RAM upgrade?

[Bee-4_]

Hello,

Context: I am led to believe my HP Notebook 14-bs103na’ laptop has a built-in 4RAM, but I am advised is not enough to use Microsoft OneDrive without getting to 8RAM, as otherwise it grinds by notebook down too much when it continuously syns my back-up. I have therefore had to disable OneDrive, so having to back-up to a separate hardrive, which is clunky & risky.

Q1: can I replace the 4 with 8?

If so, Q2: can the notebook cope without created other issues?.

Thank you in advance for your expert input, Kind Regards, Brian

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Brian:

Your notebook has removable/upgradable memory.

The models with the  i5-8250U processors have two memory slots and can support 2 x 8 GB of DDR4-2400 MHz memory.

Below is the link to the service manual where you can find the memory upgrade info and the memory removal and replacement info.

HP 14 Laptop PC (Intel) HP 14g Laptop PC HP 14q Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide 

Unfortunately, memory is very expensive nowadays.

Timetec Premium 8GB DDR4 2400MHz (DDR4-2400) PC4-19200 (PC4-2400T) Non-ECC Unbuffered 1.2V CL17 1Rx8...

[Bee-4_]

Thank you so much Paul, Super-helpful.

Double checking my subsequent assumption:

1: Would your advice be to retain the 4GB card, then add the additional 8GM into the 2nd card slot, to drive it up to 12GB? (....which I hope will enable my notebook to cope with Microsoft OneDrive's auto backing up, which doesn't work at the moment as its grinds the speed down to an unworkable level).

2: How easy is it for a novice like me to add the 2nd card?

3: Given my notebook can cope with up to 16GB, will I see any negative user experience in moving this ageing notebook from 4 to 12 GB?

Thank you once again for your expert advice.

Kr, Brian

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, that is what I would do.

Ideally, you would want to remove the 4 GB chip and install 2 x 8 GB but at the current ridiculous memory prices, I'd probably just add the 8 GB chip in the empty slot.

Installing the memory in the empty slot is very easy.

It's removing the bottom cover that may present a challenge.

The procedure to remove the bottom cover and installing the memory can be found in chapter 6 of the service manual.

I couldn't find any YouTube videos for how to open up the notebook to install the memory.

You may also want to get an estimate from your local PC repair shop and ask them how much it would cost to install the memory.

They might even have some compatible 8GB memory chips laying around they could use that would cost you less money.

I am flabbergasted by the skyrocketing costs of memory.

In January, that very same 8 GB chip was around $13 USD.

I imagine that it is only going to get worse before it gets better.

[Bee-4_]

Great advice again Paul, Much-appreciated.

I agree that the cost of the RAM is off-putting to max-out at 2 x 8, therefore adding 1 extra 8GB card alongside the existing 4GB should step me forward, and hopefully lean my OneDrive backing up can be reenabled.

I am running Windows 11. Am I correct to assume that this RAM upgrade won't cause performance issues due to the rest of the notebook's infrastructure not being able to adjust or cope with the 12GB?

Once I have your reply to build further confidence, I will follow your advice & get an expert to fit it!.

Kr

Brian

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Brian.

Adding another 8 GB memory chip will only enhance the performance of your notebook when running W11.

Cheers,

Paul