Switching out Omen Max 16 primary drive and thermal interface material (TIM)

[oMax16-25]

Hello HP support team

The primary NVME drive is located under a heat pipe 😔. If one wanted to upgrade this drive, it appears that the heat pipe/ heat sink assembly would also need to be removed - correct ? I know there is a second slot available but wanted more capacity for content creation ie 8TB (4TB x 2). And it both slots are occupied, will the drives operate at gen-4 speeds?

If the heat pipe/sink assembly needs to be removed to upgrade the primary drive, then surely the thermal material would need to be reapplied to the CPU and GPU - correct?

If so, can you please confirm which thermal compound is being used for the. Omen Max 16 2025 model. For example is it Honeywell PTM 7950 and is it using a pad or paste?

Lastly some other asks:

1) Can you please put back the HP service video on YouTube for the Omen Max. It was super helpful. But it  now requires an authorized user sign-in to view it. 

2) @HP Omen Product development team - great upgrade for the 2025 Omen! As a long time HP user, it’s almost the perfect laptop and is well made.

If I may, can you also please consider

A) upgrading the drives easier than this. Likewise for the WiFi card. The Lenovo Legion is super easy to access things like this and without removing the heat pipe/sink assembly.

B) making the Omen 2026 port layout and power socket on the sides like the Omen 2024 model? This was perfect IMHO. Lenovo this year went back to the sides. Asus port layout also on the sides. 

C) having an Omen branded dock. The Elitebook from years ago had an amazing dock and had every port one would wish to have. 

Thank you in advance.

[Garp_senchau]

@oMax16-25, Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're stoked to have you on board! 

To help us get started on resolving your issue, could you please share your HP unit's product number with us? 

Need help finding your product number? We've got you covered! Check out this handy guide:  Click here

We're looking forward to helping you get back up and running! 

Regards, 

[oMax16-25]

Hi Garp

Thank you for your response. 

Product # B64BNUA#ABA

And here is the link from the HP store:

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/omen-max-gaming-laptop-16-ah0097nr?jumpid=ma_hp-gaming_product-til...

Appreciate your help. 

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @oMax16-25,

Thank you for your response

Memory modules 

To remove the memory modules, use this procedure and illustration.

Before removing the memory, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the computer for disassembly (see Preparation for disassembly on page 33).
2. Remove the bottom cover (see {Xref Error! Target does not exist.}).
3. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board (see Removing and reinstalling the same 
battery on page 36).
If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing memory module:
1. Lift the protective cover (1) from the memory modules.
2. Spread the two retention clips (2) outward until the memory module tilts up, and then remove the 
module (3). Use the same procedure to remove all memory modules.

Drive Configuration 

Primary storage M.2 solid-state drive (2280, NVMe)
2 TB, PCIe-4 × 4, three-layer cell (TLC)
1 TB, PCIe-4 × 4, TLC
1 TB, PCIe-5 × 4, TLC
1 TB, PCIe-4 × 4
2 × 512 GB, PCIe-4 × 4
512 GB, PCIe-4 × 4

Reference: Maintenance and Service Guide OMEN MAX 16 inch Gaming Laptop PC Model number: 16-ah0xxx

Thank you sincerely for your detailed feedback and suggestions. We genuinely appreciate users like you who take the time to share thoughtful, constructive ideas based on real-world experience. Your input helps us continue improving the Omen product line for all creators, gamers, and professionals.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,

[Omen-max16-Dale]

I have the same question and was wondering if you ever found out what type of thermal compound they are using in the new Omen Max 16 (a new cryo compound of some sort).  I also want to upgrade the primary SSD.  Thanks!

[Garp_senchau]

@oMax16-25, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

I kindly suggest you refer to the Maintenance and Service Guide: Maintenance and Service Guide OMEN MAX 16 inch Gaming Laptop PC Model number: 16-ah0xxx

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,

[oMax16-25]

Hi Garp

Appreciate you explaining how to swap out the memory modules. 

I would also appreciate clarity on the other questions in my initial post:

1) thermal compound used in the Omen Max 16 2025

2) replacing the primary ssd, instructions. And if when doing this, whether or not if the thermal compound needs to be reapplied to the CPU and/or the GPU

3) replacing the WiFi card with instructions and again same question for the thermal compound reapplication 

Additional new question. 

A) CPU can hit 105C during heavy gaming! Is there anyway to under volt the CPU either from the bios or the Omen control panel to have lower overall temperatures. Don’t mind losing some FPS’ to help longevity of the laptop. 

Thanks again

Om16-25

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @oMax16-25,

Thank you for your response

Thermal Compound

We recommend using a high-quality thermal paste of your choice.

When you remove the heat sink to upgrade the SSD, you will need to reapply thermal paste to the CPU/GPU.

Upgrading the Primary SSD

I suggest you refer to the guide: Maintenance and Service Guide OMEN MAX 16 inch Gaming Laptop PC Model number: 16-ah0xxx

Replacing the WiFi Card

Replacing the WiFi card does not require reapplying thermal paste, because it doesn’t affect the CPU/GPU cooling.

High CPU Temperatures (105°C)

Check Omen Command Center for options to lower the CPU voltage.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,

[oMax16-25]

Hi Garp

Regarding use of any 3rd party thermal compound, presents risks of thermal and performance. HP claims it has developed a hybrid Liquid Metal and traditional TIM compound that is being used in the Omen Max 16 (2025). Can HP sell this compound directly to consumers?

Replacing the primary ssd in the HP service guide for the Omen Max 16 (2025) is not recommended i.e. a user has to take it to an authorized HP repair center. Why? Does it have to do with the special HP hybrid TIM or something else?

I believe the 2025 Omen Max 16 is the best one so far but has missed the mark in terms of user service upgradability wrt the primary ssd and WiFi card. There is too much surgery involved to do this. And worse is the reapplication of the TIM to the CPU/GPU if the primary ssd is replaced. 

Thanks again and eagerly awaiting your response. 
Om16_25

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @oMax16-25,

Thank yoiu for your response

HP has indeed developed a proprietary hybrid thermal compound 

At this time, HP does not offer this compound for direct sale to end users. 

Why is replacing the primary SSD not considered a user-serviceable task?

While HP supports user-upgradeable components where practical, the primary SSD in the OMEN Max 16 is located in a thermally sensitive zone, often beneath or adjacent to key cooling components. Accessing it may require removal or disassembly of the heat sink assembly that covers the CPU/GPU.

This introduces two risks:

Thermal Compound Integrity

System Warranty and Structural Integrity
The repair and reassembly steps involve delicate components — including shielding, thermal pads, and torque-calibrated screws. HP recommends this be handled by an authorized service provider to prevent unintentional damage.

Your Feedback Matters

We hear your concerns on user serviceability — particularly around the SSD and Wi-Fi module. As we continue to refine our designs, user upgradability remains an active area of focus, and feedback like yours helps guide future iterations.

 I suggest you reach out to the nearest HP Authorised service center for personalized assistance. They can provide one-on-one help to fix the problem.

Note: There might be a nominal charge for the service they provide.

HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support

Regards,