HP ProBook 450 G8 (15.6 inch) Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD, CPU

Updated Oct. 8, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers upgrading the HP ProBook 450 15.6 inch G8 Notebook PC (also called the ProBook 450 G8). The short answer: you can add RAM (up to 32 GB) and swap the M.2 NVMe SSD, but the 11th-gen Intel Core processor is soldered and cannot be upgraded.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 DDR4 SODIMM slots, up to 32 GB total (2 x 16 GB), running at up to 3200 MT/s.
  • Storage: one M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe slot, with no 2.5 inch bay and no second M.2 storage slot.
  • HP ships drives up to 1 TB; larger aftermarket drives aren't covered in HP's documents.
  • CPU: the Core i3-1115G4, i5-1135G7 and i7-1165G7 are soldered and not upgradable, and neither is the optional MX450 graphics.
  • Both memory slots and the SSD are reached by opening the bottom cover.
SODIMM memory slot2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 3200 MT/s
M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSD slotSSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB totalM.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSD slotSSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

RAM: two DDR4 SODIMM slots, up to 32 GB

The ProBook 450 G8 has two SODIMM slots that take DDR4 memory and support dual-channel operation. The most HP lists is 32 GB, made up of two 16 GB modules. HP doesn't state a per-module limit outright, but 16 GB per slot follows from that top configuration. The system runs memory at up to 3200 MT/s, and if you mix speeds it runs at the lower one. No soldered memory is mentioned, so every factory configuration is built from the two slots.

HP factory configurations are 4 GB (1x4), 8 GB (1x8 or 2x4), 12 GB (8+4), 16 GB (1x16) and 32 GB (2x16). If your laptop has a single module, the second slot is empty and the machine runs single-channel. Adding a matching module enables dual-channel. The 12 GB option is a mismatched pair.

HP's documents don't say whether ECC or registered memory is supported. Treat this laptop as taking standard non-ECC SODIMMs only. HP also recommends HP-branded memory, noting that some third-party modules are non-industry standard.

Buying tips

  • Buy DDR4 SODIMM (laptop-size), rated 3200 MT/s.
  • For dual-channel, use two matching modules, for example 2 x 8 GB or 2 x 16 GB.
  • Don't buy more than 16 GB per module; larger sizes aren't covered in HP's documents.
  • Mixing speeds works but runs at the slower speed.
  • Consider HP-branded memory if you want the safest compatibility.

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Storage: one M.2 2280 NVMe slot

There is a single M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSD slot. HP doesn't list a 2.5 inch bay, a second M.2 storage slot or SATA storage, so the SSD you install is your only internal drive. Drives HP ships are single-sided, 22 mm wide and 2.3 mm tall.

HP ships PCIe Gen3 drives, mostly x2 or x4, up to 1 TB. The 1 TB drive is Gen3 x4 (about 3100-3500 MB/s read), the 128 GB drive is Gen3 x2 (about 1400-2100 MB/s read), and the 256 and 512 GB drives are Gen3 (about 2100-2300 MB/s read). Larger aftermarket drives aren't addressed in HP's documents, so check the HP service guide before going beyond 1 TB. HP's own listings differ slightly: its support page excerpt doesn't show the 1 TB option while the datasheet and service guide do, so availability may vary by region.

Some models use a 512 GB Intel QLC SSD with 32 GB Optane H10, which uses a split-lane PCIe Gen3 x2x2 interface. It needs an 8th-gen or newer Intel CPU, a supporting BIOS, 64-bit Windows 10 and the Intel RST driver, and it doesn't add to or replace RAM. A standard NVMe SSD is the simpler upgrade.

Buying tips

  • Buy an M.2 2280 NVMe drive, not a SATA M.2 or a 2.5 inch drive.
  • Choose a single-sided drive; HP's drives are 2.3 mm tall.
  • Gen3 speeds are all this laptop is documented to use, so a faster Gen4 drive won't show its full speed.
  • Plan capacity carefully, since there's no second drive slot.
  • Formatted capacity is lower than the label, and HP reserves up to 30 GB for recovery software on factory drives.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Check which memory modules are installed now (size and number) so you know whether a slot is free.
  • Back up your files, and make sure you have recovery media or know how to reinstall Windows if you replace the SSD.
  • HP doesn't support or provide drivers for Windows 7 or 8 on this platform, so plan on a supported version of Windows. Some units ship with FreeDOS and no Windows.
  • Have the HP maintenance and service guide to hand for exact disassembly instructions.
  • Work on a clean, flat surface and use a small screwdriver set suited to laptops.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially before swapping the SSD.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the laptop down fully (not sleep or hibernate) and disconnect the charger and any accessories.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch a bare metal surface or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling internal parts, and hold modules and drives by their edges.
  4. Open the bottom cover
    Both memory slots and the SSD are reached by opening the bottom cover. Follow the owner's manual or HP service guide for the exact screws and the safest way to release the cover.
  5. Install the RAM or SSD
    For memory, seat the SODIMM firmly in its slot as described in the manual. For the SSD, remove the old drive and fit the new M.2 2280 NVMe drive in its place, securing it as shown in the guide. Handle the parts by their edges.
  6. Close the case
    Refit the bottom cover and screws, then reconnect power.
  7. Check the BIOS and Windows
    Start the laptop and check the BIOS or firmware screen shows the new memory total or drive. For a new blank SSD, reinstall Windows or restore from your recovery media before it appears in your usual file listing.

Good to know

  • HP's documents describe the memory slots as accessible to IT staff or self-maintainers, so expect to open the bottom cover and take care doing so.
  • HP's documents don't say whether ECC or registered memory works; stick to standard non-ECC DDR4 SODIMMs.
  • The 16 GB per-module limit isn't stated outright by HP; it follows from the 2 x 16 GB top configuration.
  • HP's own pages disagree slightly: its support page calls the 256 and 512 GB drives TLC while the datasheet and service guide call them Value, and the 1 TB option appears in some HP documents but not others, so it may depend on region.
  • Drives larger than 1 TB, and the presence of an SD card slot, aren't covered in the documents we reviewed.
  • Configurations can vary by region, so check the exact model number of your laptop.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HP ProBook 450 G8 take?

Up to 32 GB, using two 16 GB DDR4 SODIMMs. HP doesn't state a per-module limit directly, but 16 GB per slot follows from its top configuration.

What type of RAM does the ProBook 450 G8 use?

DDR4 SODIMM that runs at up to 3200 MT/s, with dual-channel support. If you mix speeds, the system runs at the lower one. HP recommends HP-branded memory.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the ProBook 450 G8?

No. The Core i3-1115G4, i5-1135G7 and i7-1165G7 are soldered to the motherboard. The optional MX450 graphics is also not upgradable.

Does the ProBook 450 G8 support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. It has one M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe slot. HP ships Gen3 x2 or x4 drives up to 1 TB. There is no 2.5 inch bay and no second M.2 storage slot.

Can I fit a bigger SSD than 1 TB?

HP only lists drives up to 1 TB, and larger aftermarket drives aren't addressed in its documents. Check the HP service guide and be prepared for possible compatibility issues.

Can I add a second drive to the ProBook 450 G8?

Not internally. There is only one storage slot. The other M.2 slots are for the WLAN card (CNVi, 2230 or 1216) and an optional WWAN card (3042 Key B), not for storage.

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.