HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU
Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications
This guide covers what you can add to the HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Desktop Mini (DM): memory, storage and the processor. The short answer: two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots take up to 64 GB, there is an M.2 NVMe slot plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay, and the CPU is only worth changing within the 10th-gen range your chassis can cool.
At a glance
- RAM: 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB total (2 x 32 GB).
- Memory speed depends on the CPU: most run at DDR4-2666, and 2933 MT/s is listed only for Core i7 and i9.
- Storage: M.2 2280 NVMe slot (2242 also listed) and one 2.5-inch SATA bay, with SSDs listed up to 2 TB.
- CPU: only 10th-gen Core and Pentium Gold are officially listed; 11th gen is not supported by HP.
- Check you are reading the DM column on HP datasheets, since many mix in SFF and tower specs.
| SO-DIMM memory slot | 2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 64 GB total · 2933 MT/s |
|---|---|
| M.2 NVMe SSD slot | SSD M.2 2242 / M.2 2280 (NVMe) · up to 2 TB |
| 2.5" SATA drive bay | HDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA) · up to 2 TB |
| CPU socket (LGA1200) | LGA1200 · Core 10th gen · max 65 W |
Lifecycle and support
A current model: sold new and supported.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Release First available to buy. |
2020
Estimate
Third-party hardware-corner.net says the unit was first available in 2020; no month or day given. Not a manufacturer-published date. Source ↗ |
Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.
RAM: two SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB
The Mini has two customer-upgradable DDR4 SO-DIMM slots. The most you can fit is 64 GB, using two 32 GB modules. HP's user manual lists PC4-2666 or PC4-3200 modules.
Speed depends on your processor. Most CPUs run the memory at DDR4-2666. A speed of 2933 MT/s is listed for the DM, but a footnote says it is only available with Core i7 and i9 processors. Documents label the speed as 2666, 2933 or 3200 depending on the revision, so treat about 2933 MT/s as the practical ceiling, and only on some CPUs.
Ignore the 128 GB figure on some datasheets. Those sheets mix in specs from the larger SFF and tower models. HP's documents don't say whether ECC memory works in this machine, so stick to standard non-ECC SO-DIMMs. No soldered memory is mentioned.
Buying tips
- Buy DDR4 SO-DIMMs (laptop-size), not desktop DIMMs.
- Choose DDR4-2666 or faster; faster kits only gain speed on CPUs that support it.
- Fit two matching modules if you want to reach 64 GB; 2 x 32 GB is the maximum.
- Don't pay extra for DDR4-3200 expecting full speed; the platform tops out around 2933 MT/s.
Cheapest compatible right now
- Crucial 4GB DDR4-2666 SO-DIMM $31.00 eBay US
- Crucial 8GB DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM $58.05 eBay US
- Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM $67.99 eBay US
Storage: M.2 NVMe slot plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay
The Mini takes an M.2 NVMe SSD in the 2280 size (the datasheet also lists 2242). HP's documents list SSDs up to 2 TB. The M.2 2230 slot is for the Wi-Fi card, so it is not available for storage. HP's documents don't state which PCIe generation the M.2 slot runs at.
There is also one internal 2.5-inch SATA position for a hard drive or SATA SSD. HP lists hard drives up to 1 TB at 7200 rpm or 2 TB at 5400 rpm. The maximum drive thickness isn't stated, and the bay may not be present on every configuration. There is no 3.5-inch bay; those belong to the SFF model.
HP's documents disagree on the M.2 count. The manual shows one M.2 2280 slot, while the datasheet mentions two M.2 2242/2280 storage slots. Open your unit or check HP's maintenance guide before buying a second M.2 drive.
Buying tips
- Buy an NVMe M.2 2280 SSD for the main slot; avoid SATA-only M.2 drives.
- Check the physical bay and slot in your own unit before ordering a second drive.
- For the 2.5-inch bay, a SATA SSD is a simple upgrade; check the drive thickness against the space available.
- Don't plan on using the 2230 slot for storage; it holds the Wi-Fi card.
Cheapest compatible right now
- Seagate BarraCuda 2TB 2.5" 5400 RPM HDD $109.99 eBay US
- Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe $159.99 eBay US
- Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5" SATA SSD $189.00 eBay US
CPU: 10th-gen only, and match your chassis
The Mini uses a single, socketed processor on the Intel Q470 chipset. HP lists the processor as a replaceable spare part, and an owner in HP's forum describes swapping the CPU in this model. HP's documents don't name the socket; 10th-gen Core chips of this platform use LGA1200.
Only 10th-gen Core and Pentium Gold are officially listed, and HP does not support 11th-gen chips. On the DM datasheet you'll find the i7-10700T, i5-10600, i5-10600T, i5-10500 and i5-10500T, the i3-10300, i3-10300T, i3-10100 and i3-10100T, and Pentium Gold G6600, G6500, G6500T, G6400 and G6400T. The family-wide QuickSpecs list more chips, including i9 and K-series parts, but it isn't clear which of those fit the Mini, so don't assume they do.
The Mini comes in 35 W and 65 W versions. According to a forum poster, the 35 W chassis has a solid top and a lower-wattage power supply, while the 65 W chassis has a perforated top for airflow. Keep a 35 W unit to T-series (35 W) CPUs. In that thread, an owner with an i3-10100T was advised to move to the i7-10700T rather than a 65 W part. HP gives no explicit maximum TDP, so in practice 35 W for a 35 W chassis and 65 W for a 65 W chassis is the sensible ceiling.
Buying tips
- Buy a 10th-gen LGA1200 CPU only; skip 11th gen.
- Pick a T-series chip if your Mini has a solid top and the lower-wattage power supply.
- Avoid K-series and 125 W parts; they appear only in family-wide listings, not as DM options.
- Have fresh thermal paste on hand, since HP's spare part includes replacement thermal material.
Cheapest compatible right now
- Intel Core i5-10400F $95.00 eBay US
- Intel Core i5-10500 $127.49 eBay US
How to upgrade
Before you start
- Check whether your unit is the 35 W or 65 W version (solid or perforated top) before choosing a CPU.
- Confirm your exact storage layout (M.2 slots and the 2.5-inch bay) before buying a drive.
- Back up your data and note your Windows license and any BitLocker recovery key.
- Check HP's support page for the latest BIOS before a CPU swap; HP's documents give no minimum BIOS version.
- Keep HP's maintenance and service guide or owner's manual open for exact disassembly steps.
Steps
- Back up your data
Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially before changing the SSD. - Power off and unplug
Shut the Mini down fully, then unplug the power adapter and all cables. Wait a moment for the unit to cool if it has been running. - Ground yourself
Touch bare metal on the chassis or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling any parts. Hold memory and drives by their edges. - Open the case
Follow the owner's manual for removing the access panel and reaching the memory, drive or processor area. Steps differ between models, so don't guess. - Install the new part
For RAM, seat the SO-DIMM firmly in its slot. For storage, fit the M.2 drive or 2.5-inch drive as shown in the manual. For a CPU swap, remove the old processor and cooler as the service guide describes, fit the new chip, and reapply thermal paste. - Close the case and reconnect
Refit the panel, plug in the cables and power adapter, and switch on. - Check the BIOS
Enter the BIOS setup and confirm it shows the new memory size, drive or processor. For a new SSD, install or restore your operating system.
Good to know
- HP's documents don't name the CPU socket; LGA1200 is the socket these 10th-gen chips use, so check HP's maintenance guide before buying.
- HP states no maximum CPU wattage; 35 W and 65 W chassis limits come from owner experience and the chassis design, not an HP rule.
- It's unclear which of the higher-wattage CPUs in family-wide listings fit the Mini; don't assume they do.
- HP's documents disagree on whether there is one or two M.2 storage slots, and the 2.5-inch bay may not be present on every configuration.
- The 2.5-inch drive thickness limit and the M.2 PCIe generation are not stated.
- No minimum BIOS version is stated for any CPU; check HP's support page for the latest BIOS before a swap.
- Many HP datasheets cover the Mini, SFF and tower together, so make sure you read the DM column.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM can the HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini take?
Up to 64 GB, using two 32 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs. Some combined datasheets claim 128 GB, but those mix in larger models and don't apply to the Mini.
What RAM speed does the EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini support?
Most processors run it at DDR4-2666. A speed of 2933 MT/s is listed only for Core i7 and i9 processors. HP's manual also mentions PC4-3200 modules, but they won't run faster than the platform allows.
Can I add an NVMe SSD to the EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini?
Yes. It has an M.2 2280 NVMe slot, and HP lists SSDs up to 2 TB. HP's documents disagree on whether there is a second M.2 storage slot, so check your own unit.
Does the EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini have a 2.5-inch drive bay?
Yes, one internal 2.5-inch SATA position, though it may vary by configuration. HP lists hard drives up to 1 TB at 7200 rpm or 2 TB at 5400 rpm. The thickness limit isn't stated.
Can I upgrade the CPU in the EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini?
HP lists the processor as a replaceable part, and the supported range is 10th-gen Core and Pentium Gold. Stick to T-series chips on a 35 W unit, and don't expect 11th-gen support.
Does the EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini support ECC memory?
HP's documents don't say. Use standard non-ECC SO-DIMMs unless HP confirms otherwise.
Official documents and references
- PDF HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Desktop Mini datasheet
DM-specific CPU, memory and storage options - PDF HP EliteDesk 800 G6 QuickSpecs
Memory speeds and footnotes, family-wide CPU list - PDF QuickSpecs: HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini Business PC
Mini memory transfer rate details - PDF HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Desktop Mini product datasheet
Memory slots and M.2 storage listing - PDF HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Desktop Mini specifications
Processor list and memory maximum - HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini user manual
Memory module types, storage and spare parts - HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Desktop Mini PC guide
Spare parts list including the processor - PDF EliteDesk 800 G6 DM user manual
Owner's manual for a DM configuration - HP Community: Upgrade G6 EliteDesk 800 processor
Owner discussion of 35 W vs 65 W chassis and CPU swaps