RAM replacement

[NoviceUserN]

Hi, I am getting annoyed with my laptop getting slow sometimes. I have heard that you can solve this problem by replacing the laptop with the bigger RAM size. My laptop currently has 4Gig size RAM. I want to replace with the bigger size. But I don't know whether or not the laptop I have can support the bigger RAM size. Furthermore, if my laptop can support the bigger RAM size, I don't know what RAM card I could buy to replace the one my laptop has. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!

My laptop model:      HP laptop 14-fq0xxx

My laptop processor:     AMD Athlon Gold 3150U with Radeon Graphics 2.40 GHz

[Nal_NR · Accepted solution]

Hi @NoviceUserN,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I understand how frustrating it can be when your laptop slows down, especially when you're relying on it for work or daily tasks. Let's explore how upgrading your RAM can help, and I'll guide you through the process to make sure it’s compatible with your HP 14-fq0xxx laptop.

• Have you noticed any specific tasks or programs that cause the laptop to slow down, or is it random?
• Have you already checked how much of your current 4GB of RAM is being used (you can do this in Task Manager)?
• Do you know whether your laptop is currently running Windows 10 or 11, and if it’s a 32-bit or 64-bit version?

Let's try these steps. 

Check Your Laptop's RAM Upgrade Capacity:

• According to HP's specifications for the HP 14-fq0xxx series, this model supports up to 8GB of RAM. However, you should verify this by checking the HP Support page or manual for your specific model to confirm the maximum capacity.
• You may also check your motherboard’s specifications through a tool like CPU-Z to determine the maximum RAM size supported.

Choose the Right RAM Type:

• Your laptop uses DDR4 RAM, and based on the AMD Athlon Gold 3150U processor, it supports DDR4-2400 memory.
• You’ll want to replace your 4GB stick with an 8GB DDR4-2400 (PC4-19200) memory stick. Ensure it's SO-DIMM format, which is the size used in laptops.

Check for Available Slots:

• The HP 14-fq0xxx typically has 2 RAM slots. If your laptop only has one 4GB stick installed, you can replace that with an 8GB module. Alternatively, you can add another 4GB stick (if there's an available slot) to bring the total to 8GB, which would improve performance.
• To check how many slots are available, you can either open the back cover (if comfortable) or use a tool like CPU-Z to view memory slot details.

Ensure Compatibility:

• When purchasing your new RAM, make sure the speed (2400MHz) and type (DDR4 SO-DIMM) match the specifications. Brands like Crucial, Corsair, or Kingston offer reliable options.
• You can also check compatibility using tools like Crucial's Memory Finder to confirm that the specific RAM module you select will work with your laptop.

Install the RAM (if applicable):

• If you’re replacing the RAM yourself, turn off the laptop, disconnect it from power, and remove the battery if possible.
• Open the back panel (usually with a small screwdriver) to access the RAM slots.
• Gently remove the old 4GB stick and install the new 8GB stick by aligning it with the slot and pressing down until it clicks in place.
• Reassemble the laptop and power it on. You can confirm the new RAM size by checking Task Manager > Performance tab > Memory.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[NoviceUserN]

Thank you, Elohi_NR, for your support. You gave a lot of ideas to look into. Again, thank you so much.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @NoviceUserN,

I am glad to know that. Is there anything else I can help you with?

If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us.

Give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers and did reply to you!