Matched pairs RAM - Is this still a thing

I recently discovered that my Laptop has a second slot. The info I had when I bought it was that it had just one. My model number has a few configurations, and I kept seeing that models had a max of 16GB with 2 x8. HP engineer had it apart the other day, and when I asked hi to check, he whipped out the single 8GB and confirmed it has 2 slots and a maximum of 16GB (I've noticed slot info is also shown in task Manager now (not sure if it used to)).
 
I was taught not to just handle RAM unless you are earthed. I had corrupted new RAM on my old EMU 6400 when I upgraded. Even though I thought I was earthed (earth strap) I couldn't be sure if I corrupted the RAM, or if it came that way.
 
They way the HP Engineer handled it, was no surprise. Even when you buy ram here, someone just after you pay will whip it out the packaging and stick a sticker direct onto a chip, with no concern over static.
 
So I'm thinking, maybe I should get a matched pair, from overseas (to avoid shop staff handling), then move this current 8 to my work laptop,
 
Is there a benefit to both RAM chips being the same type? Do I need to think about matched pair. or should I just get another 8, chuck it in and stop overthinking. I can't earth myself anyway, they don't seem to have anything connected to earth.

My specific model doesn't seem listed on Crucial, but it was their ram I was thinking of.
I had seen this on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-PC3-12800-SODIMM-204-Pin-Memory/dp/B008PSEHAS/ref=pd_sbs_147_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GXY4KDJ6PMWSW6R9RH2X
 
SSDs seem about the same price here, so I I think I'd do that at the same time.
My father is visiting in January, so I think I'll get him to bring some RAM

I found an 8 GB memory module, that is the same as the part number listed in the HP manual for your model.
That would be cheaper than buying new memory.  It would give you the same part number so it would be a "pair"
http://www.impactcomputers.com/693374-005.html

Your HP - Compaq ENVY 15 (4th Gen Intel Core)

system specs as shipped

memory

*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.
8GB
 
This is from the scan, is it say 8gb is my systems ram, or that 8gb is the maximum supported memory
http://www.crucial.com/us...nview/04FE733F31D926C3
 

Yeah I think buying a pair, and moving the existing 8 to my single slotted work laptop (which supports up to 8, but has 2) will be the best option. Seems less messy with getting the pairing right.

http://www.tomshardware.c...-ddr3-module-size.html
For all intents and purposes, 8GB is the maximum available for a single stick of normal (non-ECC) DDR3 RAM. While the chipset on the laptop may support 32GB, the chipset is likely used in many different laptops from many different manufacturers; some manufacturers will equip their laptops with 4 slots, and some with 2 slots. With 2 slots you're essentially limited to 16GB, regardless of the fact the chipset can cope with 32GB.

FYI - I use a free program called CPU-Z, which shows low level system info, including the memory timing info, part numbers and whatnot:
 
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
 
Highly recommended.

RAM is best done in pairs (or sometimes triples or quads) but it doesn't have to be matched as in two identical sticks. The reason for sets is memory controllers have multiple channels and can read/write to more than one stick at once. Normal desktop systems are dual channel. Older high end systems and some servers were triple channel. Current high end systems and servers are quad channel.
 
So what is important in multi-channel RAM is both sticks need to be the same size, and they should be the same speed (if not the faster one will be slowed down to the slower one's speed). They can be from different vendors though, that is no issue normally.
 
Now all that said, occasionally you find systems that are extremely fussy and everything has to be perfect RAM wise. They'll only work with the specific stuff they want and refuse otherwise. But for 99.999% of consumer hardware all that matters is two sticks that are the same size and speed and they are happy.

Thanks guys. I think I'm sold on buying a pair, and moving the current 8 to my work laptop. I don't need 8 in my work laptop, but more than 2 will help. So It seems obvious to move the 8 and get buy a pair to make sure they are identically spec'd.
 
I'll probably put an ssd in my Music laptop at the same time. It has a CD drive I considered getting a caddy for and putting an SSD in there. But I don't push my hardrive hard enough, so I think I think a single SSD with suffice. I can add a HDD to that slot if I need to in the future.
 
I maye test run the SSD with a small 124 ssd for my work laptop.  Fast load up times will really help my work, more than my music. 5-7 year olds have very short attention spans. You can loose a class just waiting for a song to load.  

I am not sure if this has been mentioned above, but the MB specs should have the RAM reqts (both physical and OC capability) listed. The OC would be specific to the BIOS, but the MB specs would say what the board is capable of, and the BIOS should match accordingly. I didn't catch in this thread (may have missed it) if you had pulled the actually MB specs though. (I did a quick look on the links above but didn't find a MB model listed.)

Here's your model on Amazon with 16GB installed so it looks like it supports it.
 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HP-15T-K100-i7-4710HQ-Speakers-Subwoofers/dp/B00ZD695NE
 
It also states that 16GB is the maximum capacity.
 
AMB
 

Part of the issue is HP/Compaq is showing that to be a Config To Order (CTO) system. It will have a blanket top tier model but not a unique specific model number for your machine. Try checking the warranty with the serial and see what model it returns. If the warranty check requires you to enter a model# just enter AAAAA - 5 or 6 A's (whatever the site requires). If you get a valid return, it will show the actual model# for you to use.
 
Even at that though, don't be surprised to find inconsistencies. It has been said that Compaq is not really sure exactly what parts were installed as they source and use the lowest priced parts on a weekly basis.
 
If you want to PM your serial and the suspected model number I will see what I can find. I have quite a bit of experience with the compaq site and can use a vendor login if needed.