am I able to upgrade my laptop memory?

[hebroots]

I am confused about upgrading memory on this laptop I have.  The case is locked up tight and there is no ready access to battery, memory modules, etc. 

My product manual has this info under the description on memory: 

Memory Two SODIMM memory module slots, non-customer-accessible/non-upgradable
DDR4-1866 dual channel support
Supports up to 16-GB of system memory
Supports the following conƭgurations
● 16384-MB (8192-MB × 2)
● 12288-MB (8192-MB + 4096-MB)
● 8192-MB (8192-MB × 1 or 4096-MB × 2)
● 6144-MB (4096-MB + 2048-MB)
● 4096-MB (4096-MB × 1)

I have 2x4GB modules in there presently, and I think I can upgrade it with 2x8GB modules.  So I understand the bit about "non-customer accessible", the instructions look like more than I would like to tackle.  But the description also says "non-upgradable".  So I am wondering if that means what it says, or does it mean it is upgradable but not by the customer, and I would have to get it to a service center?

[iomare]

Hi,

The notebook will support max 16GB of DDR4 2400MHz RAM (2x8GB)

There are two slots and at the moment you have one 8GB module and one empty slot, so you could add another 8GB module in the empty slot. The RAM will run at 2133MHz. You can buy from your preferred brand.

Example:

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/HP-Compaq/pavilion-17-ar050wm#MEMORYFilters

RAM and Hard Drive upgrades and are an accepted practice and will not void the warranty as long as you do not break anything during the upgrade.

If you do not wish to do yourself, I would take it to your local computer technician for the upgrade.

You should also replace the 2.5" HDD with a 2.5" SSD which would give a great boost to the everyday performance of the notebook.

Hope it helps,

David

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Please click on accept as solution if answered your question

[Huffer]

You can in fact upgrade to 2 x 8 gigs. The laptop uses DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM modules which downclock to 1866 speed on this AMD system. Pages 25-31 of the Service Manual show the procedure for doing so:

Service Manual

Specs say your laptop has a single 8 gig module in it so not sure how you have determined it has 2 x 4. Your question is whether the upgrade CAN be done and it can but it is a bit of a technical task and if you do not feel comfortable disassembling the laptop you should take it to a professional. We are here to provide assistance if you wish. 

Post back with any other questions and please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[hebroots]

well, my confusion lives on many levels, depending on what info I run into and where it resides.  I was looking for a specific reference inside my computer as to how the memory chips are configured, ie 2x4 or 1x8.  sometimes specs vs installed can be different.  in other laptops I had it was easy to just open a smaller cover and take a look but not with this baby.  It is important to order the right stuff ahead of time.

I have changed memory before but with these instructions, dealing with all the screws, the battery, static electricity, etc etc it looks like a pain.  So I will try to locate a repair place that would keep the warranty intact.  Does HP have such a list of repair shops?

So is there a specific data set I can access in the computer as to what is installed?  Memory says 8GB but does not say how that is arranged.

Thanks for the help,

[Huffer]

If you don’t mind using the command line, WMI can do this and is native with Windows XP and newer.

Simply run wmic MEMORYCHIP get BankLabel,DeviceLocator,Capacity,Tag

>wmic MEMORYCHIP get BankLabel,DeviceLocator,Capacity,Tag
BankLabel  Capacity    DeviceLocator            Tag
BANK 0     2147483648  Bottom - Slot 1 (top)    Physical Memory 0
BANK 1     4294967296  Bottom - Slot 2 (under)  Physical Memory 1

[hebroots]

OK, I ran the command line and got this: (not sure how to copy the screen so I am typing this manually):

Channel A  4294967296  Bottom - Slot 1 (left)    Physical Memory 0

Channel B  4294967296  Bottom - Slot 2 (right)  Physical Memory 1

So that looks to me that I have memory chips 2x4GB, and not 1x8GB, or am I wrong? 

The website sells either a 1x8GB memory upgrade chip, or a set of 2x8GB chips, so it looks like to go from 8GB to 16GB, I would need the set of 2x8GB chips.

[Huffer]

• Yes that says 2 x4.

[hebroots]

Great, you have been very helpful.

To recap, I think it safe to say my laptop came with 2x4GB memory chips.  The next part of this has to do with the clockspeed, both what is installed and what I can upgrade to.  In another response I was told that my clockspeed is "down clocked" to 1866, as per specs AMD A10-9620P 2.50-GHz (turbo up to 3.40-GHz) quad core processor (1866-MHz FSB, 2.0-MB L2 cache, 15-W).

Seems like I was cheated, is that some AMD limitation? 

I looked into the HP supplied part numbers for my RAM, but still not clear what I have and what I can get.  I am looking at the HP stuff so I can better interpret what the "Crucial" supplier can do.

FYI, my serial number is 5CD8504VPT.

For the RAM chip, under "General Product Family" the HP site shows P/N 862397-855, 4GB, 2400 MHz, PC4-17000 1.2v SODIMM.

 Under "Advanced Unique," P/N L02854-671 SODIMM, 4GB, DDR4-2666 Micron E die.

So what means this? Is there an upgrade for my existing 4GB chip, namely from 1866 to 2666Mhz, or is that simply reflecting the difference of TurboBoost?

HP says nothing about an 8GB chip, so that brings me back to the Crucial items:

The Crucial 8GB chip, of which I would need two for 16GB max, seems to say that the speed starts at 2133 MHz, so that would be an upgrade from existing 1866 MHz??  but is that a problem otherwise like overheating, etc?  How does that impact the "turboboost"?

Sorry for all the questions but just want to make sure this will all work and that I would not be souping it up to the point of voiding the warranty.  Also want to avoid multiple repair trips.

I intend to go to a HP listed repair place, but I want to bring them these Crucial parts.

Thanks again for any help.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

The problem here is you are fighting the solution. The answers are all in the Service Manual. Take time to read it as it means what it says, sorry to say. 

Your laptop uses DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM memory. The system will "bridge" (a fancy word for downclock) that to 1866 speed. This is an inherent characteristic of the AMD A10 processor systems. It would be the same if you had another manufacturer's laptop with the same processor. 

You can buy whatever you want but in the USA anyway the HP Service Ceneters will not install "carry-in" parts. They will sell you HP parts at a significant markup. 

So to upgrade to 16 gigs you need 2 x 8 gig DDR4-2400. The Crucial would work fine. 

Good luck. You may question what you are being told. It's your privilege but the Experts handling your inquiry have some experience with this and would not steer you wrong. 

[hebroots]

OK, going to repair shop on Monday, they should be able to get non-HP specific parts like from Crucial