HP 15-dw series disassembly

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.