Ram speed after upgrade

[Sam3010]

Hi, I wish to upgrade my ram capacity from one stick of 16GB DDR5 5600MT/s CL46 to two sticks (add one of same/similar specifications). I've checked my laptop's capacity stating I can go up to 32GB on hp's official store, and even more (256GB) on AMD's driver website. I'm worried that after upgrading my Victus' motherboard defaults the speed back to 4800MT/s. This is due to the fact that I had the unpleasant experience of upgrading my old HP Pavilion laptop up to the max specifications supported by the CPU (i5-8250u), yet it defaulting back to DDR4 2133 MT/s. If upgrading isn't a issue, what would I need to take note when purchasing ram for it? Do I need to make sure it's single sided, single/dual rank? 

My specs:

HP Victus 15 fb-3721ax

AMD Ryzen 5 8465HS

NVIDIA RTX 4050

16GB DDR5 5600 MT/s CL46

512GB m.2 NVME Gen4x4 WD SN5000s

[zoey7886]

@Sam3010, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Upgrading RAM in HP Victus Laptop! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Upgrading your RAM can significantly enhance the performance of your HP Victus laptop, but there's always the concern whether the motherboard will default to lower speeds. Here are some key points to consider:

Compatibility: Ensure that the new RAM stick you purchase matches the existing one in your laptop. For example, if your current RAM is DDR5 5600MT/s CL46, the new RAM should ideally have the same specifications to maintain compatibility and performance.

Motherboard Limitations: The speed at which the RAM operates is determined by the motherboard's capabilities and the installed RAM's specifications. While your laptop might support high-capacity RAM, make sure that it can handle the desired speed (5600MT/s) without defaulting back to lower speeds.

BIOS Update: Sometimes, updating the BIOS to the latest version can help resolve speed capping issues. HP frequently releases BIOS updates to improve hardware compatibility and performance, so ensure that your BIOS is up to date.

Testing: After installing the new RAM, boot into your system’s BIOS to check the RAM speed. Modify settings if required to ensure your RAM runs at the intended speed. Some laptops require manual adjustment to achieve higher RAM speeds.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards, 

[Sam3010]

Hi, how do I check the motherboard's capability? There is no manual that came with the laptop, nor any documentation online regarding the specific product (fb-3000 series Victus 15), so I'm not sure.

[TzortzisG]

Hello Sam3010.

The manual for this system (series 15-fb3000) informs us that some of these laptops were factory-fitted with a single 16GB module (page 1), and that this module was N77399-005 only available in the PRC (page18). You can search for this part number online, although you won't find much. The HP Store page for the customizable 15z-fb300 also shows that HP will install a single 16GB module if requested. There is also the Datasheet for this series, informing us of maximum RAM (when going through authorized HP service and support) and dual-storage availability on select models (based on CPU):

As you've mentioned above, your AMD cpu will support up to 256GB of RAM with the speed of 5600. To be honest, we don't really know what these systems can actually take, when it comes to RAM. Kingston offers just the guaranteed compatible KCP 8GB and 16GB modules, but Crucial has gone beyond that and -after testing- offers 8GB, 16GB AND 32GB modules with assured compatibility. Another company, the Munich-based CompuRAM has a 2x48GB kit available and compatible with the older 15-fb2000 series, so that means it will also be compatible with your system. In fact, several of these laptops belonging to the previous (older) 15-fb2000 series can be seen sold online with 96GB:

Amazon1 

Amazon2 

Based on all the above, I'm positive that your system can be upgraded to 32GB or more, and you can just choose one of Crucial's tested and compatible 5600 modules from this page. Personally, I think that 64GB has become the entry-level RAM configuration for modern systems, so it doesn't make a lot of sense of going through the upgrade process for anything lower than that. But that's just my opinion.

One final thing. I had read your older thread about the Samsung RAM that wouldn't run at the proper system speed. Usually this problem is caused by XMP profiles, because HP laptops can't use them. However, Samsung modules use plain Jedec profiles, and also they tend to be very compatible with HP laptops (Samsung is actually very transparent when it comes its RAM and the chip organization/spec) which is why you will find some of these modules factory-fitted on many of these systems. So this is very strange. If you still have the Samsung RAM post the full part number, it would be interesting to see if something on the memory's specs explains the incompatibility. However, on some rare occasions a system will just not "like" the RAM installed, and the only thing you can do is try another one. Thankfully DDR5 systems seem to have a much wider range of compatibility with the modules.....

[Sam3010]

Hi, I've went to the Crucial site and tried to check for my model, I do see one model of Victus 15 Series fb-3000, however, when I use the detection tool, it cannot find a match within the system. If I were to follow crucial's memory compatible upgrades, it only has CL46 ram. Does that mean I cannot possibly get cl40 ram? I understand if my motherboard doesn't support that CAS latency, it would slow down to CL46. So would that be the case?

[TzortzisG]

Yes, the word Crucial (in blue) contained in my previous post is a direct link to Crucial's official upgrade page for the 15-fb3000 (your) system. CL46 is Jedec standard. We've seen at least one gaming system install CL40 5600 (gaming) RAM modules successfully: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Does-my-OMEN-17-3-quot-Gaming-...

The RAM this system got upgraded to was Kingston "KF556S40IBK2-64". I have to point out this was an Intel system.

When using RAM with aggressive timings, the system might not work at all (not boot), it might go to more secure timings like CL46, or it might work correctly and you will have a "snappier" system. There's risk involved, whereas with Crucial or the KCP Kingstons there is a guarantee, the choice is yours....

Take care!

[Sam3010]

One last question, I've searched around for Kingston's KCP ram and it seems that it isn't available in my region, is KVR ram a good enough substitute, I do understand that it's value ram.

[TzortzisG · Accepted solution]

Hi!

There's no limit to the questions you can ask. In theory the KVRs will have identical specs and, if going with that, theoretically they will be 100% compatible. However, as you said they're much cheaper, VFM or value RAM, and there have been some posts from time to time of HP laptops not working correctly with these chips installed. In other words, Kingston doesn't think these modules deserve a guaranteed compatibility ranking for your system. In most cases they will work, but again there's risk involved.

It's important to understand that when upgrading a system, there are several things that could go wrong. From the RAM not working correctly to....a short-circuit somewhere on the mobo completely bricking the laptop. Crucial and the KCPs will give you the "safety" of buying what they consider as a guaranteed to work module, however there are many other modules out there that will work correctly -but since I don't have your exact system you'll have to try them out yourself. And of course you'll have to keep your fingers crossed that nothing else goes wrong (usually doesn't though).

[Sam3010]

Noted, thanks much for the help.

[TzortzisG]

You're very welcome. Feel free to post back if you need more help...