HP 15-af113cl Memory, Hard Drive Additions and Upgrades, and WiFi stability

[Mark-V]

I have a 2016 HP 15-AF113cl laptop.  I am not certain if that is a Pavilion or not.

My questions are:

1)  What options are available for upgrading the memory from the existing 6gb of memory?

2)  Would it be possible to add a second hard drive (SSD) on a caddy in the DVD bay?  If so, what parts and steps would need to be taken?  (I realize this may not be a standard authorized HP procedure - my warranty has expired and I do not want to extend).

3)  The only problem I seem to have is that the drivers for the WiFi card seem to crash the system on occasion (bcmwl63a.sys exception not handled error).  I have been rotating through the available drivers at considerable expense of time.  Is there a better performing and more stable wifi card upgrade that is possible?  (current wifi card is a Broadcom Model BCM943142Y)

[banhien · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Wlecome to HP support forum. Looks like your plan is to buy a new machine but allow me to answer your questions

1. RAM: Max is 8GB (2 x 4GB), currently it has 4GB + 2GB

2. SSD: Put SSD to the ODD bay using a caddy/kit is a very bad move because it will not run faster and won't be able to boot. My suggestion: replace existing HDD with SSD and put old HDD to the place of the ODD using 9.5mm caddy

3. Wireless card: You may be able to replace the wireless card. To be safe, please use the following list:

   Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11b/g/n 1x1 Wi-Fi + BT4.0 Combo Adapter 792610-005
  Realtek RTL8188EE 802.11b/g/n 1x1 Wi-Fi Adapter 792609-005
  Broadcom BCM43142 802.11 b/g/n 1x1 Wi-Fi + BT4.0 M.2 Combo Adapter 792608-005

Regards.

[Mark-V]

Thanks for the advice and tips. Seems to all fit with what I was thinking, even the new laptop consideration.

9.5mm Humm.

I was wondering if swapping the drive locations might make a difference. Sounds like it does.

I haven't been able to find a drive caddy for putting the hard drive in the DVD bay for this unit. Suggestions?