RAM upgrade compatibility

[Jaydeep1]

Hi,

I have a HP14q-cs0006TU (core i3-7th Gen) laptop with 4GB RAM, but since it is slower than expected even for normal usage, I want to uprade the RAM.

The service manual has the below details:
Two memory module slots (7th and 8th generation Intel Core processors)
Memory is non-customer accessible/non-upgradeable     -- Does this mean memory cannot be upgraded ?
DDR4-2400 dual channel support (8th generation Intel processors)
DDR4-2133 dual channel support (7th generation Intel processors)
Supports up to 16 GB of system RAM in the following configurations:
16384 MB (8192 MB×2)
12288 MB (8192 MB×1 + 4096 MB×1)
8192 MB (8192 MB×1)
4096 MB (4096 MB×1)

And in the components diagram it shows 2 memory sticks described as below:
Memory modules (2400 MHz DDR4)
8 GB (spare part no: 862398-855)
4 GB (spare part no: 862397-859)

Since my laptop currently has only 4 GB RAM installed, I believe the other slot of 8GB is spare for RAM upgrade.

My question:
1) Can I install another 4 GB RAM in the 8GB Slot ? (on the HP shopping site I found 4GB DDR4-2400 DIMM, but 2133Mhz is not there)

Or do I need to mandatorily install only 8 GB (which will make it 8+4=12GB) ?

2) Can you please suggest a cheaper RAM that will be compatible with the existing 4GB RAM which I could install ?

Thanks & Regards
Jaydeep

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The statement 'Memory is non-customer accessible/non-upgradeable,' means that memory upgrades are supposed to be performed by an authorized service center.

If you look at the memory removal and replacement procedure in a following chapter in the manual, and you feel that you can do the job yourself without breaking anything in the process, feel free to do so.

You can install 2 x 8 GB of memory,

Buy a memory module from a well known supplier (crucial, kingston, etc).

Unless you plan on soon upgrading the memory to 2 x 8 GB, I suggest you just add another 4 GB module.

4 + 4 will run better than 8 + 4 because 8 + 4 only runs the memory in SDR mode since the capacity is mismatched.

4 + 4 will run in DDR mode, so while it will be less memory capacity, it will run more efficiently.

[Huffer]

You are authorized to open the back to upgrade memory or storage but working on recent model laptops is not the shadetree mechanic thing it once was. You have to be careful as things are tight in there and it takes removing lots of screws and working around some pretty delicate structures in there. Having said that as long as you feel comfortable with a screwdriver and following diagrams you will be fine. 

The laptop can actualy take up to 32 gigs of RAM which is unofficial but so well proven now its a certain thing. Very few users need 32 gigs and right now I would say 16 gigs is the price/performance sweet spot. Even 8 gigs is going to be much better than 4. So if funds are tight just get another 4 gig module and have 8 in total. Both 7th and 8th gen versions of the laptop use DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM modules but the 7th gen versions clock it down to 2133 mhz operating speed. 

Your second slot is empty right now and you can popluate it with an 8 gig or 4 gig module or you could even install a 16 gig module and have 20 gigs total. 

Memory is one thing you do not want to buy based purely on price. Buy a good name brand or standard OEM module like Crucial, Micron, Samsung, SK Hynix. Kingston.

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Single-PC4-19200-SODIMM-260-Pin/dp/B019FRDKWI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=4gb...

The memory above will work fine for you and for $25 its hard to complain. Post back with any more questions. I did not post the Service manual as you say you have it but if you need a tech video or other help let us know. If this is the info you needed please accept as solution. 

[Jaydeep1]

Thank You Paul.

As you explained, I will go ahead with the 4GB for now. I am hopeful that I will be able to replace it without breaking anything 🙂

Best Regards

Jaydeep 

[Jaydeep1]

Thank You Huffer.

Looking at the one you suggested, I found the below 2 on Amazon India site..

https://www.amazon.in/Crucial-CT4G4SFS8213-2133MHz-260-Pin-Laptop/dp/B015HQ9SI6
&
https://www.amazon.in/Crucial-DDR4-Laptop-Memory-2400MHZ/dp/B01N79H5HV/

Both are almost similar priced, but slightly different in configuration. Would you be able to confirm which one would fit best please?

Also, if you can point me to any DIY RAM upgrade video for this model , it would help a lot (and also boost my confidence) .. 🙂

Best Regards

Jaydeep

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Jaydeep.

[Huffer]

You want the DDR4-2400 not 2133. When I get to my computer where I have it bookmarked I will send you a link to the HP Service video.

[Jaydeep1]

Thank you Huffer. 

That will be great.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

This is the 14-ck model but basically the same. You may need to enable flash player to allow the video and you may need to watch 2 or 3 videos to get the full procedure:

https://h20574.www2.hp.com/results.htm?SID=1009924215&MEID=48239DB7-027D-4470-AA3A-E9616D8D4C88

Please accept as solution if this is the info you needed.