How to Upgrade Storage and RAM on HP Laptops for Linux Compatibility

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Are you wondering how to upgrade your HP laptops to improve performance or add more storage? Here’s a simple guide to help you understand your options for two specific models and what you need to consider.

First, let’s look at the HP 15-bs036nl. This laptop currently has 8 GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive with about 90 GB free. You plan to install Linux Mint to give it a second life and make it run more smoothly. To do this, you need to know about upgrading the storage and RAM.

Check if your laptop has an extra slot for an SSD. Some laptops have a special M.2 slot separate from the main hard drive bay, while others do not. Look for the internal layout in the user manual or service guide – it will tell you if an M.2 slot exists and what type of SSD is compatible.

If there is a second slot, it’s usually an M.2 slot that supports SATA or NVMe SSDs. The size could be 2280 (which is common), so make sure the SSD you buy fits this size. If your laptop doesn’t have a second slot, you’ll need to replace the existing 2.5-inch HDD with a larger or faster SATA SSD. These are usually compatible as long as they are standard 2.5-inch SATA drives and you have the right connector and mounting option.

Regarding RAM, find out how many RAM slots are available on this model. Many HP laptops allow you to upgrade RAM slots easily, but some might have the RAM soldered directly to the motherboard. Check the official specs or open the back panel safely to see if there’s an extra slot available. Increasing RAM can boost Linux performance, especially if you upgrade from 8GB to 16GB or more. Make sure to get the correct type, generally DDR4, and the right speed, often DDR4-2400 or DDR4-2666.

Before you buy parts, check for any BIOS restrictions or known issues with upgrades on your specific model. Some models have BIOS whitelists that only allow certain brands or sizes of SSDs, so confirming compatibility is essential.

Now, for the second laptop, the HP 15-e3000 (or 15s-eq3028nl), which currently has a 512 GB SSD, 16 GB of RAM, and runs at about 2.0 GHz. You’re interested in boosting its performance but don’t plan to install Linux.

First, determine if this model has an extra internal slot for an SSD. Some HP laptops have the storage soldered or limited to one internal drive, while others include an additional M.2 slot. Check the user manual or open the laptop carefully to see if there’s an available slot and what type of SSD it requires.

If there’s no extra slot, you can replace the existing SSD with a larger or faster model. Most HP laptops support standard 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or M.2 NVMe SSDs, but it’s crucial to verify the exact interface your device supports.

When it comes to RAM, see how many slots are available. Many models have one or two RAM slots, often accessible by removing a panel. Upgrading the RAM beyond 16 GB depends on the motherboard’s maximum supported capacity. Check the specifications to see what’s supported—adding more RAM can help speed up general tasks and multitasking.

Finally, always review any model-specific warnings. Some laptops have BIOS restrictions or other limitations that could prevent compatibility with certain parts. Confirming part numbers or checking the service manual helps ensure you buy compatible parts.

In general, gathering details like the internal layout, specific part models, and user-accessible upgrade points is really helpful. If you can find example parts such as “2.5-inch SATA SSD model X” or “M.2 NVMe model Y,” or RAM like “DDR4-3200 8GB SODIMM,” it makes your upgrade process much smoother.

Remember, upgrading your laptop involves some simple disassembly, so proceed carefully. Still, with the right parts and information, you can extend the life and boost the performance of your HP laptops easily. Good luck with your upgrades!