Hp desktop crashed few months ago so we replaced it with another hp. Major difference is one had Intel pentium and amd in replacement. Both OS win10.

Is it possible to put the 4gb memory stick into the replacement in order to increase memory to 8 gb? There is an open slot for that purpose.

If it doesn't work is there a chance it could mess up the replacement computer? It appears identical to the one that's already installed.

Most likely, no. Compare the chip ID tag between the two. If they don’t match, almost certain not to work. It won’t hurt the new machine, it just won’t increase your RAM.

There are lots of RAM types, capacities and speeds. Many of them look alike, but the details are important and not all that look alike are interchangeable. And sometimes even if the type and speed are supported, there can be rules about which sizes can go in which slots on the motherboard.

The manufacturer's support site should have manuals that document which types and speeds will work in the new PC, and, for the compatible types, what the rules are that the motherboard requires for which sizes can go in which slots.

Now from an IT person,me.

if it fits it'll work.

What FenderBender says is true - generally .
There are times where RAM may have compatibility issues but on a low end desktop - IF the type is correct you should be OK.
Don't physically force anything.
If it doesn't work you will know right away.

Expect to run into issues given the new AMD CPU's are picky about RAM. Most notably, AMD Ryzen chips prefer faster RAM to function at their potential. Personally, as cheap as RAM is right now (especially given its the Christmas buying season), I'd break open that machine, note the specific RAM stick in it, and purchase another 4gb stick just like it. You won't be out much coin and you'll be guaranteed it won't complicate your life.

Can you check the memory specification for each computer. There should be a PDF manual available for each. Look at how memory upgrades can be done. There it will tell your the specification of the memory it will need. If they're the same, your good to go.

quote:

Originally posted by RogB:
......OS win10.....

Is it possible to put the 4gb memory stick into the replacement in order to increase memory to 8 gb? There is an open slot for that purpose.

Win 10 with 4 GB sucks. 8 is a little better, but it depends on what you are doing --- might still suck. I like 16 as a minimum for general household use without any heavy lifting being done.

That said, memory in a desktop will be DDR3, DDR4, or be labeled somthing like PC-3200 or similar. all types have differing slots, and if it fits in the slot its a good bet.

see pic below...

It can be very confusing. One of my machines will only acccept memory in matched pairs.

Regardless of fit and type, if you’re running the 32-bit version of Win 10, it only supports 4GB. You need the 64-bit version to run more.

-Rob

Thanks guys. Turns out both sticks were DDR3 but the one from the old pc would not go down far enough in the slot. Same length but I was afraid to force it. Apparently the width was a bit greater.