Upgrade RAM

[lbiasotto1]

I would like to upgrade from 12gb RAM  (2 slots with 8 +4) to 16gb (8+8)which I understand is the max.  I am looking at Crucial RAM by Micron. 

First question is can I simply replace the 4gb RAM with an 8gb RAM from Crucial or do I really need to replace both the 8gb and the 4gb currently installed with two new 8gb RAMs so the RAM is exactly the same in both slots?

Second question, Crucial has 2 models of 8gb RAM that they say is compatible with my notebook.  Crucial 8GB DDR4-2666 SODIMM or Crucial 8GB DDR4-2400 SODIMM.  Which one do I chose?

Lastly, if I can replace only the 4gb RAM, how will I know which is the 4gb RAM when taking it out?  Are they labeled?  

The specs for the RAM as installed when new are listed by HP as 8-GB (2133, 1.2-V, DDR4) and 4-GB (2133, 1.2-V, DDR4)

Thank you.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I would try removing the 4 GB memory chip and installing the 8 GB Crucial memory chip.  It usually works.

As far as the speed to buy...depends on the processor your CTO model comes with ...all 6th and most 7th gen core processors run the memory at 2133 MHZ.  The 7th gens that don't run the memory at 2133 Mhz, run the memory at 2400 MHz.

Most 8th gen processors run the memory at 2400 MHz.  There are a couple that run the memory at 2666 MHz.

So unless you have one of the couple 8th gen Intel core processors in there that run the memory at 2666 MHz, buy the 2400 MHz cchip.

[lbiasotto1]

Thank you very much.  I will buy the 2400 speed model and only replace the 4gb ram.  Do you know how I can identify which is the 8gb ram and which is the 4gb ram when I open the machine?  Is it labeled?  Thank you again.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes the capacity should be on the memory labels.

[lbiasotto1]

Thank you again for your prompt reply.  Greatly appreciated.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.