Upgrading RAM to 32 GB

[DrOldSkull]

Product: ProBook 450 G5

I need 32 GB of RAM - instead of the current 16 GB.

I've updated the BIOS to the latest version of Q85 Ver.01.14.01 10/19/2020

When I change the ROM modules (2x8 GB to 2x16 GB) - I get the working machine with 32 GB of memory.

But! As soon as I restart the PC, it begins to beep me error:

- first 2 long + 2 short (2.2) - once

- then repeatedly 3.2 that means "The embedded controller times out waiting for BIOS to return from memory initialization"

When I restore the old modules - PC works good.

My question: how to keep the PC working with the 32 GB of RAM?

Thanks!

[erico]

Which specific  brand and model of modules did you purchase and install? 

Were they guaranteed to be compatible with your ProBook 450 G5 notebook?

I would have installed the guaranteed compatible modules. Crucial Memory sells them for your notebook.

https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/hp---compaq/probook-450-g5

[DrOldSkull]

Hi Erico,

Thanks for the answer!

I'm not sure there are many compatibility specifics in such kind of modules. Mine modules are HYPERX HX426S15IB2K2/32. Simply put, they it's 32GB DDR4 2666 CL 15 260-pin SODIMM Kit. Nothing outstanding of course 🙂 And CL 15 instead of CL 19 seems not worse.

The list of Crucial modules you've pointed is much the same.

There is no problem of refunding and buying the recommended modules. The only thing that bothers me: I cannot imagine why it's going to be OK. Not a minimal hint. So, I may discover the same beeping with the Crucials.

[DrOldSkull · Accepted solution]

Hi Erico,

One new note. I've set asymmetrical RAM: 8 GB + 16 GB. This conf starts (and restarts) absolutely seamless. Since my practical task was to get 24 GB of RAM and enable my PC to build a huge project - I started the build immediately and viola! - it's successful. The task used to hang on the permutation compiling, now it passes them.

I'm uneasy about 2 different modules in my PC, of course. But the tests show the 24 GB RAM has identical parameters to the original 16 GB one.  Ab. 4.4 GB/s of transfer speed, for example.

This said, I could close the ticket. But my last question is: may this new input help us to assume the way of configuring y PC to the whole 32 GB? May it be some settings in the BIOS or whatever?

[erico]

Unfortunately that answer to that is no.

As I initially suggested and recommended to you, the best practice is to install guaranteed compatible memory modules from a well known memory manufacturer.

Installing memory by matching specifications can easily have the results that you experienced.

It is a matter of how much you want the upgrade to work as expected the first time without any unexpected frustrations.

Good luck on your memory module configuration. If you are happy with it and it works, that is all that matters.