How to Upgrade the Memory (RAM) in Your HP PC

Upgrading the random-access memory (RAM) in your HP computer can significantly enhance system performance. Before you purchase additional memory, make sure that you know the type of memory used by your computer, the maximum amount of memory for your computer, and the memory slot configuration. Here’s how to upgrade your RAM step by step:

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Find memory information on your computer

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1
View the specifications document for your computer. To find product specifications, browse the Product Information category on the support page for your computer model.
2
Find your serial number, product number, or product name. Visit the HP Customer Support Website, and enter your serial number, product number, or product name in the search bar and click “Submit” or use the automatic detection option.
- Click the link that matches your computer on the search results page.
- Navigate to 'Manuals' and select either 'Maintenance and Service Guide' or 'Hardware Reference Guide' for detailed memory specifications.
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3
Review specific memory information for your computer. 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.
- 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): It is recommended 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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Verify the amount of memory to install

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1
Restart your computer. You will need to restart your computer first to verify how much memory you currently have installed to determine how much can be added.
2
Open the Startup Menu. While the computer turns on, press the “esc” key repeatedly until the Startup Menu opens.
3
Open System Information. To open it, Press the F1 key.
4
Calculate your memory 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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Installing memory

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1
Go to the HP Customer Support page. 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.
2
Click the link on the search results page that matches your computer.
3
Click Manuals. After clicking manuals click either 'Maintenance and Service Guide' or 'Upgrading and Servicing Guide' to review specific memory installation procedures for your computer.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting installation issues

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1
If the computer does not start properly after replacing the memory, restart the memory module. If that doesn't work, try the following options:
- 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.
2
Revert to the original configuration. 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.

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Tips

Ensure the installed memory matches the specifications outlined in your computer's documentation.
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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.
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Warnings

In some computers, the memory is soldered to the system board and cannot be upgraded.
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Any damage caused during memory installation by unauthorized personnel may void the product warranty.
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