Thread on RAM issue and BIOS crash

[VasilisGk]

Recently my laptop started shutting off, glitching or freezing. I found out that it stopped recognizing the second slot Ram, while a third-party app(CPU-Z) did . So I decided to upgrade, and bought this CT2K8G4SFRA32A Crucial 2*8gb kit which was recommended on their website for my computer. However, after installing the modules, Windows only recognizes one of the 2 sticks, while CPU-Z is capable of reading them both. I tried upgrading my Bios using HP software, just in case it would solve my problem but after finishing installing the bios the computer couldn't boot (error 0xc0000098), so I had to install windows again, but still the RAM issue persists. Any solutions?

Specs: HP  Pavilion 15-ec2000nv, Ryzen 5600H, mobo HP 88DD

[erico]

Have you run the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics utility to do a system test?

[VasilisGk]

Yes, everything checks out ok but it only tests 8gb (1 stick) of Ram, the second slot appears empty.

[TzortzisG]

Hello VasilisGk.

Do any of the original modules work in the second RAM slot?

[VasilisGk]

I don't have them anymore, sorry. Since the third-party app is able to read both sticks, I am led to believe that it's not a hardware issue. Am I wrong to come to this conclusion?

[TzortzisG]

No, your logic is sound. To be honest I was thinking the exact same thing. But if I understand correctly all your problems started when one of the original RAM modules stopped working on this slot. That means we have several RAM modules refusing to work there.

It might be interesting to see if a different OS changes anything.

[VasilisGk]

I take it that by different you mean linux or something other than Windows in general.

[TzortzisG]

Yes, that IS what I mean.

I have to be honest with you however. It seems to me that for some reason the slot "works" enough for the 3rd party software to see the module, but not enough to actually use the module as it should. This is the only thing that makes sense, and I have no idea what the mechanichs would be behind this. But to put it simply, we have the motherboard, then the BIOS and finally the OS. And of course the RAM modules. Any one of these things could be the problem -to me it's apparent that it's the first one....

After further research it's obvious that this specific model is prone to having this issue: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/BIOS-cannot-detect-RAM-on-2nd-...

[VasilisGk]

I feared as much. I have to admit I am extremely disappointed. Since it's a well-known issue you'd think that maybe it would have been tackled by now, although my knowledge on how is extremely limited. This is the third HP laptop I have bought and by the looks of it the last. Nevertheless, I am thankful for your assistance.

[TzortzisG]

You are very welcome my friend. I understand how you feel. The only thing you can do is max out your single working RAM slot until you're ready to move to another system.

Take care!