HP PCs - Upgrading memory (RAM) (Windows)

Find memory information for your computer

To find memory upgrade information, see the specifications document for your computer.

To find product specifications, browse to the Product Information category on the support page for your computer model. Alternatively, you can search for your product specifications by searching HP Customer Support.

On the HP Customer Support page, enter your serial number, product number, or product name in the Search field and click Submit. Alternatively, you can click Or, let HP detect your product to have your computer information detected for you.

Note:
If you do not know your product number, see Find product and serial numbers for HP PCs, printers, and accessories for more information.
Click the link that matches your computer on the search results page.
Click Manuals, and then click either Maintenance and Service Guide or Hardware Reference Guide to review specific memory information for your computer. Make a note of these items when you are gathering memory information.
- Amount of memory installed: The amount of memory currently installed on your computer. See Verify the amount of memory to install.
- Maximum memory allowed: Subtract the amount of memory already installed from the maximum amount supported by the system to determine how much memory you need. You can also buy the maximum amount allowed and replace the currently installed memory. After you know the maximum for your system, check the maximum memory supported by the operating system to see how much memory your version of Windows supports. Use the lower of these two numbers as your maximum memory.
- Type of memory (including speed): HP recommends that you install the same type of memory (same size, same speed, same manufacturer) for each slot. For best performance, get the fastest memory that the system board supports.
Due to the variety of possible configurations, some system boards might not be able to properly configure memory if the array of dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) contains a DIMM that is not from the same manufacturer, has a different CAS latency value, or has a different density value (high and low used together). Make sure that all DIMMs meet the requirements of for the system board (the information listed in product specifications), have the same part number, are from the same manufacturer, and meet the basic memory requirements for your system board.

Note:
In some computers, the memory is soldered to the system board and cannot be upgraded.

Verify the amount of memory to install

Before upgrading memory, you need to verify how much memory you currently have installed to determine how much can be added. You can use the BIOS on your computer to find the exact memory configuration and how much additional memory can be installed.

Note:

Windows 11 has a minimum memory requirement of 4 GB. The maximum memory requirement is 128 GB for Windows 11 Home, 2 TB for Windows 11 Pro and Education, and 6 TB for Windows 11 Enterprise and Pro for Workstations. Windows 10 has a minimum memory requirement of 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit). The maximum memory requirement is 4 GB for 32-bit, 128 GB for the 64-bit version of Windows 10 Home, 2 TB for the 64-bit version of Windows 10 Pro or Education, and 6 TB for Windows 10 Enterprise or Pro for Workstations.

Restart the computer.
While the computer turns on, press the esc key repeatedly until the Startup Menu opens.
Press the f1 key to open System Information.
Make your memory calculations using the information in the Memory Size section.
- 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 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 system board. Usually, this is the maximum amount for each memory socket. For example, if the computer is capable of holding a maximum of 4096 MB (4 GB) of memory, and the system board has four memory slots, you can install 1 GB (or less) per slot.

Install memory in your computer

See the maintenance and service guide for your computer model for specific information on installing memory in your computer.

You can also view installation videos on the HP Support YouTube channel.

You can search for your Maintenance and Service Guide or Upgrading and Servicing Guide on HP Customer Support.

On the HP Customer Support page, enter your serial number, product number, or product name in the Search field and click Submit. Alternatively, you can click Or, let HP detect your product to have your computer information detected for you.
Click the link on the search results page that matches your computer.
Click Manuals, and the click either Maintenance and Service Guide or Upgrading and Servicing Guide to review specific memory installation procedures for your computer.

After reviewing the steps in the maintenance and service guide, if you are not confident in performing the installation yourself, contact an HP authorized distributor for technical assistance.

Note:

If someone other than HP installs or upgrades the memory, any damage caused by the memory or by a person trying to install or upgrade the memory is excluded from coverage under the product warranty. The customer assumes all risk and liability for damages for any such installation or upgrade.

Note:

You might determine that your computer is able to support a physical installation of 4 GB or more memory. However, this maximum memory might be limited by the operating system not being able to support the full range of physical memory. Windows 32-bit operating systems can support approximately 3.3 GB. This limitation is present on all 32-bit hardware and 32-bit operating systems and is not limited to Windows operating systems.

Troubleshooting memory installation issues

If the computer does not start properly after replacing the memory (the screen remains black and the computer turns itself off within a few seconds), or if there are memory errors (including beeps or blinking lights) after the computer starts, try the following options.

Reseat the new memory module.
Remove the memory module and use a can of compressed air to clean the groove in the memory module socket.
Check other cable connections inside the computer. Reconnect any cables that were disconnected or not securely connected.
Remove the new memory module and try starting the computer again. If the computer starts, make sure that you purchased the right type and compatible memory size. You can reference the memory module that originally came installed in the computer.
If possible, make sure that all memory modules in your configuration are from the same manufacturer and share the same model number.
If the computer still does not restart properly, remove the replacement memory, reinstall the original memory, and verify that the computer can operate in its original configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Review these frequently asked questions (FAQs) to find answers to common questions about memory modules.

What is a DIMM?

Dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) 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). Like 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 system board next to a 2 GB DIMM.

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 must meet the following requirements.

The number of pins on the DIMM must match the socket type.
DDR4 memory is not compatible with DDR3 memory. DDR4 DIMMs require a 288-pin slot and 1.2 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 DDR. Do not attempt to install DDR3 memory into a system board designed for DDR or DDR2. Doing so can permanently damage the system board and DIMM.
Only use DDR-type synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) if the computer came with DDR-SDRAM.

What is a SO-DIMM?

Small outline dual in-line memory modules (SO-DIMMs) are smaller and thinner than other DIMMs, and are used when there is less space in a chassis.

SO-DIMMs for HP computer must meet these 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.

What is dual-channel mode or triple-channel mode?

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

The following requirements must be met for DDR memory to function properly in multi-channel mode.

All DIMMs must be of the same density (256 MB, 512 MB, and so on).
All DIMMs must have the same DRAM chip technology (x8 or x16).
All either single-sided or dual-sided.
DDR4, DDR3, and DDR2 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 differentiate.
DDR3 memory can support three 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 differentiate.

How can I purchase additional memory?

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

You can buy computer memory from most local electronic stores or online shopping sites. Many online sites, such as https://www.crucial.com (for Europe and Americas), partner with HP to automatically suggest the correct type of memory based on the model of your computer. Before purchasing memory, make sure that you know how much memory you need and what type of memory is compatible with your computer.

HP PCs - Upgrading memory (RAM) (Windows)

Find memory information for your computer

Verify the amount of memory to install

Install memory in your computer

Troubleshooting memory installation issues

Frequently asked questions

What is a DIMM?

What is a SO-DIMM?

What is dual-channel mode or triple-channel mode?

How can I purchase additional memory?

Additional support options

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