HP Pavilion x360 14m Upgrade

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through upgrading the HP Pavilion x360 14m laptop by adding 8GB of RAM and replacing the existing storage with a 1TB M.2 SSD. Upgrading your laptop can significantly enhance its performance, making it faster and more capable of handling demanding applications.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before starting the disassembly, ensure you have the following tools ready:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Plastic prying tool
• Anti-static wrist strap (optional but recommended)
• Tweezers (for handling small components)

Step 2: Remove the Keyboard and Palmrest

To access the internals of your laptop, you need to remove the keyboard and palmrest.

1. Turn off the Laptop: Disconnect from power and ensure it's completely powered down.
2. Remove Screws: Locate and unscrew the screws securing the palmrest.
3. Pry Open the Palmrest: Use a plastic prying tool to gently lift the palmrest from the laptop body.
4. Lift Off the Keyboard: Carefully detach the keyboard from the palmrest.

Step 3: Disconnect the Keyboard Cable

After removing the keyboard, proceed to disconnect the keyboard cable.

1. Locate the ZIF Connector: Identify the Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connector that secures the keyboard cable.
2. Release the Cable: Gently lift the locking tab and slide the cable out.

Step 4: Remove the Battery

Next, you will need to remove the battery to ensure safety while working on the motherboard.

1. Locate the Battery Connector: Find the battery connector on the motherboard.
2. Disconnect the Battery: Carefully unplug the battery connector.
3. Unscrew the Battery: Remove any screws holding the battery in place and lift it out.

Step 5: Disconnect Motherboard Cables

Once the battery is removed, disconnect any cables connected to the motherboard.

1. Identify Cables: Look for power and data cables linked to the motherboard.
2. Gently Disconnect: Carefully unplug each cable, ensuring not to damage any connectors.

Step 6: Remove the Motherboard

Now, you will remove the motherboard to access the RAM and storage slots.

1. Unscrew the Motherboard: Locate and remove all the screws securing the motherboard.
2. Lift the Motherboard: Gently lift the motherboard from the case, being mindful of any remaining connections.

Step 7: Upgrade RAM and Replace M.2 SSD

With the motherboard removed, you can proceed to upgrade the RAM and install the new SSD.

1. Locate RAM Slots: Identify the RAM slots on the motherboard.
2. Insert New RAM: Align the new 8GB RAM module and firmly press it into the slot until it clicks into place.
3. Remove Old SSD: Unscrew the existing SSD from its slot and slide it out.
4. Install New SSD: Insert the new 1TB M.2 SSD into the slot and secure it with the screw.

Step 8: Reassemble the Laptop

Now that the upgrades are complete, it’s time to reassemble your laptop.

1. Reattach the Motherboard: Place the motherboard back into the case and secure it with screws.
2. Reconnect Motherboard Cables: Plug back in all the cables you disconnected earlier.
3. Reinstall the Battery: Place the battery back and reconnect its cable.
4. Reconnect Keyboard: Slide the keyboard cable into the ZIF connector and secure it.
5. Attach the Palmrest: Align and press the palmrest back into place, securing it with screws.

Conclusion

Congratulations on upgrading your HP Pavilion x360 14m! You have successfully added 8GB of RAM and replaced the storage with a 1TB M.2 SSD. This upgrade should significantly improve your laptop's performance. As a next step, consider reinstalling the operating system or optimizing your system settings to fully utilize your new hardware.