In this guide I explain how to disassemble an HP Pavilion 15-ec series gaming laptop. In this particular case I’m taking apart an HP Pavilion 15-ec-0751ms model.

All disassembly steps should be identical or very similar for the following models:
– 15-ec0013dx, 15-ec0095nr, 15-ec0043ax, 15-ec0035au, 15-ec0001ca, 15-ec0079ax
– 15-ec1010nr, 15-ec1073dx, 15-ec1023ax, 15-ec1512ax, 15-ec1050ax, 15-ec1023ax
– 15-ec2121nr, 15-ec2021nr, 15-ec2097nr, 15-ec2150ax, 15-ec2008ax, 15-ec2004ax, 15-ec2146ax, 15-ec2145ax, 15-ec2075ax, 15-ec2076ax
– and many more models…

For this disassembly I’ll be using these tools: PH0 Phillips screwdriver, case opener tool, tweezers.

Bottom cover removal

Remove four long screws from the top and three short screws from the bottom.

Insert a case opener tool between the bottom cover and the palmrest assembly. Pry up the bottom cover.

Continue removing the bottom cover with your hands.

Battery removal and replacement

Remove four screws holding the battery in place.

Unplug the battery cable from the connector on the motherboard.

Remove the battery.

If you need to replace the battery, you can find a replacement using this model number PG03XL or HP spare part number L48495-005. Use genuine HP battery if possible.

Hard drive removal and replacement

Let’s start the hard drive removal with releasing the SATA cable.

Here’s how to disconnect the connector and release the hard drive cable. Lift up the right side of the connector (red arrow) to unlock it. After that lift up and remove the cable (yellow arrow).

Remove three screws holding the hard drive in place.

Remove the hard drive.

In this particular laptop there was no real hard drive installed, it was just a place holder.

When you install a real drive instead, you’ll have to transfer the SATA cable and mounting brackets to the new drive.

You can use any 2.5″ SATA hard drive here, preferable a solid state drive.

Memory removal and replacement

HP Pavilion 15-ec-0751ms laptop has two memory (RAM) slots but only one memory module installed.

This model can handle up to 32GB RAM (2x16GB modules) total. You should use DDR4-3200 memory modules.

This laptop can run in dual-channel memory mode which is more efficient and faster than single channel. In order to run in in dual-channel you need to install identical size and speed RAM modules in both slots.

SSD removal and replacement

Remove one screw securing the solid state drive (SSD) and the heatsink. Pull the SSD out.

Carefully separate the SSD from the heatsink. It might be necessary to apply some reasonable force is the drive got stuck to the heatsink.

Now you can replace the SSD with a new one if necessary.

This laptop uses M.2 PCIe NVMe Gen3 SSD.

Cooling fans removal and replacement

Remove five screws holding both cooling fans in place.

Un-route cables from the left and right sides of the fans.

Disconnect fans cables from the motherboard.

Remove the left fan first. After that remove the right fan.

The left fan and the right fan are identical and interchangeable.

Here’s HP spare part number for the fan: L77560-001.

DC jack removal and replacement

The power connector (DC jack) is mounted under the display hinge. Remove three screw securing the hinge.

Open the hinge as it shown on the picture.

Unplug the DC jack cable from the motherboard.

Remove and replace the DC jack harness if necessary.

Here’s HP part number for the replacement DC jack harness: L71031-Y14.

Other internal components removal

The left USB port is located on a separate board which can be easily removed and replaced. This board is secured in place by two screws.

The wireless card is replaceable. Simply remove one screws and disconnect two antenna cables. After that you can remove the wireless card.

The touchpad is secured to the palmrest assembly by six screws.

The keyboard in HP Pavilion 15-ec series laptop is permanently riveted to the palmrest assembly.

In this guide I will be taking apart an HP Spectre x360 Convertible 13t-aw000 laptop. You can use this guide for replacing or upgrading the SSD, replacing the battery, cleaning or replacing the cooling fans and accessing other internal laptop components.

All disassembly steps will be identical or very similar for HP Spectre x360 13t-aw100 and 13t-aw200 models.

HP Spectre x360 Convertible 13t-aw000 design highlights:
– This model supports one M.2 PCIe NVMe solid state drive.
– Memory is not removable. It’s permanently soldered to the motherboard.
– The wireless card is not removable – also soldered.
– Both cooling fans are permanently attached to the heatsink.

For this disassembly process you will need these essential tools: T5 Torx screwdriver, PH0 Phillips screwdriver, fine tweezers and case opener tool (optional).

Bottom cover removal

There are four screws hidden under the upper bottom cover foot. Remove the foot, it’s attached to the cover with adhesive tape.

Remove four Phillips screws and two Torx screws.

Start separating the bottom cover from the rest of the laptop using a case opener tool. It might be necessary to wiggle to cover in order to release hidden latches holding it in place.

Remove the bottom cover.

Battery removal and replacement

Remove six screws holding the battery in place.

Lift up the battery and disconnect the cable from the motherboard.

You can find a new replacement battery using the HP spare part number L60373-005 or battery model number RR04XL. I recommend using genuine HP batteries.

SSD removal and replacement

In this laptop the solid state drive (SSD) is hidden under the metal cover.

Lift up and remove the SSD cover.

Remove one screw securing the SSD.

Pull SSD out of the slot to remove it.

HP Spectre x360 13t-aw000 supports M.2 PCIe NVMe Gen3 SSD type 2280.

Cooling fans removal and replacement

In this laptop both cooling fans are permanently attached to the heatsink. If one of the fans failed, it’s necessary to replace the entire heatsink assembly.

Peel off the black mylar cover.

Both fan cable connectors are secured by clear plexiglass covers.

Peel off plexiglass covers from both connectors. There is adhesive tape holding it in place.

In order to disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard carefully lift up the connector.

Disconnect the second fan cable.

Peel off clear plexiglass cover securing the wireless card antenna cables.

Disconnect both antenna cables from the wireless card. Gently lift up each connector to unsnap it from the wireless card.

Be very careful. In this laptop the wireless card is permanently attached to the motherboard and cannot be replaced if damaged.

Separate both antenna cables from the guided path on the side of the fan.

Remove eight screws attaching the cooling fan assembly to the motherboard.

Remove the fan/heatsink assembly.

You can find a new cooling fan assembly using this HP part number: L77388-001.

Here’s the other side of the assembly.

Don’t forget to clean up the processor and apply new thermal grease before installing the fan/heatsink assembly back in place.

Now you can access all other internal laptop components.

In this guide I show how to disassemble an HP Pavilion 15-dk series laptop.

All disassembly steps should be identical or very similar for the following HP Pavilion gaming laptops:
– 15-dk0056wm, 15-dk0068wm, 15-dk0096wm, 15-dk0055nr, 15-dk0051wm, 15-dk0056nr
– 15-dk1045tg, 15-dk1056wm, 15-dk1035nr, 15-dk1514tx, 15-dk1006na
– 15-dk2097nr, 15-dk2095tx, 15-dk2096tx, 15-dk2076tx, 15-dk2012tx, 15-dk2100tx, 15-dk2075tx
and many other 15-dk configurations…

HP Pavilion 15-dk series design highlights:
– This model supports two hard drives – 2.5″ HDD and M.2 NVMe SSD.
– There are two memory (RAM) slots which is very convenient for RAM upgrade.
– Both cooling fans are attached to the heatsink but they are removable.
– DC power jack is not soldered to the motherboard and can be easily replaced.

For this disassembly you will need the following tools: PH0/PH1 Phillips screwdriver, fine tweezers and case opener tool.

Bottom cover removal

Remove seven screws holding the bottom cover.

Using a case opener tool (or something similar), start separating the bottom cover from the rest of the laptop.

Continue removing the bottom cover with your fingers.

I found it easier to remove the bottom cover if you start working from the back side of the laptop.

Battery removal and replacement

Remove four screws attaching the battery to the laptop case.

Unplug the battery cable from the connector on the motherboard.

Carefully remove the battery.

Attention. One of the battery screw mounts (circled in yellow) is located under the memory module. Probably it’s better to remove the memory module first just in case or just pay attention while removing the battery.

If you need to replace the battery, you can find replacement using HP spare part number L48495-005 or battery model number PG03XL. I recommend using genuine HP battery.

Memory removal and replacement

As I mentioned earlier, this laptop has two memory (RAM) slots. This particular laptop was configured with just one 8GB DDR4 PC4-2666 SoDIMM module.

HP Pavilion 15-dk series laptop can be upgraded to 64GB (2x32GB) RAM. You can use DDR4-2666 SoDIMM or DDR4-3200 SoDIIM modules.

I recommend using two identical RAM modules in both slots so it operates in more efficient dual channel mode.

Hard drive removal and replacement

Let’s start with the regular 2.5″ SATA hard drive (HDD).

Even though in this particular laptop I had a dummy HDD placeholder installed, the removal steps will be identical for a real HDD.

Remove three screws attaching holding the HDD brackets and disconnect the SATA cable from the motherboard.

In order to release the SATA cable it is necessary to unlock the connector first. Lift up the locking tab (red arrow) to unlock the connector.

Remove the 2.5″ SATA hard drive (dummy placeholder in my case).

If you want to install a real hard drive instead, it is necessary to transfer the SATA cable and both mounting brackets to the new drive.

Here you can use any third party 2.5 SATA hard drive or preferably solid state drive.

SSD removal and replacement

The sold state drive is mounted under the aluminum cover. Remove one screw holding the cover and the SSD in place.

Remove the SSD cover.

Pull the SSD out of the slot and remove it.

HP Pavilion 15-dk series laptop uses M.2 PCIe NVMe solid state drive type 2280.

In this laptop we have 256GB Intel PCI-Express 3.0 x4 NVMe SSD model: HBRPEKNX0101AH.

Cooling fans removal and replacement

In order to remove the cooling fans it’s necessary to remove the entire heatsink assembly. Both fans are attached to the heatsink.

Let’s start disassembly with the right side (it’s the right side when the keyboard is facing up).

Remove three screws securing the right hinge cover.

Remove the right hinge cover.

Remove three screw securing the right hinge bracket.

Remove the right bracket.

Remove three screws from the left hinge cover.

Remove the left hinge cover.

Here’s HP part number for the left and right hinge covers: L56911-001.

Remove three screws from the left hinge bracket.

Remove the left bracket.

Remove seven screws attaching the heatsink assembly to the motherboard.

There are a few cables routed on the left and side sides of the fan.

Separate the DC jack cable, speaker cable and wireless antenna cables from the fan (yellow arrows).

Disconnect the right fan cable from the motherboard (red arrow).

Separate the display cable from the fan (yellow arrow). Disconnect the left fan cable from the motherboard.

Carefully lift up the heatsink assembly to separate it from the CPU and GPU chips.

Remove the heatsink assembly from the laptop.

Here’s the picture of the other side of the heatsink assembly.

Remove five screw attaching the right fan to the heatsink.

Now you can remove the right fan.

Remove four screws from the left fan and remove the fan.

Now you can clean up the heatsink and replace fans if necessary.

You can find replacement fans if you make a search using this HP spare part number: L56900-001.

DC jack cable removal and replacement

In HP Pavilion 15-dk series laptop the DC jack is attached to a cable and can be removed/replaced without desoldering.

Remove one screw from the metal bracket holding the DC jack in place.

Remove one screw from the USB/audio board.

Remove the DC jack bracket.

Move the USB/audio board aside. Lift up and remove the DC jack cable (power connector cable).

Here’s part number for the DC jack cable: L56904-001.

In this guide I explain how to disassemble an HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 laptop.

HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 design highlights:
– The laptop supports only one PCIe NVMe solid state drive.
– There are two memory slots with maximum of 64GB RAM supported.
– The cooling fan is easily accessible and removable.

The disassembly process is very simple and you will need just a Phillips screwdriver and optional tweezers.

Bottom cover removal

There are five screws securing the bottom cover. These are captive screws and you cannot remove them completely. When you unscrews these screws they will remain attached to the cover.

Start removing the bottom cover from the laptop on the back side around the display hinges area.

Remove the bottom cover completely.

Battery removal

Remove four screws securing the battery.

Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard. Simply pull the cable connector out in the shown direction.

Remove the battery and replace it if necessary.

If you need to find a replacement battery you can search using the model number CC03XL or HP spare part number L77991-005.

Solid state drive removal

HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 laptop supports only one internal storage drive. This is PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 solid state drive (SSD).

Remove one screw securing the SSD.

Pull the SSD out to remove it.

Memory removal

HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 laptop has two memory (RAM) slots. The slots are hidden under the metal cover.

The laptop can support up to 64GB (2x32GB) RAM total. From the factory it’s configured with DDR4-2666 memory. It’s possible to use DDR4-3200 as it’s backward compatible.

In order to access RAM slots you’ll have to pry up and remove the metal cover.

Now you can access and remove the memory module if necessary.

When you upgrade RAM, install identical memory modules in both slots so they run in more efficient dual-channel mode.

Cooling fan removal

Remove three screws securing the cooling fan.

Un-route the speaker cable from the left side of the fan.
Un-route the display cable and both wireless antenna cables from the right side of the fan.

Disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.

Remove the fan. Now you can clean the fan or replace it if necessary.

Here’s a picture of the other side.

Fan model: Sunon EG75050S1-1C021-S9A.

Wireless card removal

Before removing the wireless card it’s necessary to disconnect antenna cables.

Lift up each antenna cable to detach them from the wireless card. Remove one screw securing the card.

Now you can pull the wireless card out.

This wireless card has HP spare part number L92724-005. This is Intel Dual Band 802.11ac 2.4Gbps WiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Card model AX201NGW.

Today I show how to disassemble an HP 15-dw series laptop. In this particular case I am taking apart an HP model 15-dw2025cl.

The same instructions cab be applied to the following models:
HP 15-dw0081wm, 15-dw0083wm, 15dw-0037wm, 15dw-0038wm, 15-dw0043dx
HP 15-dw1033dx, 15-dw1083wm, 15-dw1081wm, 15-dw1001wm, 15dw-1032nr, 15-dw1032nr, 15-dw1033dx
HP 15-dw2048nr, 15-dw2063st, 15-dw2025od, 15-dw2076cl, 15-dw2065st, 15-dw2658cl, 15-dw2057cl
HP 15-dw3033dx, 15-dw3058cl, 15-dw3053dx, 15-dw3225od, 15-dw3035cl, 15-dw3365st, 15-dw3045cl, 15-dw3363st
and some other models in HP-15dw series laptops.

For this disassembly you will need a PH1/PH0 Phillips screwdriver, case opener and fine twitters – main tools in my toolbox.

Bottom cover removal

The bottom cover is secured by six Phillips screws. Four of the screws are hidden under the upper rubber foot.

The upper rubber foot is secured in place by adhesive tape. Lift up the foot to separate it from the bottom cover. Remove the foot.

Remove all six screws securing the bottom cover.

Insert a case opener tool between the top case and the bottom cover. Move the case opener along the side of the laptop and start separating the bottom cover from the top case.

Remove the bottom cover.

With the bottom cover removed you can access all main internal components of the laptop. Let’s remove them one by one.

Battery removal and replacement

Remove four screws securing the battery.

Lift up the battery to disconnect it from the motherboard.

If you need to replace the battery, you can find a new one using the model number HT03XL.

Memory (RAM) removal and replacement

HP 15-dw series laptop has two memory slots. Maximum memory that this laptop can handle is 32GB (2x16GB modules).

If you need to replace or upgrade RAM, you can use DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666 or DDR4-3200 RAM modules. Just make that both RAM modules are identical size and speed so it operates in dual channel mode.

This is the preferred way to install memory as it runs at a better performing rate than when it is in single channel mode.

Spread two metal latches securing the RAM module. Pull the memory module out of the slot.

SSD/HDD removal and replacement

This laptop has one PCIe slot for а NVMe solid state drive. The SSD is secured by one screw.

After you remove the screen, you can pull the SSD out.

Some HP 15-dw models might be configured with a regular 2.5″ SATA hard drive instead of PCIe NVMe SSD.

If you have a regular 2.5″ SATA HDD installed, I strongly advise upgrading to NVMe SSD.

NVMe SSD is much faster, silent and energy efficient (improved battery life). Any third party NVMe SSD like Samsung, Western Digital or Crucial should work with no problem.

Cooling fan removal and replacement

The cooling fan is mounted under the USB board cable. In order to remove the cooling fan it is necessary to disconnect this cable from the motherboard.

Carefully lift up the connector locking tab (red arrow). The locking tab will open up and a 90-degree angle.

Now you can pull the USB board cable from the connector (yellow arrow).

Move the USB board cable aside and remove one screw securing the fan.

Lift up the fan and disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.

Now you can remove the cooling fan and replace it with a new one if necessary.

You can search for a new fan using the part number from the original one: L52034-001

Wireless card removal and replacement

Disconnect one antenna cable from the wireless card. In order to detach the cable from the wireless card you need to lift up the golden connector. It will unsnap from the card. Remove one screw securing the card.

Now you can pull the wireless card out of the slot.

You can find a new replacement wireless card using this part number: L17365-005

DC power jack removal and replacement

The DC jack cable is routed under the USB board so it has to be removed first.

Remove two screws securing the USB board.

Remove the USB board.

Un-route the DC jack cable and the wireless antenna cable from the guide path on the side of the speaker.

Remove two screws securing the display hinge.

Open up the display hinge as it shown on the following picture.

Separate the DC jack from the top case. Now you can remove the DC jack harness and replace it if necessary.

DC jack part number: L51995-001

The touchpad and the keyboard in HP 15-dw series laptop are permanently riveted to the top case.

Here’s how to replace the keyboard when it’s riveted to the top case.

In this guide I explain how to disassemble an HP Spectre x360 Convertible PC model 13t-ae000.

For this disassembly you will need the following repair tools: Phillips #0 screwdriver, Torx T5 screwdrivers, needle nose tweezers.

As usual, at the end of this guide you will find a link to the HP service manual which has a list of service part numbers for all internal laptop components.

Base cover and battery removal

STEP 1.
Peel off the rear bottom foot. The foot is attached to the base cover with double-sided adhesive. There are four screws hidden under the foot.

STEP 2.
Remove four Phillis screws (red) and two Torx T5 screws (yellow) securing the base cover.

STEP 3.
Start separating the base cover from the top case assembly somewhere around the display hinges area. Remove the base cover.

STEP 4.
Remove four screws securing the battery.

STEP 5.
Lift up the battery and disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard. Remove the battery.
HP Spectre x360 Convertible PC 13t-ae000 battery type: CP03XL.
HP service part number: 929072-855.

SSD removal and RAM access

STEP 6.
Remove one screw securing the PCIe NVMe M.2 solid state drive (type 2280).

STEP 7.
Pull the solid state drive out and remove it.

STEP 8.
Carefully peel off the mylar sheet from the motherboard.

It’s not necessary to remove the memory cover. I just wanted to show where the laptop memory is located.

HP Spectre x360 13t-ae000 has non-removable memory. All memory chips are soldered to the motherboard.

In order to remove the display panel and it is necessary to remove both cooling fans and both rear speakers first.

Right fan and rear right speaker removal

STEP 9.
Disconnect two antenna cables from the wireless card. HP Spectre x360 13t-ae000 laptop has the wireless card soldered to the motherboard.
Disconnect the webcam/microphone module cable (yellow arrow).

STEP 10.
Un-route Wi-Fi antenna cables and webcam/microphone cable from the guided path.
Remove two screws securing the right cooling fan.
Disconnect the fan cable (yellow) and the infrared sensor board cable (green) from the motherboard.

Here’s how to disconnect the fan cable. Grab the cables attached to the connector with the needle nose tweezers and lift it up. This connector plugs/unplugs vertically.

Here’s how to disconnect the infrared sensor board cable. Lift up the locking tab securing the cable inside the connector (red arrow) and pull the cable out.

STEP 11.
Lift up and remove the right cooling fan.

HP Spectre x360 13t-ae000 right fan service part number: L04885-001.
The infrared sensor board attached to the fan with double-sided adhesive.

STEP 12.
Remove one screw from the rear right speaker and disconnect the cable.

Disconnect the right speaker cable the same way as the fan cable earlier.

STEP 13.
Lift up and remove the rear right speaker.

Left fan and rear left speaker removal

STEP 14.
Disconnect the display cable from the motherboard.

Lift up the locking tab securing the cable inside the connector. Lift up and remove the cable from the connector.

STEP 15.
Un-route the display cable from the guided path.
Remove three screws securing the left cooling fan.
Disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.

STEP 16.
Lift up and remove the left cooling fan.

HP Spectre x360 13t-ae000 left fan service part number: L04886-001.

STEP 17.
Remove one screw securing the rear left speaker and disconnect the speaker cable from the motherboard.

STEP 18.
Lift up and remove the rear left speaker.

Display panel removal

STEP 19.
Remove four screws securing the left and right display hinges.

STEP 20.
Open up the display panel as it shown on the following picture. Move the display panel towards the touchpad to separate it from the top case assembly.

STEP 21.
Lift up and remove the display panel.

HP Spectre x360 13t-ae000 has a sealed display panel and it cannot be easily disassembled. The screen is glued to the back cover. If you crack the front glass or the LCD screen fails, it’s easier to replace the entire display assembly.

Here’s the top case assembly with the display panel removed. Now we can remove the USB audio jack board and the motherboard.

USB audio jack board removal

STEP 22.
Remove two screws from the USB audio jack board. Disconnect the I/O cable from the motherboard.
You can disconnect the I/O cable from the board instead.

Don’t forget to unlock the connector before disconnecting the I/O cable.

STEP 23.
Lift up and remove the USB audio board. Part of the I/O cable is located under the motherboard. You’ll have to pull the I/O cable out while removing the USB audio jack board.
Yeah, it’s easier to remove if you disconnect the I/O cable from that board, not the motherboard.

Motherboard removal

STEP 24.
Remove three screws securing the motherboard.
Disconnect the following color-coded cables:
– Fingerprint reader cable (orange).
– Front right speaker cable (green).
– Touchpad cable (yellow).
– Keyboard and keyboard backlight cables (light blue).
– Front left speaker cable (dark blue).
– Card reader cable (pink).

STEP 25.
Separate the motherboard from the top case assembly.

STEP 26.
Remove the motherboard.

Here’s the other side of the motherboard. HP service part number: L04884-001.

I believe the HP Spectre x360 Convertible PC 13t-ae000 laptop has a removable keyboard and it can be replaced without replacing the entire top case assembly. In order to remove the keyboard it’s necessary to peel off the keyboard backlight and remove the keyboard screws.

In this guide I show how to disassemble an HP Spectre x360 15-ch series Convertible PC .

This guide will work for many different models of HP Spectre x360 15 Convertible PCs (model numbers 15-ch000 through 15-ch099):
15-ch000na, 15-ch002tx, 15-ch003tx, 15-ch004na, 15-ch005na, 15-ch008ca, 15-ch008tx
15-ch011dx, 15-ch011nr, 15-ch012nr, 15-ch015nd, 15-ch015nr, 15-ch017nr
15-ch012nr, 15-ch012nf, 15-ch012tx, 15-ch013tx, 15-ch020nd, 15-ch025nd
15-ch031ng, 15-ch032ng, 15-ch034ng, 15-ch040nz, 15-ch050na, 15-ch050nz, 15-ch054na
15-ch055na, 15-ch060nz, 15-ch070nz, 15-ch075nr, 15-ch090na, 15-ch099na

For this disassembly I will be using the following repair tools: Torx T5 screwdriver, Phillips #1 screwdriver, case opener tool, fine tweezers.

Base cover removal

STEP 1.
Remove six screws from the base cover.
Four silver screws (red) are hidden under the self-adhesive rear bottom foot. Peel off the foot to access the screws.

STEP 2.
Insert the case opener tool between the base cover and the top case assembly. Pry up the base cover to start separating it from the top case. Continue removing the base cover with your hands while helping yourself with the case opener tool. The base cover is fitted very tightly and it might be necessary to apply some reasonable force to remove it.

STEP 3.
Remove the base cover completely.

Battery removal

STEP 4.
Remove five screws attaching the battery to the top case assembly.

STEP 5.
Lift up the battery and disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard.
HP Spectre x360 15-ch series battery type: YB06XL. HP spare part number: 928372-855.

RAM modules removal

Both memory (RAM) modules are located under the black mylar sheet. According to Crucial website HP Spectre x360 15-ch can handle 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-2400 SODIMM modules. I looked at other sources and I think upgrading it to 32GB (2x16GB) shouldn’t be a problem.

STEP 6.
There is a metal RAM cover under the mylar sheet which is attached to the sheet with adhesive. Carefully pull the mylar sheet up to separate the metal cover from the clamps (yellow ovals) on the motherboard.

Here’s the other side of the RAM cover.

STEP 7.
Now you can access both memory slots on the motherboard and replace or upgrade RAM modules if necessary.

Cooling fans removal

STEP 8.
Remove two screws securing the left cooling fan and disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.

Here’s how to disconnect the fan cable. Grab the cables as close to the connector as possible using needle-nose tweeters and lift it up. The cooling fan cable connector plugs/unplugs vertically.

STEP 9.
Lift up and remove the left fan. While removing the fan you’ll have to un-route the left front speaker cable from the guided path on the side of the fan.

STEP 10.
Disconnect the audio board cable (red) and the right front speaker cable (yellow) from the motherboard. Un-route both cables from the guided path on the side of the fan.

STEP 11.
Remove two screws and disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.

STEP 12.
Lift up and remove the right cooling fan.

Power button board removal

STEP 13.
Remove one screw securing the USB power button board and disconnect the I/O cable from the motherboard.

Here’s how to disconnect the I/O cable. Lift up the locking tab securing the cable inside the connector (red arrow) and pull the cable out.

STEP 14.
Lift up and remove the USB power button board with the I/O cable attached.

PCIe M.2 SSD removal

STEP 15.
Remove one screw securing the PCIe NVMe M.2 solid state drive.

STEP 16.
Pul the solid state drive out.

You will find a few small boards attached to the top case assembly:
– Volume button board.
– Fingerprint scanner board.
– Memory card reader board.
– Headphones jack board (called audio board in the service manual).
I don’t show how to remove them but it shouldn’t be difficult. All these boards are secured by one screw and can be easily removed.

Motherboard removal

STEP 17.
Carefully disconnect both antenna cables from the wireless card.

STEP 18.
Disconnect the left rear speaker cable (yellow) and the webcam cable (green) from the motherboard.

STEP 19.
Disconnect the DC power jack cable (red), the display panel cable (green) and the right rear speaker cable (green) from the motherboard.

The display panel cable is located very close to the laptop case and you’ll have very limited space to work.
Here’s how to disconnect the display cable. Lift up the locking tab securing the cable inside the connector (red arrow). Lift up and remove the display cable from the connector.

STEP 20.
Disconnect the following color coded cables from the motherboard:
– Left front speaker cable (red).
– Fingerprint reader cable (orange).
– Volume button board cable (yellow).
– Keyboard backlight cable (green).
– Keyboard cable (blue).
– Touchpad cable (pink).
– Memory card reader cable (white).

Don’t forget to unlock all connector before removing the cables.

STEP 21.
Remove three screws attaching the motherboard to the top case assembly.

STEP 22.
Separate the motherboard from the top case assembly.

STEP 23.
Remove the motherboard.

Here’s the other side of the motherboard.

DC-IN power jack removal

STEP 24.
Remove one screw securing the DC-IN power jack and pull the DC jack cable from the case

STEP 25.
Remove the DC-IN power jack.

Display removal

STEP 26.
Open the display panel 270 degrees and remove four screws securing the display panel hinges.
Un-route the speaker cable and the webcam cable from the left side.
Un-route the display panel cable from the right side.

STEP 27.
Lift up the display panel assembly and separate it from the top case.

STEP 28.
Remove the display panel assembly.

HP Spectre x360 15-ch series display panel is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled. You you damaged the display glass or the LCD screen failed, the entire display panel has to be replaced.

The HP Spectre x360 15-ch series laptop has a removable keyboard but it’s hard to remove. You’ll have to peel off the keyboard backlight without damaging it and remove many tiny screws securing the keyboard to the top case assembly.

Here’s the top case assembly with the motherboard removed.

In this guide I explain how to disassemble an HP Pavilion 15-cs series laptop. There are many different configurations in the HP Pavilion 15-cs computer line and this disassembly guide should work for most of them. In this particular case I’m taking apart an HP 15-cs0064cl model.

Here are just a few of the many other models supported:

• 15-cs0025cl, 15-cs0051cl, 15-cs0051wm, 15-cs0052cl, 15-cs0053cl, 15-cs0057od, 15-cs0063cl, 15-cs0064st, 15-cs0065cl, 15-cs0067nr, 15-cs0072wm, 15-cs0073cl, 15-cs0075wm, 15-cs0082cl

• 15-cs1053od, 15-cs1063cl, 15-cs1065cl, 15-cs1067nr

• 15-cs2021cl, 15-cs2051od, 15-cs2062st, 15-cs2064st, 15-cs2073cl, 15-cs2079nr, 15-cs2082tx

• 15-cs3063cl, 15-cs3065cl, 15-cs3071nr, 15-cs3073cl, 15-cs3075cl, 15-cs3076nr, 15-cs3078nr

During the disassembly process I found the following advantages of this model:
– The motherboard has two memory slots available for RAM upgrade.
– The laptop supports a regular 2.5″ SATA hard drive and a PCIe M.2 SSD.
– Both cooling fans are easily removable.
– The DC power jack is not soldered to the motherboard.

For this disassembly you need just a few basic tools: Phillips screwdriver #1 or #0, case opener tool and tweezers. At the end of this guide you will find a link to the official HP 15-cs series laptop service manual.

Base cover and battery removal

There are three screws hidden under the rear bottom feet. These feet are self-adhesive and can be easily removed.

STEP 1.
Remove six screws securing the base cover.

STEP 2.
Start separating the base cover from the top case assembly. I found it’s easier to remove the base cover if you start somewhere around the display hinges area.

STEP 3.
Continue lifting up the base cover with your hands and remove it completely. You’ll have to apply some reasonable force to release multiple hidden latches securing the cover.

STEP 4.
Remove four screws attaching the battery to the case.

STEP 5.
Lift up and remove the battery. There is no battery cable, it’s plugged in directly into the motherboard.

HP Pavilion 15-cs laptop battery model: HT03XL.

Memory and hard drive removal

STEP 6.
Remove both memory modules if you want to replace or upgrade them.

STEP 7.
Remove two screws securing the 2.5″ HDD bracket and disconnect the hard drive cable from the motherboard.

The PCIe M.2 slot located just above the 2.5″ hard drive. PCIe solid state drives are faster than regular 2.5″ SSDs.

Here’s how to release the hard drive cable.
Lift up the locking tab to unlock the connector. Pull the cable out.

STEP 8.
Lift up and remove the 2.5″ hard drive with the cable attached to it. Replacing this drive with a 2.5″ SSD will speed up your laptop significantly.

Cooling fans and Wi-Fi card removal

STEP 9.
Remove five screws securing two cooling fans. Disconnect both fan cables from the motherboard. Both fans are identical and have the same service part number: L25585-001.

STEP 10.
Lift up and remove the first cooling fan.

STEP 11.
Lift up and remove the second cooling fan.

STEP 12.
Disconnect two antenna cables from the wireless card.
Carefully pull the antenna head up to un-snap it from the connector on the wireless card.

STEP 13.
Remove one screw securing the wireless card and remove it from the motherboard.

DC jack and display panel removal

The DC power jack mounted under the right display hinge. Let’s remove it first.

STEP 14.
Remove two screws securing the right display hinge. Un-route wireless card antenna cables from the guided path on the side of the speaker.

STEP 15.
Lift up the right display hinge. Now we can access the DC power jack.

STEP 16.
Unplug the DC jack cable from the motherboard. Un-route the cable from the guided path on the top case and the side of the speaker.

STEP 17.
Lift up the DC jack from the case and remove it.

STEP 18.
Remove two screws from the left display hinge. Disconnect the display cable from the motherboard.

The display cable can be removed after the connector is unlocked.

STEP 19.
Lift up the left display hinge.

STEP 20.
Lift up the top case assembly and remove it from under the hinges.

The display panel has been removed.

USB board and motherboard removal

STEP 21.
Remove three screws securing the USB board and disconnect the I/O cable from the motherboard.

STEP 22.
Remove the USB board.

STEP 23.
Remove eight screws attaching the motherboard to the top case.
Disconnect the following color-coded cables:
– Media card reader cable (orange).
– Keyboard and keyboard backlight cables (green).
– Touchpad cable (blue).
– Speaker cable (pink).

Four screws color-coded in red are different from four screws color-coded in yellow.

STEP 24.
Lift up and remove the motherboard from the top case.

Here’s the other side of the motherboard.

HP Pavilion 15-cs series laptop has a “non-removable” keyboard which is permanently attached to the top case. There is a way to separate the keyboard from the top case but it’s not easy. If the keyboard failed, it’s easier to replace the entire top case.

The touchpad, on the other hand, is easily removable.

Related posts: Disassembly guides for HP 15-au series and HP 15-bs series.

In this guide I show how to disassemble an HP Pavilion x360 14m-ba114dx Convertible PC (2017 model).

You can use this guide for many other models in the HP Pavilion 14m-baXXX x360 computer line: 14m-ba011dx, 14m-ba013dx, 14m-ba014dx, 14m-ba015dx and probably some others.

What I don’t like about this model?
– Both memory slots and the M.2 SSD slot are hidden under the motherboard.
– The display panel can be removed only after the motherboard removal.
– The DC jack bracket also blocked by the motherboard.
– The keyboard is not removable (pretty standard for newer laptops).

Repair tools needed for this disassembly: Phillips screwdriver #1 or #0, tweezers, case opening tool.

Top case and battery removal

STEP 1.
Remove all screws located on the bottom of the laptop. Two screws (red) are hidden under the self-adhesive rear rubber feet. One screw (yellow) is hidden under the self-adhesive seal. All screws are different. Keep track of them.

STEP 2.
Start separating the base assembly from the top case on the rear side of the laptop. You will need a thin case opener tool for that.

STEP 3.
Open the display 180 degrees and continue removing the top cover with your hands. You’ll need to apply some reasonable force to remove the top cover.

STEP 4.
Be careful while lifting up the top cover. The keyboard and touchpad are still attached to the motherboard. You need to disconnect three cables before removing the top case completely.

Here’s how to unlock the connectors and release the cables.
Lift up the locking tab to unlock the connector (red arrow). Lift up the cable and pull it out (yellow arrow).

STEP 5.
Remove the top case assembly.

On the back side of the top case you can access the touchpad and remove it if necessary (secured by six screws).

HP Pavilion x360 14m-ba114dx keyboard is permanently mounted to the top case and cannot be easily removed. Here’s a DIY hack to replace the keyboard.

The battery is mounted under the audio jack board cable so we’ll be removing this board.

STEP 6.
Remove two screws from the audio jack board. Disconnect the cable from the motherboard.

STEP 7.
Lift up and remove the audio jack board with the cable.

STEP 8.
Remove seven screws attaching the battery to the base assembly.

STEP 9.
Lift up the battery to disconnect it from the motherboard and remove the battery.
HP Pavilion x360 14m-ba114dx battery model: BK03XL.

Motherboard removal

STEP 10.
Remove one screw from the power button board and disconnect the cable.

STEP 11.
Lift up and remove the power button board with the cable.

STEP 12.
Disconnect the touchscreen cable from the motherboard.

STEP 13.
Un-route the touchscreen cable from the guided path. Now you can access the wireless card antenna cables.

STEP 14.
Disconnect both antenna cables from the wireless card. The cable labeled “M” connected to the port #2. The cable labeled “1” connected to the port #1.

STEP 15.
Remove ten screws securing the motherboard and fan (red). Remove one screw from the wireless card (pink).

Disconnect the following color-coded cables:
– Speaker cable (green).
– Display cable (yellow).
– DC power jack cable (orange).

STEP 16.
Start lifting up the motherboard from the fan side. Remove the motherboard from the base assembly.

The DC power jack can be removed only after the motherboard removal.

STEP 17.
Remove the DC jack bracket.

STEP 18.
Lift up and remove the DC jack.

Display panel removal

In order to remove the display panel it’s necessary to remove the motherboard.

STEP 19.
Open the display 180 degrees. Remove three screws from the left display hinge and two more from the right hinge.

STEP 20.
Lift up the display panel and remove it from the base assembly.

The motherboard has been removed.

Removing SSD and RAM module

The M.2 SSD and both memory slots can be access on the hidden side of the motherboard.

STEP 21.
Remove one screws securing the SSD.

STEP 22.
Peel off the SSD shielding from the M.2 slot (red arrow). Pull the SSD out.

I had a 128GB SanDisk SSD installed (HP spare part number 939841-001).

You can upgrade this drive with a larger capacity SSD.

STEP 23.
Peel off black tape attached to the memory cover.

STEP 24.
Start separating the memory cover from the motherboard. The cover is secured by a few clamps located on the motherboard.

STEP 25.
Under the cover you can access two memory slots. I had only one memory module installed.

According to Crucial, HP Pavilion x360 14m-ba114dx can take up to 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 RAM.

Now you can upgrade laptop memory to the max.

For the next generation (year 2019) models check out my previous HP Pavilion x360 14m-dh1003dx disassembly guide.

In this guide I show a full disassembly of an HP Notebook PC 17-x116dx. This guide should fit a wide variety of HP 17-x Notebook PCs.

Supported models:
HP Notebook PC 17-x000 through PC 17-x099
HP Notebook PC 17-x100 through PC 17-x199

Here are some of the models: 17-x116dx, 17-x115dx, 17-114dx, 17-x051nr, 17-x061nr, 17-x173dx, 17-x121dx, 17-x037cl and the list goes on and on.

For this disassembly I’ll be using just a few basic tools: Wiha Phillips screwdriver #0 or #1, Wiha tweezers, iFixit case opening tool.

Notebook base removal

STEP 1.
Unlock and remove the battery. Remove all screws from the notebook base. Pull the CD/DVD drive out.

Two screws are hidden under the rear left and right bottom feet (screws color-coded in yellow).

Here’s a closer look at one of the hidden screws. The rubber foot attached to the notebook base with adhesive. Peel off the foot to access the screw.

STEP 2.
Start separating the top case from the base cover using a case opener tool. Pry up the top case to release hidden latches securing two parts to each other.

STEP 3.
Turn the notebook upside down and continue removing the base cover with your hands. If it’s getting stuck, make sure all bottom screws are removed. You might need to apply some reasonable force to split the case.

STEP 4.
Remove the notebook base completely.

STEP 5.
Remove one screw from the USB board. Disconnect the I/O cable from the motherboard.

The hard drive is mounted under the I/O cable so it must be removed in order to access the drive.

Here’s how to disconnect the I/O cable (and most other cables) from the motherboard.
– Lift up the locking tab at a 90 degree angle to unlock the connector (red arrow).
– Pull the cable out of the connector (yellow arrow).

STEP 6.
Remove the USB board with the I/O cable. The I/O cable attached to the hard drive sleeve with adhesive. Peel off the cable from the sleeve before removing the USB board.

Memory and hard drive removal

STEP 7.
Remove the memory module.

This HP 17-x116dx notebook had only one memory module installed. According to Crucial maximum memory is 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 SODIMM RAM.

It is not necessary to remove the memory module in order to remove the motherboard.

STEP 8.
Lift up the left side of the hard drive and pull it out of the SATA port. If you are upgrading the hard drive, the rubber sleeve has to be transferred to the new drive.

Upgrading this regular spinning hard drive to a 2.5″ solid state drive will improve the laptop performance significantly.

Fan removal

The cooling fan is attached to the heatsink. The heatsink has to be removed in order to remove the fan.

STEP 9.
Loosen four captive screws securing the heatsink and remove one screw from the fan. Disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.

STEP 10.
Lift up the heatsink assembly to separate it from the processor.

STEP 11.
Remove four screws securing the fan to the heatsink.

STEP 12.
Now you can remove and replace the fan without replacing the entire heatsink assembly.
HP spare part number for this fan is 856681-001.

If thermal grease on the heatsink is still fresh, you can reuse it. If it’s dry, you’ll have to re-apply thermal grease.

Top case with motherboard removal

STEP 13.
Disconnect one antenna cable from the wireless card.

STEP 14.
Remove the wireless card.

STEP 15.
Remove two screws from the display hinge. Disconnect the display cable (green) and the DC jack cable (yellow) from the motherboard.

The DC jack and the power button board are mounted under the hinge.

STEP 16.
Lift up the hinge and remove the DC jack.

Now you can access and remove the power button board if needed. Simply remove one screw from the board and disconnect the cable. I will leave the power button board attached to the top case.

STEP 17.
Remove one screw from the other display hinge. Un-route the Wi-Fi antenna cable from the guided path on the top case.

STEP 18.
Lift up the display hinge.

STEP 19.
With both display hinges lifted up and all cables disconnected, you can separate the display panel from the top case assembly.

I will show how to take apart the display panel and remove the LCD screen later in this guide.

STEP 20.
Remove eight screws securing the motherboard to the top case.
Disconnect the following color-coded cables:
– Keyboard cable (yellow).
– CD/DVD drive connector cable (orange).
– Touchpad button board cable (green).
– Speaker cable (blue).
– Power button board cable (pink).

STEP 21.
Remove the motherboard from the top case assembly.

Here’s the other side of the motherboard.

HP 17 Notebook PC keyboard permanently attached to the top case and cannot be easily removed. If you need to replace the keyboard, you will have to replace the entire top case or try this repair.
The touchpad is glued to the top case and cannot be removed easily. The touchpad button board, on the other hand, is easily removable.

The top case (with keyboard) HP spare part number: 856698-001.

LCD screen removal

It is not necessary to remove the display panel in order to take it apart. The display panel can be disassembled while it’s still attached to the top case as I explained in my previous HP Notebook PC 17-x061nr disassembly guide.

STEP 22.
Start display disassembly with removing the screen bezel. It’s attached to the display cover with multiple hidden latches. Wiggle the bezel to separate it from the cover.

STEP 23.
Continue removing the bezel on the top side of the display. On the bottom side the bezel is glued to the screen with adhesive tape.

STEP 24.
Remove the bezel completely and remove four screws securing the LCD screen.

STEP 25.
Separate the LCD screen from the display cover and place it upside down on the desk.

STEP 26.
Now you can access the display cable connector on the back and unplug the cable from the screen.

The display back cover HP spare part number is: 856591-001.

Here’s how to disconnect the cable. Peel of sticky tape securing the connection and pull the cable out.

The LCD screen has been removed. You can find a replacement if you search the model number printed on the original screen. In my case the model number is NT173WDM-N11.