Old HP laptop-What memory module to buy

HP m7 j020dx LapTop
Product number: E4S19UA#ABA
Purchased it in 2013

I believe according to the specs it has two memory module slots presently with 2 memory modules at 4 gigs each total 8 gigs.
I also believe it is expandable to 16 gigs which I would think is two modules at 8 gigs each.
I think the list below states the memory modules that can be used.\

I'm guessing here so I need a little bit of assistance please.
Does the chart (pic) show what memory modules of 8 gigs that can be used and if so how do I know what to purchase from this picture showing the list of memory modules.

It is running slow for the past couple of years. I have plenty of hard drive space available; about 600 gigs so that is not the slowdown.

I have a while back run some programs to rid it of unnecessary files etc but still runs slow and takes forever to boot up (almost 15 minutes) where the task manager finally shows below 80% on the disk usage.

Thanks for the help.

MEMORY
Attachment 15940

DDR3L 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) 1600MHz - From the second line in the picture.

Lots of memory is always good and may improve performance on a computer but there are other things that can slow one down esp one that's as old as yours is.

Have you run any benchmark programs to see if there any obvious weaknesses? How about just a good cleanup doing things like getting rid of old programs you no longer use or have processes in startup that aren't necessary?

First thing I'd look at is the list of startup items and see which one's you should/can do without.

CCleaner free version will do some cleaning up and also give you complete list of startup items. If you aren't sure about which ones to keep you can ask here.

https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/download

And it's always good to do regular malware testing to make sure there aren't things like adware or worse slowing down the computer. Malwarebytes would be a good place to start if you haven't done so recently.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Steve R Jones

DDR3L 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) 1600MHz - From the second line in the picture.

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This is what I found on Amazon. Is this the proper one for me to purchase? I just want to be sure.

Fink: Yes, I had considered something like CCleaner to run on my system and will do that along with Malwarebytes.

Any questions that I have about startup processes I will come back here with to doublecheck first so I don't in error deactivate something critical for my system's operating system.

Overall though, to start with since the memory modules are so cheap (must less expensive than I had thought they would be) I am going to purchase them once I get the verification that the Amazon link that I posted here is for the correct module kit. For $20 with tax even if it improves my performance by just 25% before I run the other programs it is worth it to me. I have the tool kit that I bought long ago that has all of the special tools for working on laptops, PCs phones etc so it should not be too difficult for me to install the memory. I also once long ago changed the internal fan in the laptop so I am somewhat comfortable working inside the laptop.

Thanks for your help Steve and Fink; much appreciated.

Yes.... Your link specs match the line of info mentioned.

Steve:

Thanks for confirming that I have the link to the correct item.

I'll order it now and install it when received.

In the meantime I will download and install CCleaner and Malwarebytes and see what happens.

Thanks for the help.

I'll check back in after all is done.

HP m7 j020dx LapTop
Product number: E4S19UA#ABA
Purchased it in 2013

UPDATE:
Physical RAM-I received the 2 modules of 8 gigs each to upgrade from original 2 modules of 4 gigs each. Installed them. System recognizes them.
System seems to run a bit faster now with the added RAM upgrade from 8 to 16 gigs (max allowed).

I also downloaded, installed and ran both CCleaner and Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes: only found one file issue. It was a PDF file I partially downloaded a while back so I deleted it.
CCleaner: Didn't' find much for me. Mainly startup processes of which there were about 3 I disabled because I rarely use them and if I need them in the future when I execute the program it will start those modules as needed.
Some others were driver updates which were not so important.
Also log in information for sites that I don't want to get rid of. Many I don't visit on a regular basis but would rather keep them so when I do visit them I don't have to try and remember usernames and passwords.

The system overall is running about 15 to 20% faster now. Which is fine for the $20 I invested in the new upgraded RAM modules.

So far so good with my original needs in this thread to this point - thanks so much for your help and suggestions.

Again my system:
HP m7 j020dx LapTop
Product number: E4S19UA#ABA
Purchased it in 2013

I have in this laptop the original HD Drive that came with the system.
1TBytes-about 480gigs used of the 1,000 gigs and don't plan on using much more than that.

My next step is possibly upgrading the HD Drive to a SSD. I realize I am limited on what is compatible with my system.
One list shows what I have (1T).
Other is list of compatible drives.
The 24mSATA is the only one that is compatible with my system but this was back in 2013 I would think as this list is from the manual.
Would there be a SSD that would now be compatible with my system that would give me much faster write/read speed of my drive? I believe I need a mSATA drive, but not sure if is so which one I could use.

What drive could I purchase as a SSD for this laptop that would give me at least my used space and then another 50 to 100 gigs if possible. I don't add programs to this laptop that often at all. A link to an Amazon listing would be helpful.

Thanks!!

Attachment 15941
Attachment 15942

It's a standard 2.5" SATA drive, not mSATA. There's no way a 2.5" HDD would fit in an mSATA slot.

Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QBJ2YMG...ding=UTF8&th=1

Thanks MidKnyte for the link.
Ordering it right now.
Can't wait to get it!!

Meantime this will be replacing the drive I have Windows on of course.
The system had Win 8 when I bought it and I upgraded it to Windows 10 Home

What is the best way for me to transfer Win to this new drive? I do have a recovery section on my drive now which I used once before when I rebuilt my system's software to clean it up.
I do have an external expansion drive that I use to back up my data to. I save all of my files in one single master folder and then sub folders under it. This way I only have to click and drag one folder to the expansion drive to back up my data.

I see there is a youtube video ---> How to Clone Your Boot Drive to SSD Without Having to Reinstall Windows or Any Other Programs but I don't know if this actually works or if this guy knows his stuff. I am a retired electrician and I have watched some youtube vids of people saying they know how to wire receptacles, breaker panels etc but just enough for them to be very dangerous.

When I opened my laptop to put in the memory I believe I saw another drive spot so I guess it has two drive slots.

I also have one of these that JDC2000 suggested I buy back in 2022 when one of our work computers crashed. I was able to retrieve the data from the crashed PCs hard drive with it. I was so happy.

So what method would be best to transfer my boot over to the new SSD?
Also, since I am replacing my HDD with an SDD I guess since my laptop has two drive slots I might as well make use of the HDD as a backup source if needed but not load programs on it so it does not slow my system down overall again.

I also have Acronis True Image 2020 if that helps.

Ideas??

Thanks so much as usual. You guys are great and have never let me down!! :)

P.S. I just wish they fixed the email notification of a thread reply so I don't have to remember to come back and check for replies.

You can clone the disk using Acronis.


https://www.google.com/search?q=usin...ive+on++laptop

https://care.acronis.com/s/article/5...language=en_US

I've done this with True Image and it worked perfectly.

I would still back up all important documents, passwords, emails and bookmarks first though as a precaution.

Macrium Reflect is another option:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...m-reflect.html

I used AOMEI Partition Assistant the last time I cloned my Drive.
My Asus Laptop I purchased only had a 256gb SSD, I upgraded it to a 1tb SSD.
AOMEI has stand alone Cloning, but I chose to get Partition Assistant because
on occasion I might want to change the Partition Size on my drives.
AOMEI Partition Assistant has Cloning Software incorporated.
https://www.aomeitech.com/clone-software/

I have used Acronis True Image in the past and I've also tried Macrium Reflect.
Both are good programs and work well, but I do prefer AOMEI.

I agree with Fink, Back up your Important Documents before attempting
to clone your drive, that way you won't lose them if for some reason your
drive doesn't clone properly!
Everything should work flawlessly, but you just never know, you could
be that 1 in a Billion!

My Last Laptop surprised me when I purchased it.
It was an Acer and when I opened it to upgrade the RAM and Hard Drive
I found it had a 500gb HDD (which I knew, it was in the specs), but it also had
an available MSATA SSD Slot (which was not in the Specs).
I ended up Adding a 256gb MSATA SSD putting only the OS - Windows 10 Pro
and 2007 Microsoft Office Professional on that drive.
I Formatted the 500gb HDD and setting it up as my Storage Drive,
all Documents, Pictures, Music, etc... were stored on this drive instead of
the SSD.

Yes, I was planning on backing up all of my files before the cloning.

Reading your replies I think I will attempt the clone with Acronis since I own the program and have a license for it. This will be my starting point. If something fails I will look at the other options given.

Thanks to all of you.
Appreciated!!

I hope your copy of Acronis will work with your OS.
That's why I looked around, my copy of Acronis was outdated and wouldn't work.
I can't remember how old it was, I'm thinking 4-5 years old.

Anyway, if it doesn't work (if you have a Western Digital Hard Drive) you can
Download a Copy of Acronis True Image for Western Digital.
Go to the Western Digital Website: Support> Software Downloads
It will scan you computer to make sure you are using a Western Digital Hard Drive
(The New Drive, Old Drive or Both)!
Not sure if any other Hard Drive Manufacturers do this or not (I assume they might).

The First Time I tried AOMEI, I downloaded the Free Version from their Websites.
I think I may have downloaded a free trial version of Macrium Reflect too (just to try it).
I ended up using AOMEI when I set up 3 Identical Acer Laptops, also used their Partition
Software at that time.

Just went to the Seagate Website and they too have Cloning Software Available.
Not sure what the Brand Name of the Software is (Acronis, AOMEI, Macrium, etc...)?
Support> Seagate Software Downloads> DiscWizard

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bugspop1

Just went to the Seagate Website and they too have Cloning Software Available.
Not sure what the Brand Name of the Software is (Acronis, AOMEI, Macrium, etc...)?
Support> Seagate Software Downloads> DiscWizard

---

"Seagate makes the DiscWizard software for its hard drive and SSD users, but the software itself is a version of Acronis's data management and backup software, such as Acronis True Image. As a Seagate customer, you can use this free software to clone drives, create backups, and securely erase data on Seagate and Maxtor drives."

I think the Seagate and WD versions of Acronis require at least one of their drives.

The free version of Macrium ended in 2024, but it still works fine. I've used it on Win11 systems with UEFI.

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/det...e_edition.html

Run reflect_setup_free_x64_###.exe
Click Next (optional: Uncheck Log)
Click Next (Welcome)
Choose "I accept...", and click Next
Choose "Personal Use"
Check "This software is being installed for personal...", and click Next (Non-commercial use)
Uncheck "Register this installation...", and click Next
Leave only "Install Desktop Shortcut" checked, and click Next
Click Install
Click Finish

You can also make a bootable drive or iso.

I've used Seagate Drives for years, but I never had to Clone a Drive.
I've used them in My Desktops and Laptops.
My Current Laptop had a 256gb Western Digital SSD in it when I purchased it.
I Upgraded to a 1tb Western Digital SSD only because I got a great deal locally!

Yes, you usually are required to own at least one of the Manufacturers Drives
in your computer if you're using their Software.
I have Downloaded from the Western Digital site and they will scan your
computer for one of their drives.
I can't remember if it's before you Download or if it's during the Cloning Procedure?

Pretty sure AOEMI still offers a Free Trial Version.
https://www.aomeitech.com/clone-software/
I ended up Purchasing a Lifetime License of their Partition Assistant cheaper
than what the Normal Version of AOEMI Cloner was selling for.
Cloner is incorporated into Partition Assistant.

Ok, so I upgraded the physical memory from 8 gigs to 16 gigs.
and
I installed the new SSD that midknyte suggested in post #8.

I backed up my files first by doing an image using Acronis True Image 2020 (just in case)

I made the USB - Rescue Media in case.

I then cloned my HDD to my new SSD using my Acronis True Image 2020 - EazyPeazy. I started it just before I went to bed. Finished by the time I woke up.

All I can say now is WOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW WOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!
Did I say WOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW YET?????!!!!!!

This laptop flies!! Now compared to what it was doing before. I did not change anything, no settings, did not stop any processes in startup nothing.

The memory upgrade gave me about 15% more speed but this SSD flies!!

I did a restart. It would normally take from clicking restart on the power to when the HDD would settle down enough for me to use the system because the HDD would hang on 90-100% for 20 - 30 minutes.
My new restart from click to when the SSD settled down is now 1 minute 40 seconds. Holy cr@p!!! Did I say WOOOOOWWWW!!!

Calling up a Open Office file using a shortcut would normally take about 1 min 15 seconds for it to come up. Now it jumps up in my face within 5 seconds.

It cost me about $20 for memory and $95 for the SSD with tax included and I have a brand new faster system now. Holy WOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!

Thank you so so so much!!

Glad everything went smoothly for you.
It is a simple process, but people are normally on edge the
first couple times you Clone a Drive.
Great Job!

I'd never timed my Current Laptop (Laptop Specs Below in Red).
Just decided to see how quick it Booted.
Took me 23.41 Seconds from pressing the Power Button - Opening Microsoft Edge and Coming here.
I'm sure if I had Opened a Microsoft Word Document instead of MS Edge, I would have added another
2-3 seconds to that time (just checked, 26.22 seconds).

My Old Acer Laptop only took about 38 seconds.
Acer Specs are/were:
Acer Aspire V5-573P-6896
Intel Core i5-4200U 1.60 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.60 GHz
4 GB DDR3L 1600 MHz - Add 8gb G.Skill DDR3L totaling 12gb
Added 256gb Crucial MSATA SDD (Operating System and 2007 MS Office Pro)
500 GB 5400 RPM HDD (Used as Storage Drive)
15.6 in Full HD widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit (1920 x 1080), 10-finger multi-touch support
Came with Windows 8, upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.

Consideration Recommendation
RAM Type DDR3 or DDR4 SODIMM (match existing specs)
Capacity 8GB or 16GB total (assess needs via Task Manager)
Brands Kingston, Corsair (ensure compatibility via configurator tools)
Key Tip Match speed/voltage; avoid mixing modules with different specs