Upgrade options for HP Pavilion g4-2149se Notebook PC

[tainted_tulip]

I am wanting to upgrade my RAM and hard drive for my notebook.  I was wanting to know if this is even possible with this "obsolete" laptop I have.   IF it is, then I need guidance on all that I need to accomplish this including what new drivers/software it would take to accomplish this.  

[Huffer]

It is possible but truthfully most people who inquire into this never actually go through with the project. Your laptop would take 8 gigs of RAM rather than the 4 you have, but you have 2 x 2 gig modules so you would have to toss them and get 2 x 4 and that would cost maybe $70. You could install a solid state drive but that would be maybe $100 for a 256 gig SSD and about $150 for a 512 gig. The processor can be upgraded to an AMD A10-4600M which would also provide an upgrade to the video since it is an APU system with the video chip built right into the processor. This would upgrade the laptop to its highest and best configuration. 

The processor would be maybe $60 used. If you can do the labor yourself you are into it maybe $250 +/-. If you have to pay a tech figure more like $400, which would be insane with new laptops at or not much more than that cost. 

Manual

Post back if you want to go forward and click "Accept as Solution" if your question is answered to make it easier for others to find on the internet. 

[tainted_tulip]

I’m pretty stubborn (😂😂) so I will actually do it. I also enjoy doing things like this, but I’m more familiar with 100k + laboratory machinery than I am with computers. Can you explain what a gig module is? Is this a housing compartment for the SSD? Do you happen to have a link to where I can buy these parts and what about compatibility issues? I basically need a list of what I need to buy and where (or roughly) to buy them. As far as the software and OS (I have recently gotten Windows 10) what happens to all of that?

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

You are going to completely disassemble a computer and I have to explain to you what a memory module is? OK, here we go:

You need a pair of these:

Memory modules (two, DDR3-1600 MHz, PC3-12800): ● 4 GB Memory modules (two, DDR3-1600 MHz, PC3-12800): ● 4 GB 641369-001

https://www.amazon.com/HP-641369-001-1600Mhz-PC3-12800-memory/dp/B008L325TW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1...

You need an SSD:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E500B-AM/dp/B00OBRE5UE/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8...

That link lets you choose either a 256 or 512 gig version of the SSD based on your budget. 

Lastly, the CPU/APU:

https://www.amazon.com/AMD-A10-4600M-Quad-Core-Processor-AM4600DEC4/dp/B01CI0L0M6/ref=sr_1_17?s=elec...

I think we found good prices on all 3 of these.

I linked you to the Service Manual. You will need to reinstall Windows onto the SSD. Several ways to do it. WIndows 10 is the easiest and we can walk you through cloning, backup and restore or new clean install of which I like the latter option best. 

Post back with any more questions and give it a "Solution" if it answered your inquiry so other can find it on the internet. 

[tainted_tulip]

Thanks for your help. And we all start somewhere right? Not sure if your initial comment is to condescend or to initiate a positive experience. Going with the latter just for fun. I would rather mess with this sort of thing using an older laptop.

[tainted_tulip]

Would I need a hard drive adapter cable to transfer files to the SSD beforehand?

[Huffer]

Depends on how we choose to do it. Clean install; no. Clone, yes. Backup and recovery you need an external hard drive. 

Forgive my observation it was just an attempt at bad humor. We are going to get you through this. If you are used to disassembling any electronics and can read and follow a manual this is going to be a piece of cake for you. 

[tainted_tulip]

I have a seagate external 1TB drive that I can use for my backup.

[Huffer]

Windows 7 or higher you can use the native Windows backup tool to make a complete backup of the hard drive with a system image and that can be used to reinstall to the new SSD and all your files and apps will be intact. 

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3011736/windows/how-to-create-an-image-backup-in-windows-10-and-rest...

Use the 1 TB external to store the backup. 

[tainted_tulip]

Do I need the SSD mounting bracket?