Upgrading my RAM. Is this new one compatible with the old one?

[Frosty11]

This is the old 4gb stick which I intend to keep: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/dram/module/M471B5173EB0-YK0/

Datasheet (pg 4 has the timing and frequency info): https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/global.semi/file/resource/2017/11/DS_4GB_1.35V_DDR3_4Gb_E_die_UnbufferedSODIMM_Rev11.pdf

 

This is the 8gb stick I plan on adding: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/dram/module/M471B1G73QH0-YK0/

Datasheet(pg 4 has the timing and frequency info): https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/global.semi/file/resource/2017/11/135V_DDR3_4Gb_Qdie_UnbufferedSODIMM_Rev121.pdf

 

This is current RAM info from Speccy:

Spoiler

RAM
        Memory slots
            Total memory slots    1
            Used memory slots    1
            Free memory slots    0
        Memory
            Type    DDR3
            Size    4096 MBytes
            Channels #    Single
            DRAM Frequency    797.7 MHz
            CAS# Latency (CL)    11 clocks
            RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD)    11 clocks
            RAS# Precharge (tRP)    11 clocks
            Cycle Time (tRAS)    28 clocks
            Command Rate (CR)    1T
        Physical Memory
            Memory Usage    75 %
            Total Physical    3.92 GB
            Available Physical    986 MB
            Total Virtual    8.21 GB
            Available Virtual    2.99 GB
        SPD
            Number Of SPD Modules    1
                Slot #1
                    Type    DDR3
                    Size    4096 MBytes
                    Manufacturer    Samsung
                    Max Bandwidth    PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
                    Part Number    M471B5173EB0-YK0
                    Serial Number    325430780
                    Week/year    31 / 15
                        Timing table
                                Frequency    CAS# Latency    RAS# To CAS#    RAS# Precharge    tRAS    tRC    Voltage
                            JEDEC #1    381.0 MHz    5.0    5    5    14    19    1.350 V
                            JEDEC #2    457.1 MHz    6.0    6    6    16    22    1.350 V
                            JEDEC #3    533.3 MHz    7.0    7    7    19    26    1.350 V
                            JEDEC #4    609.5 MHz    8.0    8    8    22    30    1.350 V
                            JEDEC #5    685.7 MHz    9.0    9    9    24    33    1.350 V
                            JEDEC #6    761.9 MHz    10.0    10    10    27    37    1.350 V
                            JEDEC #7    800.0 MHz    11.0    11    11    28    39    1.350 V

 

I know it says 1 slot only. But I had a chat with HP Customer Service and they confirmed that the laptop has 2 slots. Also, the specs sheet shows 2 slots in total. All specs seem to match. But I thought I might as well have you guys take a look to confirm.

[APasz]

In theory it should work just fine. The sticks wont run in dual channel mode so having mismatched timings and all that isn't as much of an issue.

I must recommend getting a 16gb kit instead if possible.

[Frosty11]

18 minutes ago, APasz said:

In theory it should work just fine. The sticks wont run in dual channel mode so having mismatched timings and all that isn't as much of an issue.

I must recommend getting a 16gb kit instead if possible.

Ahh I see. I had always thought that all specs should be matched regardless of whether I am running single or dual channel. For now I think I will get the 8gb stick and maybe buy another (the same model) later on. If I do that then I should be running in dual channel right?

[APasz]

Should do.

[Frosty11]

Just now, APasz said:

Should do.

Cool. Thanks for the help!

[Frosty11]

42 minutes ago, APasz said:

Should do.

One more question. My laptop which has the Intel HD 520 GPU struggles quite a bit with 4k youtube playback. Now I know that Dual Channel improves the GPU performance in some cases. Could there possibly be an improvement in 4k playback? Also, in that case would it make sense to get a 4gb RAM and run in dual channel at 8gb total memory over getting a 8gb stick and running in single channel at 12gb total?

 

I am not sure whether its worth it, cos I will rarely be playing videos in 4k. And on the other hand I like to run multiple browers and programs simultaneously. Should capacity trump speed for me?

[APasz]

Dual channel will help with general GPU performance. Which'll likely have a positive effect on 4K playback. Can't say to what degree as that depends on the player.

 

I can't answer that for you.

I personally as someone who regularly has a couple dozen tabs open, the extra ram would be useful.

[Frosty11]

2 minutes ago, APasz said:

Dual channel will help with general GPU performance. Which'll likely have a positive effect on 4K playback. Can't say to what degree as that depends on the player.

 

I can't answer that for you.

I personally as someone who regularly has a couple dozen tabs open, the extra ram would be useful.

I like to browse with a dozen tabs open as well 

I will buy the 8gb RAM.