Is it possible to upgrade this?

[PaulNeb86]

I bought a refurbished laptop. The SKU, which I'm pretty sure doesn't cross to any HP SKU is 4X379AVT#ABA-0231. The model number is HP NB 15z-ef. The serial number, which the HP site says is invalid, is TJ2335BD7V.

First thing is I'm not looking for warranty service. It's a refurb laptop. I doubt that there is any HP warranty left.

Second thing is that upgrades aren't covered by any warranty I am aware of, so spare me ANY further discussions about warranties.

Last thing is that the HP site will not give me ANY information because I don't have a valid HP serial number. That's why I'm on this site.

Anyways, there are three things I would like to upgrade on this laptop: The "hard disk", the amount of RAM, and the Wi-Fi connection. I'm fairly tech savvy, having built several desktops from scratch. Laptops can be a little trickier, but I'm certain it's withing my skill level. Sending the laptop to HP for them to do the work would be my LAST choice unless they are going to "sweeten the pot". Otherwise, I just feel like I'm spending premium dollars to have someone do work that I can do myself. (Harsh, but true.) 

Looking to hear something soon.

[NonSequitur777]

@PaulNeb86,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

You have come to the right place -I am on it.

You are correct: "4X379AVT " doesn't get us anywhere in HP PartSurfer:

Assuming your refurbished laptop is functional, please type in: system information in your lower search bar, and click on the System Information app.

Look to the right of: "System Model", "System SKU", and "BaseBoard Product", and please provide that information.

Btw, could it be this laptop model: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-laptop-15z-ef100-touch-optional-8ze47av-1?catalogId=10051&langI....

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[PaulNeb86]

Ok. From the Windows System Information app:

System Model is "HP Laptop 15-ef3xxx".

System SKU is the same 4X379AVT#ABA that doesn't get us anywhere.

BaseBoard Manufacturer is HP.

BaseBoard Product is 89FC.

BaseBoard Version is 12.17.

The HP System Information app just locks up when you try to use it.

Does that help?

[NonSequitur777]

@PaulNeb86,

Yes, that was very helpful indeed!

As it is unfolding, you purchased a rather unique HP laptop, with no more than four (4) (slightly) different models ever made:

Link: https://partsurfer.hp.com/?searchtext=15-ef3.

So, you could upgrade the RAM in your laptop up to 2 x 16GB of DDR4 PC4-25600, 3200 MHz, Non-ECC, SODIMM, 260-pin RAM sticks. If you are interested to do this, I can most definitely recommend this quality/affordable (less than $40!) Timetec dual rank (2Rx8) RAM kit: https://www.amazon.com/Timetec-DDR4-3200-PC4-25600-Unbuffered-Notebook/dp/B098TYN671/ref=sr_1_2?crid....

Personally, I would upgrade the primary (boot) drive with a high(er) quality M.2 NVMe SSD, such as the 1TB/2TB Crucial P3 Plus as seen here: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Plus-PCIe-NAND-5000MB/dp/B0B25NXWC7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1VV92NZECD3DN&dib....

The Ryzen 5 5625U processor is an integral part of your motherboard ('soldered in') with p/n: N05843-601 "MOTHERBOARD UMA Ryzen5 5625U WINDOWS" and can therefore not be upgraded.

Unfortunately, it appears that HP has not made available a service manual for your 15-ef3xxx model series at this moment in time.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[PaulNeb86]

Well, that's two of the three upgrades I was looking to do. The third one was the Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi 6. Any suggestions?

Honestly, having that Ryzen 5 under the hood is more than satisfying enough, although it does make it hard to use the laptop on AC power. Even with every power saving feature turned on, that 65W adapter just can't keep up. That wasn't something I was thinking could be upgraded.

[NonSequitur777]

@PaulNeb86,

Perhaps you do want to upgrade your 45-watt (at least that is what the stock charger's wattage is listed at) for a 90-watt Blue Tip 4.5mm x 3.0mm, 19.5V unit, such as this eBay purchase option: https://www.ebay.com/itm/156577668768?_skw=710413-001&itmmeta=01JKZ43FDC6CMC5G69R3J9NY4B&hash=item24....

Last, but not least:

Upgrading the Wi-Fi in your HP Laptop 15-ef3xxx to Wi-Fi 6 is possible, but there are a few key considerations:

Steps to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6:

1. Check the Current Wi-Fi Card

Your laptop likely comes with a Realtek RTL8821CE (Wi-Fi 5) or similar module. You can verify this by:

• Pressing Win + X → Device Manager → Network adapters
• Checking the installed Wi-Fi card model.

 

2. Find a Compatible Wi-Fi 6 Card:

Since the laptop uses an M.2 2230 Wi-Fi module, you need a Wi-Fi 6 (AX) module that is compatible with your system.

Recommended options:

• Intel AX200 (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1)
• Intel AX210 (Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3)
• Realtek RTL8852AE (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2)

🔹Note: Some HP laptops have a BIOS whitelist restricting certain Wi-Fi cards. However, this is usually not an issue with newer models.

 

3. Install the New Wi-Fi Card:

• Power down the laptop and disconnect the battery.
• Remove the back cover (you may need a precision screwdriver).
• Locate the Wi-Fi module (M.2 slot near the battery or motherboard edge).
• Carefully detach the antenna wires (note their positions).
• Unscrew and remove the old Wi-Fi card.
• Insert the new Wi-Fi 6 module and secure it with the screw.
• Reattach the antennas.
• Reassemble the laptop.

 

4. Install Drivers:

• Download and install the latest Intel or Realtek drivers from their official websites.

 

5. Verify the Upgrade:

• Go to Device Manager → Network adapters to ensure the new card is recognized.
• Connect to a Wi-Fi 6 router to test performance.

 

Alternative aka "Plan B": Use a USB Wi-Fi 6 Adapter:

If you don't want to open the laptop, you can use a USB Wi-Fi 6 adapter, such as:

• TP-Link Archer TX20U Plus (AX1800)
• ASUS USB-AX56

Yes, this would be a plug-and-play solution and is not as 'clean' as an internal upgrade.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[PaulNeb86]

Well, since I would be cracking open the case to upgrade the memory and HD, I would do the Wi-Fi at the same time. No sense opening the case twice. Thought on that. Should I replace the rubber strips on the bottom or should they be reusable?

As for the AC supply, after I saw that the stock brick was only 45W (How did that even work?), I double-checked and the one I have is indeed a 65W one, but it still seems lacking. That Ryzen 5 is a power-hungry beast, it seems. I'll look into buying a 90W brick. Can't hurt, I wouldn't think. (I hope.)

The cautions on the Wi-Fi card are duely noted as I have seen the issue you mention before while trying to upgrade the Wi-Fi on other HP laptops.

Thanks for all your help!

[NonSequitur777]

@PaulNeb86,

You're welcome!

The rubber strips should be reuseable, but that depends if they have 'weathered' or not, and/or lost their stickiness. Most of the time people end up replacing them.  Even when they haven't opened up their laptop, since these strips tend to degrade over time.  These strips are available via eBay and Amazon.

And no, a 90-watt, or a 150-watt etc. power charger will do no harm to your laptop, as long as you keep the voltage (19.5V) in mind and making sure you stick to the correct "blue tip" power plug.  Your laptop will only take the wattage it requires, and nothing more.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[PaulNeb86]

Hello again. First thing, I was able to find a service manual for the 15z fe3xxx series of laptops. I also ordered a 90W power supply, but eBay grabbed an old shipping address from my account, so it's in "cancel and reorder" state. Now for the questions.

Since there is only one slot for the SSD module, what method would you recommend to transfer the OS from the old module to the new one? I've got some ideas, like using Clonezilla on a USB stick (or two), but Windows being Windows figured asking before attempting to relocate the partition was a good idea.

Next question would be the WiFi module. The service manual I've found does list the Intel AX200 module as an "available upgrade", so I'll probably go with that unless there's some compelling reason to use the Intel AX210.

Last question(s) concerns the RAM and size of the SSD. The service manual I found only lists 4MB and 8MB modules, but what I bought was a 16MB module. It also only lists SSD's up to 512GB in size. Now my experience says 16MB RAM modules and a 1TB SSD should work. Your thoughts?

Again, thanks for all your help!

[NonSequitur777]

@PaulNeb86,

Your HP 15 Laptop PC 15-e3000 can be upgraded with up to 2 x 16GB of DDR4 PC4-25600, 3200 MHz, Non-ECC, SODIMM, 260-pin RAM sticks.

There is no capacity ceiling for your M.2 NVMe SSD. If you want to go with, say, a 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD, you are good to go.

Please note that your M.2 NVMe SSD slot is Gen3, meaning, a Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD will run at Gen3 I/O speeds.

Yes, in order to clone your existing M.2 drive, you'll need a USB to M.2 NVMe SSD adapter, such as this Amazon purchase example: https://www.amazon.com/ELUTENG-M-2-NVME-NGFF-Converter/dp/B0BJCYR1P7/ref=sr_1_14?crid=311S38MR01AOE&....

Install your new M.2 NVMe SSD in the adapter, plug it in one of your USB ports, and watch this instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RgI2kGCvjM&t=275s&ab_channel=PhazerTech.

Once you get to the: "Select a disk to clone to", you'll choose the new M.2 NVMe SSD which should show up as one (or only) of your go-to drive options.

Once cloned, power off, install the new M.2 drive where the old one is installed, and you should be good to go.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777