Can I upgrade my RAM and change HDD to SSD

[KrisStuart]

Hi, I've read through the user manual and looked at the specifications of models in the HP 14 notebook range but I am confused as to whether my notebook can be upgraded in respect of RAM or hard drive. There are youtube tutorials on both areas but none on my specific model. Crucial system scan suggests there are no supported upgrades available but I read other things that contradict this. Can you please confirm if I can make alterations or should make do with the spec I have.

Thanks

Kris

[Huffer]

Yes the Manual is a bit hard to decipher. 

Service Manual

You have the very challenged E2-7110 AMD processor and there are two distinct models with that processor. One has the memory soldered to the board. However, those models have 2 gigs of memory. Yours has 4 and the specs say 1 x 4 gig which means there is a module and it is removeable (socketed). In fact, it appears yours has 2 memory slots and could theoretically take 16 gigs but that would be overkill I think. 

This is one of those things where I would want to see it with my eyes before believing it so start on p. 30 of the Manual, remove the back cover and see what memory configuration is there. The manual does not mention any configuration with a single memory slot but somehow I think yours may only have one memory slot. Having 8 gigs of RAM would be your goal and you could get there either by adding a 4 gig if you have an open slot or replacing the 4 gig with an 8 gig module if there is just one slot. 

The hard drive is a very mainstream thing. Your model came with a 500 gig SATA hard drive so the hard drive is held in with a bracket and attached with a cable, not soldered to the board. See p. 32. So it can be replaced with a 2.5 inch SATA SSD like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-NAND-500GB-SSD-WDS500G2B0A/dp/B073SBZ8YH/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=15373551...

Prices on these have come down recently. I would just be cautious about investing too much money in that machine. The E2 processor is going to be a dead weight preventing it from ever being a "good" computer but 8 gigs of RAM and an SSD would make it somewhat tolerable to use. The processor IS soldered so not upgradeable. 

Post back with any more questions and pleaase accept as solution if its the info you needed. 

[ChrisM_L]

edit:

Huffer has replied whilst I was typing, removing this post as his is comprehensive and likely to be a lot more accurate!

[Huffer]

@ChrisM_L

Thanks, man

[KrisStuart · Accepted solution]

Great answer and thanks for the recommendations and quick response. Awesome.

I've taken the back off and there is an empty slot I just wasn't sure if I put another bank of 4gb in that it would be active and work.

I knew when I got it that it was low end, it spends most of it's life under the sofa and is used to menial stuff.

I'll get to work on bringing it from 4 to 8gb and also sort an SSD to make it a bit more painless.

Thanks very much, amazing service.

[Huffer]

Yes they would not bother to put a nonfunctional RAM slot in there so add a 4 gig module. 

Glad to have been of help and you might consider accepting as solution which places this thread where it is easier to reach from a search engine for people with similar questions.