First time upgrading/repairing my laptop

[Uppset_dave]

Recently my computers hdd failed it still works but often gets stuck in loops upon boot forcing me to reset it each time, so ive decided that i shal replace the old 1tb spinpoint with a new 1tb ssd. I have compiled a list of my planed upgrades by importance:

1. Samsung evo 860 ssd

2. Windows 10 instalation usb (current version is 8.1)

3. Thermal compound replacment

4. R.A.M upgrade 12gb (currently 8gb)

5. Custom motherboard (to expand upgradeability)

6. Processor upgrade (i5 and over current cpu, i3-3217U 1.80Ghz)

I have never upgraded my laptop or any pc/device but i have taken it apart before and watched many videos and done research on how to do it but i do want some advice from the hp comunity to help guide me on this process. So any advice shall be welcomed and taken into account, i shall inform you on all progress i have made so you know not to waste time on things ive already done. 

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Anti-Static Wrist strap.

Marker pen.

Camera/Notebook and Pen.

[iomare · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Let me see if I can help.

The processor is integrated on the motherboard, so to upgrade the CPU you will need to replace the motherboard and choose compatible motherboard with desired processor. I do not know what you mean by custom motherboard. Only compatible boards will fit in the notebook and have the parts in the right place. On page 68 of service manual you can see the various compatible motherboards and part number. Replacing the motherboard will have a high cost, so you will have to decide if it is worth it.

The RAM can be upgraded to 16GB of DDR3L 1600Mhz (2x8GB) (even if servivce manual mentions 12GB)

You can install Windows 10, you can get real cheap licence on Amazon or similar online store. Here is a small guide I post for installing Windows 10. On page 59 of service manual you can see how to replace the drive. The Samsung 860 Evo is a good choice:

Download media creation tool from Microsoft on different PC, run and create a bootable pendrive with the OS on it. (there is an explanation on the Microsoft web page on how to create the pendrive). Create the drive with Windows 10 Home 64-bit edition. Windows will automatically activate once installed and connected to the Internet.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you choose this option you will need to use the pendrive to perform a clean install of Windows 10. You might need to disable fastboot and secure boot in BIOS (probably not). So, insert the pendrive in the PC and it should boot directly from the drive. If not, turn off PC by holding the power button. Press the power button and immediately keep pressing ESC until startup menu appears and then press F9 and choose the pendrive in the boot menu. Once it boots from pendrive follow the procedure to install Windows. At install Windows choose custom install and delete all partitions (or you can leave the recovery partition even though there are many other recovery options) You do not need a product key as it is in the firmware. Windows will automatically activate once installed and connected to the internet.

When finished installing allow Windows to completely update and find all or most drivers. You can follow this process by going into settings > Security and update > click on Verify for updates. You might need to reboot a couple of times. Once completely updated you can go into device manager and see if there are any missing drivers (there will be yellow exclamation mark next to the device). You can find these drivers and software on HP support page for your product.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-pavilion-15-n200-notebook-pc-series/6529948/model/6705888/ma...

 I recommend to install HP support assistant which will help keep your drivers up to date and much more. You can download latest version from here.

https://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/hpsupportassistant/hpsupport.html

Service manual:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04438537

HP remove/replace videos

http://h20574.www2.hp.com/results.htm?SID=6529948&MEID=B1F4002E-FDB1-4407-9A13-E60A5DBEF6CD

Hope it helps,

David

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[Uppset_dave]

Thanks! what i meant by costum motherboard is a motherboard that i got specific needs for so a company who do them can manufacture it.

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi

I would let them do the upgrade and write a warranty for you.

[iomare]

Your welcome. I do not know if a custom board is possible and what kind of cost would be involved.

Saw that I missed one point. If you replace thermal material, make sure that you clean off all old material. You can use non-lint cloth and alcohool. Use a soft plastic tool for any dried bits. Replace with quality product such as Arctic MX4 or better.

Let me know if you need any further help during the fix/upgrade and how it works out.

All the best,

David

[Uppset_dave]

I have chosen to use the Intel Core i5-4200M 840M 1.6-GHz (2 GB DC BGA 15 W) for use with Windows Standard motherboard, although it has 1.6 ghz which isnt what i want i to be i can overclock it to fit my needs e.g. 2.4 ghz if it doesnt heat too much. Thats why im also wanting a coling upgrade...

[iomare]

OK. The processor will have a base clock of 1.6Ghz however will have boost when needed up to about 3Ghz. This is normal with modern processors and is an automatic process. The 8th gen i7 in the notebook I am using has a base clock of 1.8 with boost up to 4Ghz. 

If you use that motherboard you will also need to replace the heatsink (as it has dedicated graphics). You can see the various heatsinks and part numbers on page 78 of service manual.

You can search online with part number.

Hope it helps,

David

[Uppset_dave]

I was unable to find the motherboard i only managed to find other part numbers 76 being the closest, thanks i didnt think i would need a new heatsink.