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There are seven different models within the HP Envy 15-k series. The HP Envy lineup is represented with a total of 13 different models. The 15-k series includes models 15-k000 15-k099.

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Can I upgrade my RAM to two 16GB cards with the system information?

I’m looking to upgrade the RAM in my laptop. It currently has memory slot 1 with 8GB Samsung 1600 MHz and the manual says it can support up to 16GB by adding another 8GB SO-DIMM into slot 2.

However, I would like to know if my computer can handle two 16GB SO-DIMMs and if so, which ones are compatible. Thanks for your assistance.

Additional information:

  • Product #: G6U23UA
  • OS: Windows 10 Home 64-bit
  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4710HQ CPU @ 2.50GHz
  • System Memory: 8GB Samsung 1600MHz
  • system board: 2290 77.13
  • system Bios : F.06
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The 4710HQ can take 32GB of RAM per Intel, but it doesn’t mean it will work. The CPU and PCH are designed to support 32GB, but you need to make sure the hardware and firmware can handle it, especially the BIOS. Even if everything lines up firmware and CPU wise, the upgrade may not work due to design compromises or defects in certain board revisions where it was cheaper to cut back the RAM a bit, and the machine will either work or will not based on the board rev, or none will if the design flaw is never fixed. In those instances, it’s safer for the OEM to rate the system at 16GB *officially* and you end up with some machines that don’t take it, while others are capable of handling it with full stability. Be prepared to take it out and go to the HP validated maximum just in case. The issue isn't EXCEEDING the official max, it's the RISK of why it was rated at 16GB. DO NOT rely on it until you can load it up to use all 32GB for hours on end for 1-2 weeks, at least.

What I usually do when I want to max it out beyond the validated limit with the best chances are to update the BIOS to rule out firmware failures upfront, and then do it while testing the machine day to day, not in production. Even then due to the risk of failure, I won’t do it professionally to avoid the risk of having to undo the work and max it out to the OEM validation, but I’ll advise the owner to update the BIOS and see if it works out for them - it could work but it may also crash and burn. The issue is installing it puts me at risk, and I may need to front the cost of maxing it officially due to the liability I took on. If I just tell them it's a gamble and to max the BIOS out at the time then run it, then it was on them.

Don’t mix and match modules in an HP - get a matched module kit. HP machines are absolute snowflakes about mixed module installs where finding a pair that works is hard (especially SureStart notebooks, they are anal about RAM timing!). Get it wrong, and you end up going in with a matched set anyway; just match it from the beginning. The issue with mixing RAM is OEM memory is often lower grade than retail modules, so they tend to be a poor fit for it.

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Thanks, man! I definitely have a lot to consider now. I was trying to upgrade the RAM so i could run a few VMs without issue and bypass not getting a new computer to do it. But I do not want to put this one out of commission.

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It appears Crucial states the limit is 16 GB not 32 GB. So sadly you’ll need to stick with the second 8 GB SO-DIMM to max your system out at 16 GB.

HP ENVY 15-k167cl - Compatible Upgrades

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Alright, Thanks for your feedback. I was reading where it can come down to a lot of different variables but as long as the motherboard chipset can support the extra addressable memory needed then you can increase the amount of RAM over what the manual states. Would trying this cause any type of harm to the system?

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The 4710HQ is a 32GB max CPU according to the Intel ARK page - that said, I've always warned that while the CPU and PCH will do it, the BIOS may not work so you're taking a chance going beyond 16GB.

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The SO-DIMM socket may not be fully wired up as well so the higher address lines are not connected.

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Wouldn't it just not register the extra 16GB if it wasn't wired? You'd think it would boot with half memory, but depending on how the board was laid out, there's probably a good chance it would complain at POST.

What I would probably do is put 16GB in at first and then try the 32GB set once I have another machine I can reuse the RAM in if it doesn't work. Both possibilities are exactly why I warn people it's a buyer beware thing. If I had it floating around and the machine was dead, I'm taking the chance since it's a free gamble.

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Post only checks the SO-DIMM ID it doesn't check every memory cell. So the RAM will appear valid in the OS settings none the wiser the upper addresses are not wired. So once you hit the upper address Bang! Your system crashes!

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