Upgrading HP-14-fq0008ca

[Sishke]

I would like to upgrade HP-14-fq0008ca's storage (HD) 64 GB eMMC to 250GB  M.2 SSD. I spoke to 'Crucial' representative  about their storage Crucial 250GB M.2 SSD  PCIe NVMe Gen 3 (2,100 MB/s Read, 1,150 MB/s Write)- CT250P2SSD8, and they said it is compatible with the HP-14-fq0008ca's hardware. Apparently the laptop has the slot that I can use to directly connect their drive after cloning it. 

- Where can I find layout of HP-14-fq0008ca with all slots inside the laptop ?

- What would be the order in a process setting new SSD and how how to change laptop to boot from it?

- Can the 64 GB eMMC be removed after upgrade or it has to stay?

Also, I would like to my upgrade my laptop with with 2 x 8GB DDR4-2666 SODIMM. is this okay?

Many thanks

[Huffer]

Unfortunately it appears that on your model with the eMMC module, it is soldered to the motherboard. Here is the Service Manual:

Manual 

Look at p. 17. There are two versions of the AMD 3020e motherboard. One has an embedded eMMC module. This is yours. Even if there is also an M.2 slot (not clear from the Manual) it will almost 100% be disabled as the eMMC will use that PCIe lane. 

The Manual says you have 2 memory slots with up to 16 gb compatibility for DDR4-3200 -2666 or -2400. Appears your model would run the memory at -2400. I would open it first before buying memory to be sure there are two slots. Often, the lower end units with the least capable processors will have a single slot. Even if you only have a single slot, it can take an 8 gb module to upgrade the 4 you have now. 

Post back with any other questions but please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[Sishke]

I guess, in order to install two NVMe drives, you would have to add a PCIe adater for the second NVMe drive, or have it done for the second drive on the main board by manufacture. I will let you know what is the outcome when I receive my parts.

BTW, Thanks for the manual and all responses.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

There is no such a thing as an adapter like you describe for a laptop. You could theoretically get a replacement motherboard but the cost of that would be about the same as a new laptop. Laptops have become more like cell phones: a fixed platform with components soldered in place. 

[Sishke]

Here is the situation with the laptop HP-14-fq0008ca :

1)  it has one and only one memory slot with probably up to 16 gb. I installed only 8 GB DDR4 2666MHz in that slot.

2) As Huffer said, it has physical slot for 250GB M.2 SSD  PCIe NVMe Gen 3 storage and when it is installed laptop resets back to default storage and doesn't see the added one. 

If anyone is interested to see how the motherboard looks, I will attach a couple of picture.

[BadBrucey]

I bought the same cheap laptop as you on and then went to Crucial and bought a 1TB M2 drive as they said it was compatible. Now I have to find another cheap laptop that I can put this in. Oh well. Live and learn. 🙂

[Sishke]

I returned mine. Didn't buy directly from them.

[Juan_David05]

I'm interested...

[Sishke]

[Sishke]

On the last picture you will see I tried to put new storage, and it was always restarted and got default one. And note that there is only one memory slot. I put 8GB, but I believe you can go with 16 gb ddr4-2666sodimm.