g., 3200MHz), ensure that the XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) is enabled in the BIOS, but if the laptop isn't detecting both sticks, it may be worth manually adjusting memory speed.

Consider Memory Slot or Board Issues:

• Faulty Slot: If only one of the slots works consistently (with various combinations of RAM), it’s possible that the slot is defective, or there may be an issue with the motherboard's memory controller. This could happen with wear over time or during manufacturing.

Test with a Different RAM Kit:

• If the Crucial RAM still doesn’t work in both slots, consider testing with another set of RAM sticks (maybe another kit of DDR4 3200MHz) to see if the problem persists. This would help rule out any potential compatibility issues with the Crucial RAM itself.

Alright, you've got this! 💪 Whether it’s re-seating, BIOS tinkering, or confirming that your laptop’s motherboard isn’t having a bad day 😅, I’m confident we’ll get those slots running perfectly

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 😇

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Regards,