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HP Notebook PCs - Upgrading Memory (RAM)

This document is for HP and Compaq notebook computers.

Upgrade the random-access memory (RAM) in an HP notebook computer to help improve system performance. To plan for the upgrade, determine what type of memory the computer has, the maximum amount of memory the computer can use, and the amount of memory your operating system can support.

Find the HP notebook product number

Before ordering new memory, obtain the notebook product number to look up documents and specifications for your specific model. This number is typically found on a label on the bottom of the notebook or on the box it shipped in. Go to How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number? for additional options.

note:
The general family name near the keyboard or on the frame around the display screen does not provide sufficient information for ordering replacement parts.

Notebook computer label with the product number highlighted

Find currently installed memory specifications (amount, type, maximum supported)

Consult your notebook specifications or Maintenance and Service Guide for installed memory information. Go to the HP product support homepage for your computer model, and then select the Product Information category for the specifications document, or select User Guides for the Maintenance and Service Guide. Or in the Search field at the top of this page, type your product number, a space, and either specifications or maintenance and service guide (Example: RQ877AS specifications).

In the Maintenance and Service Guide, consult the Memory section for memory module specifications, memory module spare part numbers, compatible processors and types of RAM, and the number of memory slots.

In the notebook specifications document consult the Memory section for the following information.

Amount of memory installed: Check the current amount of memory installed on your computer, and then go to the Verify how much memory you can add section in this document.
Maximum memory supported: Subtract the amount of memory already installed from the maximum amount supported by the system to determine how much memory to purchase. You can also buy the maximum amount allowed and replace the currently installed memory. Then go to the Confirm the maximum memory supported by your Windows version section in this document. Use the lower of these two numbers as your maximum memory.
Type of memory (including speed): HP recommends purchasing the same type of memory (same size, speed, and manufacturer) for each slot. For the best performance, purchase the fastest memory the motherboard supports.

caution:
Some motherboards are not able to configure memory modules with different manufacturers, or different CAS or density values. To ensure your memory is compatible, make sure all SO-DIMMs have the same part number.

Determine where notebook memory is located

The memory module compartment is located on the bottom of most HP and Compaq notebook computers. For some notebook models where the compartment is under the keyboard, HP recommends contacting an HP authorized support provider for assistance ordering and replacing the memory.

Read the Removal and replacement section in the Maintenance and Service Guide for your computer for detailed instructions on finding the memory compartment. The Maintenance and Service Guide is available in the Product Information category on the HP product support homepage for your computer model. Or in the Search field at the top of this page, type your product number, a space, and maintenance and service guide (Example: RQ877AS maintenance and service guide).

Verify how much memory you can add

Confirm the amount of installed memory to determine how much memory can be added, depending on whether the computer is turned on or off.

Verify memory amount while the computer is turned on

Check memory amounts while your computer is turned on using HP Support Assistant.

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant.
On the My devices tab, click My notebook.
On the Specifications tab, note the System memory that is currently installed.
To find the total amount of memory that can be added, subtract the amount of memory currently in the computer from the maximum amount of memory the computer can hold. To see the maximum memory the computer can hold, go to the Find currently installed memory specifications section in this document.
To find the amount of memory per slot, divide the maximum amount of memory that the computer can hold by the number of memory slots on the motherboard. Usually, this is the maximum amount for each memory socket. For example, if the computer can hold a maximum of 4096 MB (4 GB) of memory and the motherboard has four memory slots, install 1 GB (or less) per slot.

Verify memory amount while the computer is turned off

Open the memory module compartment to check memory amounts when the computer is not powered on.

Shut the computer down and disconnect the power cord.
Turn the notebook over and place it on a firm surface.
Remove the battery.
Locate the memory module compartment cover, and then use a Phillips screwdriver to open it.
Before touching the memory, ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. Place one hand on the case of the computer and touch the other hand to a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.
Look at the memory to determine the number of available memory module slots, and the number of slots that are already in use.
Release the side catches and grasp the outside edges of the memory to remove each module from the slot.

caution:
Do not touch the gold connectors that go into the holder. Touching the connectors can damage the existing memory.
Look on the memory module for stickers that have memory amount, replacement part numbers, and product information.
To find the total amount of memory that can be added, subtract the amount of memory currently in the computer from the maximum amount of memory the computer can hold. To see the maximum memory the computer can hold, go to the Find currently installed memory specifications section in this document.
To find the amount of memory per slot, divide the maximum amount of memory that the computer can hold by the number of memory slots on the motherboard. Usually, this is the maximum amount for each memory socket. For example, if the computer can hold a maximum of 4096 MB (4 GB) of memory and the motherboard has four memory slots, install 1 GB (or less) per slot.

Confirm the maximum memory supported by your Windows version

Determine the amount of memory supported by the Windows version installed on your HP notebook computer.

Maximum memory for Windows 10 versions

Windows 10 has a minimum memory requirement of 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit).

Windows 10 version	Maximum memory - 32 -bit (X86)	Maximum memory - 64-bit (X64)
Windows 10 Home	4 GB	128 GB
Windows 10 Education	4 GB	2 TB
Windows 10 Enterprise	4 GB	2 TB
Windows 8 Pro	4 GB	2 TB

Maximum memory for Windows 8 versions

Windows 8 has a minimum memory requirement of 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit).

Windows 8 version	Maximum memory - 32 -bit (X86)	Maximum memory - 64-bit (X64)
Windows 8	4 GB	128 GB
Windows 8 Enterprise	4 GB	512 GB
Windows 8 Professional	4 GB	512 GB

Maximum memory for Windows 7 versions

Windows 7 has a minimum memory requirement of 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit). The maximum amount of memory depends on the edition used:

Windows 7 version	Maximum addressable memory
Starter (32-bit or 64-bit)	2 GB
Any 32-bit version of 7 (except Starter)	4 GB (approximately 3.3 GB available for use)
Home Basic 64-bit	8 GB
Home Premium 64-bit	16 GB
Enterprise 64-bit	192 GB
Business 64-bit	192 GB
Ultimate 64-bit	192 GB

Install new memory

For most HP and Compaq notebooks, new memory is installed through the memory module compartment on the bottom of the computer. Review the following steps to confirm they work for your computer. For steps for your specific model, check your User Guide or enter your computer model number and replace memory in the search field at the top of this page (Example: RQ877AS replace memory).

note:
If you are not confident performing the installation yourself, contact an HP authorized service for assistance. If a person or service other than an authorized HP service upgrades the memory, any damage is excluded from coverage under the product warranty. The customer assumes all risk and liability for memory upgrade-related damages.

Shut the computer down and disconnect the power cord.
Turn the notebook over and place it on a firm surface.
Remove the battery.
Locate the memory module compartment cover, and then use a Phillips screwdriver to open it.
Before touching the memory, ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. Place one hand on the case of the computer and touch the other hand to a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.
If you need to remove existing memory before installing new memory, spread the clips holding the module outward to release it, and then grasp the module by the side edges to remove it.

caution:
To prevent memory module damage, do not touch the metal contacts.
Place any removed modules in an anti-static bag for protection.
Holding the new memory by the side edges, gently insert the memory module at an angle into the slot.
Gently but firmly press down on the module to seat it into place. The clips click when the memory is properly installed.
Reinstall the memory module compartment cover.
Reconnect the power cord.
Reinstall the notebook battery.
Turn on the notebook to complete the memory upgrade configuration.

Resolve problems after installing new memory

After adding the memory, if the computer does not start or Windows does not open, you hear beeps, or there are blinking lights near the Caps Lock or Num Lock keys, try the following steps:

Remove and reseat the new memory module.
Remove the new memory module and clean the groove in the socket that the module sits in. While wearing safety glasses, use a can of compressed air with a straw-type extender to clean out any dust or debris.
Remove the new memory module and try starting the computer again. If the computer starts, make sure you purchased the right type and compatible size of memory. For more information on purchasing the right type of memory, refer to the Find currently installed memory specifications and Verify how much memory can be added sections in this document. Use the original memory module for reference.
If possible, make sure all memory modules in your configuration are from the same manufacturer and have the same part number.
If the computer still does not restart, remove the replacement memory, reinstall the original memory, and then verify that the computer can operate in its original configuration.

Review memory module types and requirements for HP computers

Learn about memory modules and their requirements when used with HP computers.

SO-DIMM memory and requirements

Small outline dual in-line memory modules (SO-DIMMs) are used in notebook computers. They are smaller and thinner than other DIMMs, so are used when there is less space within a chassis. SO-DIMM modules for HP computers must meet the following requirements:

The number of pins on the SO-DIMM must match the socket type.
SO-DIMM memory requires a 200-pin slot.
DDR2 SO-DIMMs are not compatible with DDR1 DIMM and DDR2 DIMM memory modules.
DDR3 SO-DIMMs are not compatible with DDR1 or DDR2 and use a 204 pin slot.
With a computer running at a system bus of 533 MHz or 667 MHz, use a PC2-4200 (DDR2 DIMM 533) type.

DIMM memory and requirements

Dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), used in most desktop computers, are small circuit boards that can hold groups of memory chips. DIMMs provide a wider path with two rows of pins on a side, allowing for faster data transfer than single in-line memory modules (SIMMs). DIMMs might be manufactured single or double-sided. DIMMs do not have to be added in pairs and can be mixed with other DIMMs that have the same number of pins. For example, a 1 GB DIMM can be added to the motherboard next to a 2 GB DIMM.

note:
DIMMs can only operate as fast as the speed of the system bus. If two or more DIMMs of different speeds are installed, the total speed of all installed memory is as fast as the DIMM with the lowest speed.

DIMM modules for HP computers must meet the following requirements:

The number of pins on the DIMM must match the socket type.
DDR memory requires a 184-pin slot and 2.5 operating voltage.
DDR2 memory is not compatible with DDR1 memory and requires a 240-pin slot and 1.8 operating voltage.
DDR3 memory can operate about twice the bandwidth of DDR2.

DDR3 DIMMS are not compatible with DDR1 or DDR2 memory.

DDR3 DIMMS require a 240-pin slot and 1.5 operating voltage. A slot for DDR3 memory is keyed differently than DDR2 or DAR. Do not attempt to install DDR3 memory into a motherboard designed for DAR or DDR2. Doing so can permanently damage the motherboard and DIMM.
Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SCRAM): Only use DAR type SCRAM memory if the computer came with DDR-SDRAM.

RIMM memory and requirements

Rambus in-line memory modules (RIMMs) are 184-pin memory boards that permit transfer rates of 600-800 MHz. RIMMs used with the Intel Pentium® 4 processors run on a 400 MHz system bus, allowing data transfer rates of 3.2 GB a second. RIMM modules for HP computers must meet the following requirements:

HP computers require PC600 or PC800 RDR modules (184-pin Rambus dynamic Random access memory [RDRAM]).
Non-ECC (non error-correcting checking).
Rambus/Intel specification compliant.
All four RIMM sockets must be filled, either with a RIMM or with a continuity module called a Continuity RIMM (C-RIMM). C-RIMMs do not contain memory, but are placeholders to close the memory circuit.
RIMMs work in pairs, and they must be from the same vendor. RIMMs must also have the same memory size density within each channel.
When C-RIMMs fill empty sockets, they must be placed in the RIMM A2 and B2 sockets.
The RIMMs must be inserted in the RIMM A1 and B1 sockets.

SO-RIMM memory and requirements

Small outline Rambus in-line memory modules (SO-RIMMs) are 160-pin memory boards used in notebook computers. They are smaller than other RIMMs, so are used when there is less space within a chassis.

Memory with dual channel or triple channel mode

Certain memory modules can operate in multiple channel modes. The motherboard specifications for your computer contain dual channel mode information, if available and supported. Dual channel and triple channel memory mode provides increased performance over single channel mode.

note:
Motherboards with Intel i945G or i945P chipsets; with DDR2-667 memory modules using one Gigabit technology perform as DDR2-533 memory modules. If faster DDR2-667 memory modules are used, they must be 256 or 512 Megabit.

The following requirements must be met for the DDR memory to function in multiple channel mode:

All DIMMS must be of the same density (256 MB, 512 MB, etc.)
Same DRAM chip technology (x8 or x16).
All either single-sided or dual-sided.
DDR2 and DDR3 support Dual Channel mode. The same type of memory must be matched into the same matched slot for Channel A and Channel B. Usually the memory slots are color coded to make it easier to understand.
DDR3 memory can support 3 DIMMs in Triple Channel mode. The same memory size and type needs to be installed into the matched DIMM slots for channels A, B and C. Usually the memory slots are color coded to make it easier to understand.

Buy memory upgrades

HP recommends purchasing memory directly from HP, an authorized HP dealer, or from a reputable computer parts supplier such as Crucial.

Many computer parts suppliers partner with HP to suggest the correct memory for your computer model. Before purchasing memory, make sure you know how much memory you need and what type of memory is compatible with your computer.