One of the easiest ways to improve the performance of a computer is to increase the amount of RAM memory. Different computer models can support different amounts of RAM memory.
Use the table below to determine the amount of RAM memory that is supported on your HP notebook PC.
| Operating System | Amount of RAM memory supported |
|---|
| Windows XP | 1-2 GB |
| Windows 7 and Windows Vista 32-bit | 2-4 GB (Only about 3 GB will be used by the operating system) |
| Windows 7 and Windows Vista 64-bit | Any amount of RAM is supported by the operating system. |
Information you need for upgrading your RAM memory
This document provides instructions about how to find the information that you will need when you upgrade RAM memory in your HP notebook PC.
To upgrade the RAM memory, you need to know the following:
You can find information about RAM memory that is specific to your particular HP notebook PC model by reading the User Guide for the model, reading the Product Specification sheet for the model, or by opening the RAM memory access panel and looking at the RAM memory that is installed.
| NOTE: | The type, speed, and amount of RAM memory that is used in every model is different and cannot be mixed. |
How to locate the Model Number of an HP Notebook PC
To order replacement internal components, i.e. RAM memory, you must know the exact model number of the computer. The model number and serial number are printed on the outside of the shipping box that you received when you purchased the computer. On all HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario Vista-capable notebook PCs, the model number, and serial number, is printed on a serial tag label on the bottom of the computer.
Figure 1: Sample Model Number for HP Notebook PC
The series number of the computer may be imprinted on the case near the keyboard or on the frame around the display screen. This series number is a generalized identification of the computer and does NOT provide sufficient information for ordering replacement parts.
In the unlikely event that the service tag label was removed, do the following to locate the model number.
Click Start
, Help & Support
, and then System Information
.
On the System Information window, under Basic information, click Hewlett Packard (or Compaq)
to display the model number and the serial number.
For older computers, visit the HP web site for documents on locating the model number.
Locating your User Guide and Product Specification sheet
A copy of the User Guide is stored on the hard drive, and is also available for download from the HP web site.
Locating your User Guide on the hard drive
To locate your User Guide on the hard drive, follow the steps below.
Click Start
, then Help & Support
.
On the Help & Support home page, click User Guides
.
Locating your User Guide and Product Specification sheet on the HP web site
To locate your User Guide and Product Specification sheet on the HP web site, follow the steps below.
Open a browser and go to the hp.com home page.
On the HP home page, click Support & Troubleshooting
.
Type the model number of your computer in the for Product:
search field and then press enter
.
Select your model from the Product search results list.
On the product page, select Product information
.
On the Product information page, select Manuals
from either the list of documents, or from the list in the left column.
On the Product information page, select Product Specification
from the list of documents. In the Product Specification sheet, search for the Memory Max
topic.
Determining where your RAM memory is located
RAM memory is installed inside of the memory module compartment, which is located on the bottom of the computer on most HP notebook PCs. Some HP notebook PCs are designed with the memory module compartment under the keyboard. If the memory module compartment for your particular notebook PC is under the keyboard, HP recommends that you contact an HP-authorized support or repair facility for assistance in ordering and replacing the RAM memory.
Determining how much RAM memory is installed in your computer
Prior to upgrading RAM, you need to determine how much RAM memory you have to decide if it's helpful to upgrade your RAM memory. It may be that you have 2 GB of RAM installed and the capacity for your particular computer model is 4 GB—in which case, it may be advisable for you to upgrade your RAM memory. However, if you have 4 GB of RAM memory already installed and the capacity for your particular computer model is also 4 GB, it is not be helpful for you to upgrade your RAM memory.
You can upgrade the amount of RAM memory that is installed in your computer by adding a RAM memory module to the vacant
expansion memory module slot, if available, and/or by upgrading the existing memory module in the primary memory
module slot.
Determining how much RAM memory is installed in your computer while the computer is turned on
To determine how much RAM memory is installed in your computer while it is turned on, follow the steps below.
Click Start
, Help & Support
, and then System Information
.
Under Hardware, click Memory (RAM)
to display the Memory Configuration for the computer, including the number of modules and the size of each module.
Determining how much RAM memory is installed in your computer while the computer is turned off
To determine how much RAM memory is installed in your computer while it is turned off, follow the steps below.
Verify the computer is turned off, not simply in the hibernate mode.
Disconnect the A/C power adapter.
Turn the notebook over and place it on a firm surface.
Remove the battery.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the cover on the memory module compartment. (See the User's Guide for instructions on how to remove the RAM memory for the specific computer.)
With the cover removed, and before you touch the RAM memory, ground yourself to discharge any static electricity.
| NOTE: | To ground yourself, and discharge and 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 RAM 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 hold the edges to remove the RAM memory.
| NOTE: | Do not touch the gold connectors where the module is inserted into the holder. Touching the connectors can damage the existing RAM memory. |
Look on the RAM memory for stickers that display replacement part numbers and product information.
The product information on RAM memory may include: Size (256 MB or 512 MB or 1024 MB), Type (DDR or DDR2), Speed (333 Mhz or 533 Mhz), and PC2 class (4200 or 5300).
A manufacturer or supplier may provide additional information.
TIP: If there are two slots and two small (256 KB) modules, consider replacing them with two 1 GB modules. If there are two slots and only one 512 KB module, consider purchasing one additional 1 GB module.
Ordering replacement RAM memory
HP recommends purchasing RAM memory directly from HP, an authorized HP dealer, or from a reputable computer parts supplier.
| NOTE: | As stated earlier, before you can order internal replacement components, i.e. RAM memory, you must know the exact model number of the computer. |
Installing RAM memory
Notebooks are designed so that additional RAM memory can be added using a simple Phillips screwdriver. After reviewing the following steps, 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 RAM memory, any damage caused by the RAM memory and/or by a person trying to install or upgrade the RAM memory is excluded from coverage under the product warranty. The customer assumes all risk and liability for damages for any such installation or upgrade. |
Verify the computer is turned off, not simply in the hibernate mode.
Disconnect the A/C power adapter.
Turn the notebook over and place it on a firm surface.
Remove the battery.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the cover on the memory module compartment. (See the User's Guide for instructions on how to remove the RAM memory for the specific computer.)
With the cover removed, and before you touch the RAM memory, ground yourself to discharge any static electricity.
| NOTE: | To ground yourself, and discharge and 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. |
To release the RAM memory, use a small wooden tool, or fingernail, to spread the clips holding the ends of the RAM memory in place.
Remove the new RAM memory from the protective anti-static bag and hold the RAM memory by the ends.
Place the gold contacts into the connector (bracket) and gently, but firmly, press the RAM memory into place. The clips will click when the RAM memory is properly seated.
Replace the cover and tighten the restraining screw.
Replace the battery and A/C power.
Turn on the computer and allow it to reconfigure and recognize the additional RAM memory and improve performance.
If the computer does not start properly after replacing the RAM memory (the screen will remain black and the computer will turn itself off within a few seconds), disconnect the power, and then remove and reinsert the RAM memory.
If the computer still does not restart properly, remove the replacement RAM memory, reinstall the original RAM memory, and verify that the computer can operate in its original configuration.
