HP 14-ce3501sa RAM / HDD Upgrade

[jcs93]

Hi all,

Struggling to find any concrete information about this system online as it's quite new. 

I am looking to see whether this machine has two slots for RAM or only one? Also does it have a slot/bay for a 2.5" SATA HDD. I understand it has an m.2 SSD pre-installed as standard. I've seen other HP's from similar lines have the ability to install 2.5" hard drives alongside the m.2. 

If it does have a bay but no sata connector installed can someone let me know the exact model cable and caddy I need to install a 2.5"? 

Many thanks

[Huffer]

Your struggles are over: here is the Service Manual:

Manual 

See p. 41:

The hard drive bracket is available using spare part number L19469-001. The hard drive cable is available using
spare part number L19172-001

pp. 51-53 and 63-65 are your focus for "how to". 

As usual the part is "not orderable" in the HP Parts Store:

https://parts.hp.com/hpparts/Search_Results.aspx?mscssid=863395D3912F4BDC9A869F777E58C7A1&SearchIn=P...

And this means the few sellers who have the parts jack up the price:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-L19172-001-Hdd-Cable-E/193310416727?hash=item2d0232df57:g:TWwAAOSwXI1e...

The cable is an absolute necessity. You can find an alternate bracket that will work OK particularly with an SSD that does not move or spin. 

Post back with any more questions and please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[jcs93]

Hi Huffer

Thanks for the speedy reply! 

From what I gather this product would suffice for the hard drive?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32813237299.html

Can you confirm something like this could be suitable? 

Thank you

[Huffer]

No I cannot because they do not provide the HP Part number of the cable. They are not by any means universal and there is no such thing as a generic HP SATA hard drive cable. The rubber caddy thing is the kind of alternate mounting bracket I was talking about. With an Xacto knife it could be made to fit. However, the right cable is critical. This one may or may not work in your laptop. 

And I forgot to address your other inquiry: the laptop has a single memory slot and can accept up to a 16 gb DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM.

Good luck and for reference you might want to accept as solution if this is the info you needed. If not keep asking and we will keep trying to answer. 

[jcs93]

Thanks this is honestly all a great help.

From what I can tell looking at imagery etc these should work with the system, for the price I will give it a go and see how I get on.

Also, is 2400 the max speed it will take? or will it make use of the 2666 speed that is already pre-installed? because if it is currently throttling the existing RAM speed I will only upgrade to a 16gb 2400 and save a little money 

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Look at the Manual details on memory. 2666 is "bridged" (downclocked) to 2400. The Manual does call for 2666 memory and usually 2666 and 2400 are about the same price but if you can get a 16 gb 2400 module for cheaper it would work. Pay attention to the density (the number of black blocks on the side of the module) and try to get the same density on your 16 gb module. 

Let us know how this cable works so we have some information we can provide others. Yours is a very frequent question and people are frustrated with the lack of availability of the cables. 

[jcs93]

Thanks again for all your help. I will take on your information when ordering new RAM.

I will order the cable and update once it arrives.