Memory and other Upgrades for HP 15-da00014dx

[Coover_R]

I recently purchased a Laptop, an HP 15-da0014dx. It was configured as manufactured, i5-8250U, 12 GB DDR4-2400 (1 x 4 GB, 1 X8 GB), and a 128 GB SSD. It is in good condition. It is a little slow, the CPU being quite average among CPUs available at this time (UserBenchmark indicates that it is the 673rd fastest CPU of 1404 commonly available), but I suspect that the CPU is welded in, so no upgrade is available. I realize that I could possibly upgrade the 128 GB SSD  with something larger, replacing the 2.5" SSD, or even adding an m.2 SSD, but the easiest upgrade would be the memory. I understand that this laptop can be upgraded to as much as 32 GB memory, but I suspect that that amount would probably not help much over simply replacing the 4 GB memory stick with an 8 GB memory stick. But even that may be overkill ...

Question: Will going from 12 GB memory to 16 GB memory do much, or would I be just spending money for virtually no gain? And is the CPU welded to the motherboard and not replacable by another 8th Generation Laptop CPU? I assume the hard drive can be easily upgraded with either a bigger 2.5" SSD or a m.2 SSD. 

Finally, I see that to open the machine, I must remove the 2 rubber strips on the bottom to get to 10 screws. If I remove the strips, are they easy to replace back on the machine later after repairs or updates have been made? 

Thank you for reading this and for your replies. Your replies will be appreciated. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I recommend that you replace the 4 GB memory chip with an 8 GB memory chip because the memory will run in the better performing dual channel mode rather than the single channel mode it is running in now.

The processor is an integral part of the motherboard and cannot be upgraded unless you replace the motherboard with one listed in chapter 3 of your notebook's service manual that may come with a better processor.

Very costly to do, and not worth the return on investment.

You can replace the 128 GB SATA SSD with a faster performing NVMe SSD as the M.2 slot supports both types of drives.

You can also upgrade the single band Wi-Fi adapter with the RTL8821CE dual band AC Wi-Fi adapter if you want.

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1×1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported)     L17365-005

You can find the above model wifi card on eBay.  Search by the HP part number.

I wouldn't be able to answer your question regarding how easily or well the rubber strips will go back on.

I recommend you follow the procedure listed in the service manual and watch the service videos to minimize any issues with disassembly/reassembly.

Buy a set of notebook pry tools which will also help.

HP 15 Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide

Removing & Replacing Parts | HP 250 G7 Notebook PC | HP Computer Service | @HPSupport - YouTube

[Coover_R]

Thank you, Paul, for your very detailed reply. It was much more than I expected and I shall do as you have suggested. Again, thank you very much.

And, hopefully, somebody will have information on the Rubber Strips, whether or not there is a problem replacing them on the laptop. I really do not want to glue them down (if I am able to get them off without ripping them in the first place). 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I imagine that if you use one of the tools that are usually included in the notebook pry kit and carefully slide it under one end of the rubber strip you will be able to gently lift it from the plastic bottom cover to expose the screws.

I have the same model notebook with an AMD processor and if you look at where the screws are placed as shown in the video, you may be able to leave the middle part of the rubber foot strip affixed to the bottom cover.

Probably the less you pull on the rubber foot to minimize stretching or tearing it, you should be able to press it back down in place.

This video actually shows the guy removing the rubber foot strips.

You can see how he is rather forceful on yanking up the one strip and he broke it around 2 inches from the left side.

HP 250/255 G7 - DDR4 RAM Memory Upgrade Guide - 6BN96EA - YouTube

Here's one where the guy got both of the strips off intact with relative ease.

Note where he temporarily placed them.

How to upgrade memory at HP 250 G7 - YouTube

This is the type of notebook pry kit that I was referring to.

Amazon.com: Kaisi Professional Electronics Opening Pry Tool Repair Kit with Metal Spudger Non-Abrasi...

[Coover_R]

Thanks, again, Paul. I shall purchase such a kit as you suggested.