hp/compaq nx8220 memory upgrade

Hi..I recently was given the above laptop which works perfectly and suits my needs.

I wanted to upgrade the laptop memory which originally had one 1GB module in the primary slot, and nothing in the secondary.

I purhased 2GB of DDR memory and installed according to the user manual with no problems. At the time I was running XP Pro, and have now updated to Windows 7. Everything still works very well, and I am very pleased.

Only problem is, neither XP Pro nor Windows 7 seem to report that I have 2GB of memory installed? only 1GB? was there something I had to change that wasn't mentioned in the manual, like a BIOS etting or something? I thought both Windows versions would automatically detect the upgrade

Sorry if I'm being dumb here, never done this to a laptop before! If you know the answer could you also tell me how please, it would be very much appreciated..thank you

HP/Compaq nx8220 (PY518ET)

 

Run CPU-z and check the memory tab. See if it detects the RAM on both slots. Also post what chipset you have as it can be a chipset limitation.

If it does detect both RAM modules installed, try updating your BIOS to the latest version.

 

thank you for the quick reply flipfire, I have downloaded and ran cpuz and it only reports one memory installed, I'll try and post some screenshots here if allowed:






If I need a BIOS update, how do I go about finding it and installing it, your help would be much appreciated.

I seem to have read in a review that the memory is upgradeable, but maybe I'm just doing something wrong..I really appreciate yours or any help

 

Yes it should be upgradable up to 2gb with your chipset.

Hmm are you sure you installed the ram module correctly? You should double check.

Also for Slot #1 does it show anything?

 

Slot 1 shows nothing at all?

I'm pretty sure I installed all the modules correctly..I pressed them down gently until they snapped into place, and am I right in thinking that they can only go one way round because of the way the slot is?

I will shutdown and check again later to be sure, but I have work to do right now so it'll have to wait for a bit!

This is a bit frustrating..the memory wasn'y expensive to buy, but I was hoping for a nice performance increase by installing it. I read that others who have done this were very pleased with the results.

The laptop is working just fine apart from this..especially with Win 7 installed, I like it! I just checked the HP website Support section and there is a BIOS upgrade, but it doesn't seem to have anything to do with memory..I could be wrong.

From your obvious experience, if I just installed the upgrade, is it likely to affect anything? like the way Win 7 works or my programs? don't want to lose anything preferably, but if I have to I guess I would

thank you again flipfire..your very helpful

 

They can only go in 1 direction because there is a notch on the stick.

Try swapping the modules around to see if it detects it.