HP Laptop 14 fq0010ca Upgrading in progress, trying to confirm, M.2 Slot is deactivated from factory

[BarryMo67]

 So I am Upgrading my Second HP Laptop an HP Laptop 14 fq0010ca AMD 3020e 4GB DDR4 RAM 64GB eMMC 1366 x 768 LCD. So far I can confirm a Single 16GB DDR4 RAM stick work a treat!!! The LCD will soon be swapped (waiting for delivery) for a 1920 x 1080 IPS LCD. However the M.2 slot that is on the board is fully inactive from factory I am guessing??? There is a ZIF connection also available, but my goodness is there a lot of Plastic to remove on the inside shell to add a SATA SSD. More work and risk of damaging the shell then I wish to undertake. So before I buy the Adapter to do a WIFI/BT module key change  for the NVME SSD, I just wanted to confirm that the M.2 slot is left inactive as base models use eMMC. I have searched the HP support site here and only seen 1 other fq0008 Laptop that found no joy with their available M.2 slot.

P.S. I have had my NVME drive plugged in to the M.2 slot however it is not seen by the BIOS/Explorer/Disk Management, so I am guessing there are bits and bobs missing up the data lines that would have to be soldered on for it to be active (again more work I am not willing to do). 

*EDIT*

After a double check turns out going only by the ad I bought an fq0009ca , not fq0010ca as ad stated. I don't think there is much difference.

[BarryMo67]

Just to keep the topic informed, base Models only have 1 RAM Slot on board, and as the AMD 3020e Supports 16GB you can run a single stick up to 16GB DDR4

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @BarryMo67,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're deep into optimizing your HP Laptop 14 series, and I can provide some guidance based on common configurations for the HP 14-fq0000 series.

• M.2 Slot Activation: It's true that many HP models with base configurations featuring eMMC storage, like the HP 14-fq0000 series, may have an inactive M.2 slot. This is typically due to missing connections or components on the motherboard, and in such cases, enabling the slot often requires hardware modifications (e.g., soldering missing connections), as you suspected. Unfortunately, unless HP specifically documents the slot as active for certain configurations, it likely isn’t supported in models sold with eMMC as the main storage.
• Upgrading WiFi Module for NVMe Adapter: Adapting the WiFi/BT slot for NVMe is innovative, but it may be tricky. Many laptops restrict the types of devices that can function in this slot, especially if the BIOS is designed to whitelist certain WiFi/BT modules. So, while it’s possible, compatibility can be hit or miss without confirmation that it has been done successfully on this model.
• RAM Upgrade and LCD Swap: You've confirmed the 16GB DDR4 RAM upgrade is compatible, and that's great for performance. Swapping out the LCD for a 1080p IPS panel should provide a nice visual boost as well, and it’s typically straightforward on HP laptops once you have the compatible panel and necessary tools.
• ZIF Connector for SATA SSD: If you’re considering using the ZIF connector to add SATA storage, you’re correct that this will require significant disassembly. Given the work involved and potential for damaging plastic clips or connectors, it might be wise to skip this, especially with the limited storage boost offered by a ZIF-connected drive.

Note:

For base models like yours (fq0009ca), the M.2 slot is often deactivated, and NVMe use is generally unsupported without a model that officially supports it. It sounds like you've maximized your laptop’s potential with the RAM and display upgrades, and unless you’re set on having more internal storage, it may be simpler to use a fast external drive if additional storage is needed.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[BarryMo67]

 Thank you for some very clear answers and information!! Sorry to ask but where the heck is the Kudos button as I would like to add that extra but maybe my browser is missing something....I'll keep searching till I find it.

 In any case I am leaning toward the M.2 (NGFF) NVME SSD to M2 A/E Key WIFI Port Adapter and NVME SSD, as I have experience with it and my other 2017 HP Stream 14 32GB eMMC model which was also BIOS locked to only Boot from eMMC. A Boot Manager is the work around, as like the Stream (with only the WIFI M.2), the Low End Laptops do not support M.2 Natively, So booting from a Bootable USB Thumb drive allows for Install/Initial Reboot/Set Up and first run of Windows. Once set up and running in Disk Management wipe the eMMC clean, repartition into 2 drives, 1 of 150MB 2nd the rest as Fat32 Storage (like built-in SD Card). Copy/Paste the Thumb Drive to the 150MB partition on the eMMC, then remove it's drive letter so it becomes like a system partition. The Laptop now boots from the eMMC ( as required by the BIOS so no 30F Error of "No Boot Device Found"), into the Boot Manager select Windows and away you go. The Boot manager provides a general driver for NVME drives to get under way. I have already tested my Thumb Drive which the BIOS sees as a Bootable device, so all should be a go.

 A quick video of the Stream Booting with this set-up 

2017 HP Stream Boots from eMMC (Manager) then to Windows. 

 Thank you again Alden4 , I will not forget to find the Kudos button. I do truly appreciate a straight clear answer!!! Many many Thanks!! 

[BarryMo67]

 Further Progress:

 A surprise for me, no Boot Manager needed at all. Using an Adapter to Key change the WIFI M.2, the SSD took the Install/Initial Reboot/Set Up with out the need for a Boot Manager.

C: Drive (Via Adapter in WIFI M.2) showing in HP Support Assistant:

 The Built in eMMC ( Now Wiped and Formatted as built in Extra Storage)

 Last Upgrade left is the change out of the 1366 x 768 LCD for a 1920 x 1080 IPS Display.

 Weirdly the HP Stream line has become version of IBM ThinkPad obsession and collection. As I am already shopping for another HP Stream to maybe tinker with as a Stream 11 Pro caught my eye a Black and Green model.