Today, we're going to upgrade the memory of an HP Pavilion model TP01-1016.
We'll open up the case and replace the one 8 GB module that originally
came with the computer with a pair of 16 GB sticks of RAM, for a
total of 32 GB. We'll also confirm the memory size in the BIOS, and in Windows.
Before we open up the computer, I'm going to enter the BIOS and see what we
can configure for the memory. As the HP logo appears, I'll immediately hit the Esc key,
which displays this blue menu. In the top left corner, it already gives
us a clue as to what's installed: there's 8 GB of DDR4 memory,
running at 2666 MHz, in single channel mode. As you can see,
there's only one memory module installed in a two-slot system.
Let's hit the F10 key to enter the BIOS. I'm afraid there's not much more that
the BIOS can tell us. Though it shows us there's 8 GB
of memory, it doesn't expose the timing information, nor the ability
to tweak anything, at least on the main screen. If I
navigate to the other tabs, there's no further information about the
memory. Unfortunately, it looks like whatever memory we install,
we won't be able to configure anything about it.
When we enter Windows and look at the task manager, we can confirm we have
8 GB installed as one module out of two slots,
running at 2666 MHz. Let's close out of task manager,
and shut down the machine so we can install the memory.
I'll be using a pair of Teamgroup's T-Force Vulcan Z
DDR4 modules, each being 16 GB in size,
for a total of 32 GB. Notice that these are rated at 3200 MHz, which
I fully expect NOT to be able to reach, due to the
limitations of the BIOS. I suspect it'll drop the speeds down to
2666 MHz. For memory rated at CL16, the timings
aren't that great, but that's OK - they were cheap, and I'm
not using this computer as a gaming machine.
During the installation, I'll be using an ESD strap to prevent any static damage,
and a screwdriver with a T15 torx bit. If you don't have a torx bit,
you can use a flat head screwdriver instead. In a previous video,
I showed you how to disassemble the case to show you the upgradability
of all the components inside this HP Pavilion model.
In this video, I'll focus only on the steps necessary to install the memory.
If you'd like, you can visit the other video from the link I've placed in the
upper right-hand corner as well as in the description. The first
thing you'll want to do is take your torx or flathead screwdriver to remove
one screw in the back of the unit. The screw stays attached to the panel, so
you can leave it in place. You can then slide off the side panel. As
we pan up to a higher angle, you'll see the existing memory, which is partially
obstructed by a black cage and a silver tray.
To make it easier to install the memory, I'll remove the cage by unfastening this
screw. Next, I'll angle the cage and lift up to remove it. The next step is removing the silver
tray. To prepare, I'll remove the SATA power and data
cables from the DVD drive, and press the green lever to release the
drive through the front. Next, let's turn the case around and
remove the front face by lifting up on these three tabs.
Grab the bottom of the face and pull it away. You'll then need to remove this
screw, which allows you to lift the silver tray.
Bend this flexible metal bracket to free the spare SATA power connector and lift
up on the tray to remove. Let's switch to an overhead
view, where I'll slide on my ESD strap, and clip the other end to the metal part
of the case. You can see an M.2 NVMe SSD module that I
installed in a previously published video, to which I restored a factory
image of Windows after the installation. Feel free to
visit if you're interested - I'll place a link as a card in the upper
right-hand corner. However, for this video, we'll be focusing
on the memory, which is right here. As you can see, there's an
existing stick in the top slot. To remove it, you'll want to press down
on the white tabs on either side of the memory until it pops out.
This happens to be a Samsung 8 GB module rated at 2666 MHz.
Let's grab one of our new sticks of 16 GB memory and take note of the
notch on the module - to the notch on one of the memory slots.
You'll want to align them together, make sure it's in the slot, and then
press down on either side of the module until you hear an oddly satisfying click.
Afterwards, you can verify the tabs are indeed in their upright positions.
Let's take the other module and do the same thing. Before I do that, let me open
up the tabs first. Let's align the notches, make sure it's in the slot, press down on either
side until you hear those clicks again... and verify the tabs are locked in place.
Reassembling the case is now just a matter of reversing the steps.
Remount the silver tray, fasten the screw, replace the front cover with another
oddly satisfying click, insert the DVD drive until you
hear - you guessed it. Spin the case around, where we'll angle
in the cage, fasten the screw, reconnect the SATA power and data to the DVD writer,
and secure the spare SATA connector in the silver tray's bracket. Finally, slide
the side panel back on and screw it back together.
With that, let's turn on the computer and launch the BIOS again.
On the initial screen, we see the 32 GB of ram detected.
But it's worse than we thought - they're running at 2400 MHz,
which is oddly unsatisfying. That means we won't be able to achieve the
potential of the extra 800 MHz - so keep that in mind when you purchase
your RAM. Again, the BIOS doesn't tell us much other than
the fact that it detects 32 GB, and in Windows, we can indeed see 32
GB populated in two slots, running at 2400 MHz.
I hope you enjoyed! - Thanks for watching.