Add 2 GB of RAM to my Linux computer.

[hacktheworld]

Good morning everyone,
I would like to add 2 GB of RAM to my HP computer. The computer has 4 Slots (4 Banks of 1) of 2 GB each of which 6 GB are already installed.
The problem is that typing the name of my computer HP p6232it some sites give me a RAM 2 GB but it’s 1333 MHz, instead using lshw (hardware lister) tells me that the mounted RAM is 1066 MHz. I do not know much about hardware, for this reason I would like to have some good suggestions.

 

[Fanboi]

Okay, first, specs:

Hewlett-Packard Pavilion p6232it Specification - Pavilion p6232it Computer Specs

Specification for Hewlett-Packard Pavilion Computer, Computer specs reviews for Hewlett-Packard Pavilion p6232it with configuration information

www.computer-specifications.com

^ Says 8GB is the cap, so beware (I know your said +2GB, but just for the sake of others stumbling on this thread).

Second, 1333 is the DDR3 default spec. That's correct.
lshw is telling you what it's currently running/clocked at.

Important:

• Check the voltages
• Check the RAM SKUs and Google them to see the die used. I see you have Hynix. Don't mix with Samsung/Micron if you want to ensure stability.
• You should not mix RAM modules anyway. That said I do (not on my PC though), so I'll shut the f*** up. Buuut I never mix die (ie always ensure Micron + Micron, Hynix + Hynix, or Samsung + Samsung) and neither should you.

...So, you may be better off grabbing a cheap 2x4GB kit and just keep it dual channel.

Side-note: That memory seem pricey...

 

[Brickwizard]

HP offered this model with both 1066 and 1333 ram, the fact you have at least one stick of 1066 in the machine will make all compatible ram run at that speed [the lowest common denominator] so in your case it will not matter which you get, you could buy a lower speed still, but that will slow everything down lower, so look to get PC3-1066 or faster [but remember it will still only run at speed of the slowest ram stick,

 

[hacktheworld]

HP offered this model with both 1066 and 1333 ram, the fact you have at least one stick of 1066 in the machine will make all compatible ram run at that speed [the lowest common denominator] so in your case it will not matter which you get, you could buy a lower speed still, but that will slow everything down lower, so look to get PC3-1066 or faster [but remember it will still only run at speed of the slowest ram stick,

Is a stick of 1333 faster than 1066 ram? (sorry but I don't know much about it)

 

[Brickwizard]

YES BUT as you have at least 1 stick of 1066 then all the ram will run at that speed [the lowest common denominator]
for the minimal speed difference there is no point changing all the ram to 1333 it's not cost-effective on that machine

 

[MikeWalsh]

Don't forget, too, that it's not just ALL about the speed of the slowest stick. Important as that is, the chipset's memory interface bus will have just as much bearing on the matter.

I found this out when I maxed the HP desktop rig back in late 2020. 2x8 GB (16 GB) became 2x16 GB (32 GB).......but although it's a Crucial kit, rated at 2666 MHz, everything is still running at 2400 MHz; thus, my 'faster' 32GB is still running at the slower speed of the previous 16GB. This is the speed the chipset is configured to run at, apparently, and it ignores any attempt to lift that threshold.

Perchance this is user-adjustable in Windows, though I suspect not. Though most mobo manufacturers catering to the PC builder crowd will offer a ton of options in BIOS/UEFI, HP OEM BIOS/UEFI utilities tend to be rather minimalist, and somewhat "locked-down". You don't get much in the way of options..!

From Puppy's native PupSysInfo:-

Memory Module 1
 Data Width: 64 bits
 Size: 16384 MB
 Form Factor: DIMM
 Locator: ChannelA-DIMM0
 Type: <OUT OF SPEC>
 Type Detail: Synchronous
 Speed: 2666 MHz
 Manufacturer: Micron
 Serial Number: 2A1856EF
 Asset Tag:    
 Part Number: 16ATF2G64AZ-2G6J1
 Configured Clock Speed: 2400 MHz

Memory Module 2
 Data Width: 64 bits
 Size: 16384 MB
 Form Factor: DIMM
 Locator: ChannelB-DIMM0
 Type: <OUT OF SPEC>
 Type Detail: Synchronous
 Speed: 2666 MHz
 Manufacturer: Micron
 Serial Number: 2A185FEB
 Asset Tag:    
 Part Number: 16ATF2G64AZ-2G6J1
 Configured Clock Speed: 2400 MHz

Notice the difference between 'Speed' and 'Configured clock speed' for each stick. The second figure is the chipset interface......and HP provide no means to adjust it.

Inxi -m simply shows the configured speed. The only way you know the stick & chipset speeds don't match is by the '<OUT OF SPEC>' error:-

Memory:    Used/Total: 4267.1/32040.9MB
           Array-1 capacity: 32 GB devices: 2 EC: None
           Device-1: ChannelA-DIMM0 size: 16 GB speed: 2400 MHz type: <OUT OF SPEC>
           Device-2: ChannelB-DIMM0 size: 16 GB speed: 2400 MHz type: <OUT OF SPEC>

Just another pitfall to be aware of, that's all. I felt it ought to be brought up, since most debate around this point centres on the individual RAM stick speeds. Very rarely does the mobo chipset's memory interface ever get so much as a mention..!

(Plenty fast enough for our Pup, mind you. Using a 'mere' SATA3 Crucial MX500 SSD, operations are near as dammit instantaneous already on my setup; I see no point in trying to make her any quicker. She's more than fast enough for my simple needs.)


Mike.

 

[MikeWalsh]

@hacktheworld :-

Hm. That's Offtek's site, isn't it? They're definitely not the cheapest guys around. Admittedly, they sell good quality gear, but by Christ! they do know how to charge through the nose for it.

In all honesty, for a machine of that generation - DDR3 - I'd shop around on Amazon or eBay. You'll find RAM that'll work every bit as well, for a considerable saving on the price.

The only time I'll go to a well-known site with a decent rep is if I'm buying current-gen RAM. Till recently that would've been DDR4; now - of course! - that'll be the pricier DDR5. Which I'm not yet ready to move to ('cos it'll once again need new everything, y'know?)


Mike.

 

[hacktheworld]

YES BUT as you have at least 1 stick of 1066 then all the ram will run at that speed [the lowest common denominator]
for the minimal speed difference there is no point changing all the ram to 1333 it's not cost-effective on that machine

I have 3 slots from 1066 MHz and a free slot, so if I understand correctly, I can add a 1333 MHz stick in the free slot and my computer will work well (at the speed 1066 MHz). Is it correct?

 

[hacktheworld]

@hacktheworld :-

Hm. That's Offtek's site, isn't it? They're definitely not the cheapest guys around. Admittedly, they sell good quality gear, but by Christ! they do know how to charge through the nose for it.

In all honesty, for a machine of that generation - DDR3 - I'd shop around on Amazon or eBay. You'll find RAM that'll work every bit as well, for a considerable saving on the price.

The only time I'll go to a well-known site with a decent rep is if I'm buying current-gen RAM. Till recently that would've been DDR4; now - of course! - that'll be the pricier DDR5. Which I'm not yet ready to move to ('cos it'll once again need new everything, y'know?)


Mike.

Thank you very much,
I will go to look for the RAM on eBay, I do not go on Amazon because I have had some very negative experiences in the past.

 

[Brickwizard]

will work well (at the speed 1066 MHz). Is it correct?

all i can say is I have never had a problem , but 1066 may be a few cents cheaper [on e-bay in the UK its about 50% cheaper]

 

[hacktheworld]

all i can say is I have never had a problem , but 1066 may be a few cents cheaper [on e-bay in the UK its about 50% cheaper]

Thank you very much,
I live in Spain, I searched on ebay but I did not find the RAM suitable for my computer, I have typed both the name of my computer hp p6232it and the model of the RAM HMT125U6BFR8C-H9
Please could you send me the link of what you found on ebay?

 

[Brickwizard]

RAM HMT125U6BFR8C-H9

1066 Pc3 desktop ram
https://www.ebay.es/itm/14398332699...qfoSiUbRLz0AP2Gjtq7CA7nw==|tkp:Bk9SR5S4zJnwZA

1333v Pc3 ram

MODULO MEMORIA RAM DDR3 2 GB 2GB PC3 1333 DESKTOP Integral IN3T2GNZBIX 49 41 23 | eBay

Las mejores ofertas para MODULO MEMORIA RAM DDR3 2 GB 2GB PC3 1333 DESKTOP Integral IN3T2GNZBIX 49 41 23 están en eBay â Compara precios y caracterÃsticas de productos nuevos y usados â Muchos artÃculos con envÃo gratis!

www.ebay.es

 

[hacktheworld]

1066 Pc3 desktop ram
https://www.ebay.es/itm/143983326996?_skw=pc3+1066&itmmeta=01JE0SK3G43WJKA0M3C4KBWA7E&hash=item2186133714:g:zmQAAOSwefBgQRmM&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAAwHoV3kP08IDx+KZ9MfhVJKkuaop+Tfa7Zt7GLgYap7hhvVRfC5O39KBumhDoPCJdOmaFstFPOQI6/i0euJhROFbyG0Qx8mU6FtfbyXvLZUS1mHWXsJyROkpmhgjLpeCNfaduE5u5pPFW7gt1AxkHOX7aQ1n16lA5yZjfQXARHISJfN/Bn6kYXxwASWMhSxuLa1g/5A1Wve0DEAA8eAPEQhbo5y6p0C1T2gqs4QVIhdqfoSiUbRLz0AP2Gjtq7CA7nw==|tkp:Bk9SR5S4zJnwZA

1333v Pc3 ram

https://www.ebay.es/itm/11479404663...VYXk4+q/2qsJhqR0Au5pTOOw==|tkp:Bk9SR96O2JnwZA

Thank you very much, you are very kind,
but I prefer a new RAM (not used)
I have found on ebay this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/195336291126
Should be just right for my computer. What do you think about it? (shipping costs around 4 GBP) In total I would spend 20 euro , the equivalent of about 16 GBP
What do you think about it?

 

[Fanboi]

First Topic:

I have 3 slots from 1066 MHz and a free slot, so if I understand correctly, I can add a 1333 MHz stick in the free slot and my computer will work well (at the speed 1066 MHz). Is it correct?

Short answer: Yes, you can.
The speed of the RAM is the maximum "supported" speed, or rather what the vendor is saying is the speed that'll be safely run at. Thanks to XMP, you literally just enable the XMP profile for your RAM in the BIOS and your RAM will run at the maximum speed the module officially supports (of course it'll match with lowest performer if you're mixing)

Here's a list of default speeds list:

• DDR3-800 (PC3-6400)
• DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500)
• DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600)
• DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800)
• DDR3-1866 (PC3-14900)
• DDR3-2133 (PC3-17000)

These are all official defaults. I've seen DDR3 clocked up to 2400 for example. Anyway when a vendor says 1333, it does not mean it runs at 1333, it means it runs at a "maximum" speed (ie it's not their problem if you overclocked 1333 to 1600).

Second Topic

I will go to look for the RAM on eBay, I do not go on Amazon because I have had some very negative experiences in the past.

I'm not terribly familiar with eBay (ironically I turst Amazon more, but I prefer to buy local, www.wootware.com -- South Africa's best supplier!) Anyway I found this on a quick search on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/166026723849
Same price point (IDK what shipping's gonna cost) as what you're paying for that 1 stick in your OP. Benefits:

• A kit: same modules and die guaranteed.
• Crucial: Most stable because they're owned by Micron, and just personal experience.
• 1600 default (~50% improvement over your 1066) and at CL11 (~0.6ns which is 33% improvement over your current 0.9ns) -- though this is of least concern given the age of your rig.

I'm not saying specifically buy this kit, just showing you what's out there as a kit is usually a safer approach.

Finally, I suggest you run memtest86 (https://www.memtest86.com/download.htm). From personal experience, I bought a dodge G. Skill kit from a local eBay-alike store called BidorBuy (now BobShop) and I was just lucky it frozen after first boot as I didn't test it first. Had the bad blocks gone unnoticed, I may have missed the return window -- another reason I now only buy from Wootware -- so learn from my laziness/oversight and run memtest86 as soon as you've installed your new memory.

 

[Brickwizard]

Should be just right for my computer. What do you think about it?

that will do but remember it will only run at 1066 speed.

 

[hacktheworld]

First Topic:

Short answer: Yes, you can.
The speed of the RAM is the maximum "supported" speed, or rather what the vendor is saying is the speed that'll be safely run at. Thanks to XMP, you literally just enable the XMP profile for your RAM in the BIOS and your RAM will run at the maximum speed the module officially supports (of course it'll match with lowest performer if you're mixing)

Here's a list of default speeds list:

• DDR3-800 (PC3-6400)
• DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500)
• DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600)
• DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800)
• DDR3-1866 (PC3-14900)
• DDR3-2133 (PC3-17000)

These are all official defaults. I've seen DDR3 clocked up to 2400 for example. Anyway when a vendor says 1333, it does not mean it runs at 1333, it means it runs at a "maximum" speed (ie it's not their problem if you overclocked 1333 to 1600).

Second Topic


I'm not terribly familiar with eBay (ironically I turst Amazon more, but I prefer to buy local, www.wootware.com -- South Africa's best supplier!) Anyway I found this on a quick search on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/166026723849
Same price point (IDK what shipping's gonna cost) as what you're paying for that 1 stick in your OP. Benefits:

• A kit: same modules and die guaranteed.
• Crucial: Most stable because they're owned by Micron, and just personal experience.
• 1600 default (~50% improvement over your 1066) and at CL11 (~0.6ns which is 33% improvement over your current 0.9ns) -- though this is of least concern given the age of your rig.

I'm not saying specifically buy this kit, just showing you what's out there as a kit is usually a safer approach.

Finally, I suggest you run memtest86 (https://www.memtest86.com/download.htm). From personal experience, I bought a dodge G. Skill kit from a local eBay-alike store called BidorBuy (now BobShop) and I was just lucky it frozen after first boot as I didn't test it first. Had the bad blocks gone unnoticed, I may have missed the return window -- another reason I now only buy from Wootware -- so learn from my laziness/oversight and run memtest86 as soon as you've installed your new memory.

Thank you very much,
I hope that this one will be right for my computer:

2GB RAM Memory HP-Compaq Pavilion P6232it (DDR3-10600 - Non-ECC) Desktop Memory | eBay

Capacity :- 2GB Module. This success has been built on a number of core principles :-. A huge database of information allows us to provide upgrades for almost any computer. This focus has allowed us to build a knowledge base that is second to none.

www.ebay.com

What do you think about it?

 

[Fanboi]

Thank you very much, you are very kind,
but I prefer a new RAM (not used)
I have found on ebay this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/195336291126
Should be just right for my computer. What do you think about it? (shipping costs around 4 GBP) In total I would spend 20 euro , the equivalent of about 16 GBP
What do you think about it?

Well, it's the exact OEM part, so it should match you existing modules just fine.

EDIT: I notice there's a delay on the forum, I haven't been seeing your newer posts while typing out mine, so I missed the above question.

 

[hacktheworld]

Well, it's the exact OEM part, so it should match you existing modules just fine.

EDIT: I notice there's a delay on the forum, I haven't been seeing your newer posts while typing out mine, so I missed the above question.

Thank you very much!