HP EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

RAM: up to 64 GB of DDR4-2133

The EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF has 4 DIMM sockets and takes full-size 288-pin DDR4 modules (not laptop SO-DIMMs). HP lists 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB PC4-17000 modules, so the maximum is 64 GB using four 16 GB modules. Memory is socketed, not soldered.

Modules must be unbuffered and non-ECC, running at DDR4-2133 (PC4-17000), 1.2 V, CAS 15. They must carry standard JEDEC SPD information and may be single- or double-sided. They must be built with x8 or x16 memory chips; x4-based modules are not supported. HP warns the PC will not operate properly with unsupported DIMMs.

Install modules in matched pairs to get dual-channel performance. Faster DIMMs should run at 2133 MT/s, but HP doesn't state this, so there is no benefit in paying extra for them.

Buying tips

• Buy DDR4-2133 (PC4-17000) unbuffered non-ECC full-size DIMMs
• Avoid DDR3, ECC, registered and x4-based modules; they won't work
• Buy matched pairs, for example 2 x 8 GB or 2 x 16 GB
• Check the module listing says x8 or x16 chips if the seller shows it
• Faster-rated DIMMs should run at 2133, but this isn't confirmed by HP

Storage: SATA bays, and an unconfirmed M.2 question

The PC has two 3.5-inch bays and one 2.5-inch bay, all SATA, and each can hold a hard drive or an SSD. There is also one slim optical drive bay. HP only lists factory-fitted drive sizes: SATA SSDs up to 512 GB, and hard drives or hybrid SSHDs up to 1 TB. These are factory options rather than a stated limit. Larger SATA drives should physically fit, but HP doesn't confirm a maximum capacity.

HP's 2.5-inch bay thickness limit is not documented, so check the drive's height against the service guide if you are buying a thick drive.

HP also sold factory M.2 PCIe options called Turbo Drive and Turbo Drive G2 (128 to 512 GB). It is not confirmed whether the board has a dedicated M.2 slot, or what its length, PCIe generation or NVMe support are. Turbo Drive may be an adapter card. Check HP's maintenance and service guide before buying an NVMe drive.

Buying tips

• A SATA SSD is the safest upgrade; the PC has 3 SATA drive bays
• Don't buy an M.2 NVMe drive until you've confirmed the slot in the service guide
• Check the thickness of any 2.5-inch drive you plan to fit
• The optical bay is for slim optical drives, not a standard drive
• Any expansion card, including a PCIe storage adapter, must be low-profile

CPU: LGA1151, 6th-gen Intel documented

The processor is socketed (LGA1151) on an Intel Q170 chipset board. HP's datasheet lists only 6th-gen Skylake processors: Core i7-6700, Core i5-6600 and i5-6500, Core i3-6320, i3-6300 and i3-6100, and Pentium G4520, G4500 and G4400. Within that list, the Core i7-6700 is the top option.

Some listings describe the socket as 6th/7th gen, but HP doesn't document 7th-gen (Kaby Lake) support for this model. Don't assume a 7th-gen chip will work, and confirm BIOS support before trying one.

The only power rating in the documents is 65 W, for the i5-6500. The power supply is 200 W, so stay with the listed processors and avoid chips with a higher rating.

Buying tips

• Stick to the Skylake models HP lists
• Don't buy a 7th-gen chip unless you've confirmed support
• Check the socket reads LGA1151 and the chip is a 6th-gen part
• Keep to 65 W or lower; the PSU is 200 W
• Check whether the CPU you're replacing came with a cooler, and keep the existing one for the new chip

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up anything important; swapping drives can lead to data loss
• Have the HP maintenance and service guide or hardware reference guide open for exact steps
• Note what is installed now (RAM modules, drive types, CPU model) before buying
• Check your PC's current BIOS version; a BIOS update may be needed before changing the CPU
• Use an anti-static wrist strap or touch bare metal on the case before handling parts

Steps

1. Back up and shut down
   Save your files, shut Windows down fully and don't just put the PC to sleep.
2. Power off and unplug
   Unplug the power cable and all other cables, then press the power button once to discharge any remaining power.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch a bare metal part of the case or wear an anti-static strap. Handle parts by the edges.
4. Open the case
   Follow the owner's manual or HP service guide for how to remove the side access panel on this model, and for how to reach the part you're changing.
5. Install the part
   For RAM, fit matched modules in the DIMM sockets. For a drive, fit it in the right bay and connect the SATA data and power cables. For a CPU, follow the service guide, keeping to the listed Skylake models. Don't force anything.
6. Close up and reconnect
   Refit the side panel, then reconnect the cables.
7. Check it in the BIOS
   Power on and enter the BIOS setup. Check it reports the new memory, drive or processor. If something is missing, power down, unplug and recheck the seating and cables.

Good to know

• HP's datasheet and a third-party spec listing disagree on the number of full-size PCIe x16 slots (1 versus 2). HP's datasheet is the more reliable figure.
• M.2 slot size, PCIe generation and NVMe support are unconfirmed; check HP's service guide first.
• The 2.5-inch bay thickness limit and any maximum drive capacity are not documented.
• 7th-gen CPU support is not documented, and 65 W is the only power figure given, for the i5-6500.
• Shipped units vary in RAM, storage, optical drive and card reader, so check what's in your own PC.
• HP states the PC will not operate properly with unsupported memory modules.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HP EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF take?

Up to 64 GB, using four 16 GB DDR4-2133 unbuffered non-ECC DIMMs in dual-channel mode. HP lists 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB module sizes.

What type of RAM does the EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF use?

Full-size 288-pin DDR4-2133 (PC4-17000) unbuffered non-ECC DIMMs, 1.2 V, using x8 or x16 memory chips. DDR3, ECC, registered and x4-based modules are not supported.

Does the EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF support an M.2 NVMe SSD?

It's not confirmed. HP offered Turbo Drive M.2 PCIe options, but the slot's size, PCIe generation and NVMe support aren't documented. Check HP's service guide before buying an NVMe drive.

Can I fit a 2.5-inch SSD in the EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF?

Yes, there is a 2.5-inch SATA bay, and HP lists factory SATA SSD options. HP doesn't state a thickness limit for the bay or a maximum capacity.

Which CPUs work in the EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF?

HP lists 6th-gen Skylake chips on the LGA1151 socket: Core i7-6700, i5-6600 and i5-6500, i3-6320, i3-6300 and i3-6100, and Pentium G4520, G4500 and G4400. 7th-gen support is not documented.

Can I add a graphics card to the EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF?

Only a low-profile card will fit, and the power supply is 200 W. HP's factory graphics option is a GT 730. Check the card's power needs before buying.

Official documents and references

• PDF HP EliteDesk 800 G2 maintenance and service guide
  Disassembly steps, memory and component details
• PDF HP EliteDesk 800 G2 hardware reference guide
  Memory requirements and upgrade instructions
• PDF HP EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF datasheet
  Supported CPUs, drive bays and expansion slots
• HP EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF manual (ManualsLib)
  Online copy of the service guide
• HP EliteDesk 800 G2 SFF specifications (manuals.ca)
  Third-party spec listing with socket and slot details