HP 255 G10 Notebook PC upgrade guide

Updated Oct. 10, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

The HP 255 G10 (also called the HP 255 G10 Notebook PC) is a budget 15.6-inch laptop that can be worth upgrading — but what you can do depends entirely on which processor your unit shipped with. This guide covers memory, storage and the processor, plus what to buy and how to fit it safely.

At a glance

  • Check your CPU first: 7520U and 7320U models have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded.
  • 7730U, 7530U and 7330U models have two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots.
  • One M.2 NVMe slot only — you can replace the SSD, not add a second drive.
  • The CPU is soldered and cannot be upgraded in any version.
2x SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 (7730U/7530U/7330U models)2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 3200 MT/s
1x M.2 2280/2230 PCIe NVMe slotSSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe) · up to 1 TB
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB total1x M.2 2280/2230 PCIe NVMe slotSSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe) · up to 1 TB
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

No lifecycle information available.

RAM (memory)

Whether you can upgrade the memory at all comes down to the processor in your specific unit. Identify it first (Windows Settings > System > About, or the label on the box) before you buy anything.

On models with a Ryzen 7 7730U, Ryzen 5 7530U or Ryzen 3 7330U, you get two SO-DIMM slots running dual-channel DDR4-3200. Use standard DDR4-3200 SO-DIMMs (CL22, 1.2 V, non-ECC, unbuffered). If you mix speeds, everything runs at the slower stick's speed, so matched modules are the tidy choice. HP warns that some third-party modules may not work and recommends its own branded memory.

On models with a Ryzen 5 7520U or Ryzen 3 7320U, the memory is LPDDR5-5500 soldered to the board. There are no slots, and the RAM cannot be upgraded or replaced. These machines shipped with 4 GB or 8 GB and are fixed at that.

How much fits is genuinely disputed. Older HP documents say a 16 GB maximum, while newer HP quickspecs state 32 GB (2 x 16 GB). Crucial lists 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) as working, but HP does not confirm this. The practical advice: 2 x 8 GB is certain to work, 2 x 16 GB is the sensible sweet spot, and 2 x 32 GB is community-reported only and unverified by HP.

Buying tip: buy DDR4-3200 SO-DIMMs at 1.2 V and CL22. Faster modules simply run at 3200 MT/s, so don't pay extra for them.

Buying tips

  • Confirm your CPU is a 7730U, 7530U or 7330U before ordering memory.
  • 2 x 8 GB DDR4-3200 is the safe bet; 2 x 16 GB is the sweet spot.
  • Matched modules only — mixed speeds downclock the faster stick.

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Storage (SSD)

There is a single M.2 slot, accepting either an M.2 2280 (22 x 80 mm) or the shorter M.2 2230 form factor over NVMe/PCIe. The 128 GB configuration ships an M.2 2230 drive; larger configurations use 2280. No 2.5-inch bay is documented, and you can't add a second drive — the only storage upgrade is replacing the one M.2 SSD.

Stock drives are PCIe 3.0 x4-class, rated around 2300 MB/s read. A 1 TB Gen4x4 option (faster TLC drive) is offered only in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China configurations. Gen4 drives are backward compatible and will work in this machine, but they'll run at Gen3 speed, so only buy one if the price is similar to a Gen3 drive. Many units ship with QLC drives, which slow down on sustained writes, so a quality Gen3 TLC drive is a worthwhile upgrade even at the same capacity.

HP's configured maximum is 1 TB. Treat that as HP's supported figure rather than a hard technical limit. Also remember that '1 TB' formats to roughly 931 GiB, and around 30–35 GB is reserved for the recovery partition, so plan accordingly.

Buying tip: if you want to clone your existing drive rather than reinstall, pick up a USB-to-NVMe enclosure alongside the new SSD — there's only one internal slot, so you can't have both drives connected at once.

Buying tips

  • Any M.2 2280 NVMe SSD will fit; 2230 drives fit too but may need appropriate mounting.
  • A Gen3 TLC drive is the best-value upgrade; Gen4 works but adds no speed here.
  • Allow for 30–35 GB of recovery partition space on the new drive.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your data (or clone the drive if you're replacing the SSD).
  • Shut the laptop down completely and unplug the charger.
  • Ground yourself — touch a metal object or use an anti-static strap.
  • Open the case carefully. The exact screws and clips vary, so follow your model's owner's manual or service guide for disassembly.
  • Fit the part, close the case, reconnect power and boot.
  • Check that the BIOS/firmware recognises the new memory or drive before reinstalling or restoring your system.

Steps

  1. Before you start
    Back up your data (or clone your drive if you're replacing it). Shut the laptop down fully and unplug the charger.
  2. Prepare yourself and the workspace
    Work on a clean, uncluttered surface and ground yourself by touching a metal object or wearing an anti-static strap.
  3. Open the case
    Remove the base cover carefully. The exact screws, clips and any release points differ between units, so follow the disassembly instructions in your owner's or service manual rather than forcing anything.
  4. Install the part
    Seat the SO-DIMM at an angle and press it down until it clicks, or slide the M.2 SSD into its connector and secure it. Handle modules by their edges.
  5. Close up and check
    Refit the cover, plug in the charger, power on and check the BIOS/firmware sees the new memory or drive. Then restore or reinstall your system.

Good to know

  • HP's documents disagree on the maximum RAM: 16 GB in older revisions, 32 GB in newer quickspecs. 2 x 32 GB is reported to work by Crucial but is not verified by HP.
  • The 1 TB Gen4x4 SSD is a regional option (Hong Kong, Taiwan and China) only.
  • The 1 TB storage figure is HP's configured maximum rather than a proven hard limit.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HP 255 G10 take?

It depends on the processor. Models with a 7730U, 7530U or 7330U have two SO-DIMM slots; HP's older documents say 16 GB maximum while newer quickspecs say 32 GB, and Crucial lists 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) as working without HP confirming it. Models with a 7520U or 7320U have soldered RAM — 4 GB or 8 GB — that cannot be upgraded.

Does the HP 255 G10 support DDR5?

Not in the models with SO-DIMM slots — those take DDR4-3200 only. The 7520U and 7320U models use soldered LPDDR5-5500 memory, which cannot be changed or upgraded at all.

Can you add a second SSD or a 2.5-inch hard drive?

No. There is a single M.2 slot for the primary drive and no 2.5-inch bay is documented. The only storage upgrade is replacing the existing M.2 SSD with a larger or faster one.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the HP 255 G10?

No. The processor is soldered to the motherboard, so it cannot be replaced or upgraded in any configuration of this laptop.

What RAM does the HP 255 G10 use?

DDR4-3200 SO-DIMMs (CL22, 1.2 V, non-ECC, unbuffered) on the 7730U, 7530U and 7330U models. Note that the 7520U and 7320U models have soldered LPDDR5 instead, with no slots.

Do I need to update the BIOS before adding RAM or an SSD?

HP's documentation doesn't describe a required firmware update for these upgrades. Do make sure the BIOS/firmware detects the new part after installation, and check HP's support page for your model if anything isn't recognised.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.