Disassembling the HP Laptop 15s: instructions for replacing components

Laptop series HP Laptop 15s are popular due to the balance between price and performance, but sooner or later owners are faced with the task of upgrading or repairing. Replacing thermal paste, installing additional RAM or an SSD drive - all these procedures require careful disassembly of the device. Unlike flagship models, 15s-series It is not equipped with service hatches, so to access the internal components you will have to completely remove the back cover.

This article will help you avoid common mistakes: from damaged cables to lost screws. We will analyze each stage in detail - from preparing tools to assembling them back, taking into account the features of specific modifications (for example, HP 15s-eq2xxx or 15s-fq4xxx). We will pay special attention hidden latches, which often break if opened carelessly, and the nuances of working with a plastic case that is prone to cracks.

Preparing for Disassembly: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. Lack of the correct tools is a leading cause of damage to the case or internal components. For HP Laptop 15s you will need:

• ✅ Plastic picks (2-3 pcs.) - for carefully prying off the lid without scratches.
• ✅ Phillips screwdriver PH00 — the majority of screws in this model have a small cross-head slot.
• ✅ Tweezers with magnetic tip - for removing small screws from hard-to-reach places.
• ✅ Antistatic wrist strap (or an alternative is regular grounding through metal objects).
• ✅ Magnifying glass or flashlight - so as not to miss small latches under the cover.

Important: HP 15s has plastic clips around the perimeter of the lid, which easily break with excessive force. If you are disassembling a laptop for the first time, practice on old equipment or watch a video with disassembly of your particular modification (for example, on YouTube upon request HP 15s-eq2000 disassembly).

⚠️ Attention: Some modifications HP 15s (For example, 15s-fq4000) have Hidden screws under rubber feet. If you do not remove them in advance, the lid will not budge and the plastic may crack.

Step 1: Turn off the power and remove the battery

The first and most critical stage is completely de-energizing the device. Even if the laptop is turned off, capacitors on the motherboard can store charge, which will lead to a short circuit when touched with metal tools. Follow the algorithm:

1. Turn off the laptop through the menu Start → Shutdown.
2. Disconnect the power supply.
3. Turn the laptop over and slide battery latch to position Unlock (usually marked in red).
4. Gently pull the battery up - it should come out of the connector without effort.

If the latch is missing (as in some modifications 15s-eq1xxx), the battery is secured with screws. In this case:

5. Unscrew 2-3 screws marked BATT (usually black).
6. Pry the battery with a plastic pick on the right side - it is secured with latches.

⚠️ Attention: In models HP 15s with a soldered battery (for example, 15s-du3xxx) it is impossible to remove it without special equipment. In this case, carry out disassembly with the power supply connected, but do not touch metal parts with a screwdriver.

Step 2: Removing the Back Cover - Step by Step Guide

Back cover HP 15s secured with 10-12 screws and plastic latches. The main difficulty is uneven distribution of clips: There are more of them on the left side (from the side of the ventilation hole), so you need to start prying off the cover from the right side. Proceed like this:

1. Unscrew all screws along the perimeter. In models 15s-fq4xxx There are 2 short screws near the screen hinge - don't lose them!
2. Insert a plastic pick into the gap between the cover and the body at the top right corner (next to the keyboard).
3. Carefully move the pick along the edge, without pressing hard - you should hear the clicks of the countdowns.
4. After passing along three sides (right, bottom, left), the cover should come off easily. If not, check that all screws are unscrewed.

Typical mistake: trying to remove the cover on the left side, where the additional latches near the fan. This leads to cracks in the plastic. If the lid does not budge, check again:

• ❌ Screws under the rubber feet (if your model has them).
• ❌ Screws near the power connector - they are often shorter than others and may go unnoticed.

What to do if the lid is cracked?

If the plastic does break, don't panic. Carefully put the laptop back together and fix the crack. two-component adhesive for plastic (eg Loctite Plastics Bonding System). Do not use super glue - it will make the plastic brittle. After gluing, allow the laptop to dry for 12-24 hours before disassembling again.

Modification HP 15s	Number of screws	Mounting features
15s-eq2000	10	2 screws under the legs, latches at the screen hinge
15s-fq4000	12	Hidden screw under warranty sticker
15s-du3000	8	The clips are reinforced, more force is required
15s-er1000	11	Screws of different lengths (3 short ones at the hinge)

Step 3: Access RAM and SSD

After removing the cover you will see metal screen, covering the RAM and storage. Most models HP 15s it is secured with 2-4 screws. Unscrew them and carefully remove the screen - it can be connected to the motherboard thin train (in versions with discrete graphics).

Next you will have access to:

• 🔧 RAM slots - usually 1 occupied (4 or 8 GB) and 1 free. Modules supported DDR4-3200 (maximum 16 GB per slot).
• 💾 M.2 SSD — the slot is located to the right of the RAM. Some models have SATA SSD in 2.5" format under a separate cover.
• 🔋 CMOS battery - if the laptop resets the time, it needs to be replaced (type CR2032).

For replacement RAM:

1. Press the latches on the sides of the module.
2. Carefully pull out the bar at an angle of 30°.
3. Install the new one by aligning the notch on the module with the key in the slot.

⚠️ Attention: In models HP 15s with soldered memory (For example, 15s-eq1010ur) RAM upgrade is not possible. Check the specifications of your modification on the website HP Support.

Step 4: Disassembling the cooling system and replacing thermal paste

If the purpose of disassembly is cleaning dust or replacing thermal paste, after removing the back cover you will need to disconnect the cooling system. B HP 15s it consists of:

• 🌀 Radiator with copper tubes.
• 💨 Fan (attached with 3-4 screws).
• 🧊 Thermal tubesconnecting the heatsink to the processor and chipset.

Procedure:

1. Disconnect fan connector from the motherboard (white 4-pin connector).
2. Unscrew the radiator mounting screws diagonallyto avoid board deformation.
3. Carefully remove the radiator. If the thermal paste has dried out, you may have to turn the radiator from side to side.
4. Clean the remaining paste from the processor and heatsink isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and a lint-free cloth.

To apply new thermal paste:

• Use the composition with low viscosity (For example, Noctua NT-H2 or Arctic MX-6).
• Apply pea method (the size of a grain of rice) - this is enough to cover the crystal.
• Avoid liquid metal - it can damage the aluminum elements of the radiator.

Step 5: Assembling a laptop - how to avoid mistakes

Assembly HP 15s after disassembly it requires no less care than dismantling. Main rule: check every step twice. Start with the reverse order:

1. Reinstall the cooling system, tightening the screws evenly (do not overtighten!).
2. Connect all cables - make sure that connector latches are fixed (a click should be heard).
3. Lay the cables so that they do not bend or touch the fan blades.
4. Close the metal shield (if it was removed) and tighten the screws.

When installing the back cover:

• ✅ Start with top right corner - it’s easier to get into the grooves of the latches.
• ✅ Press the lid evenly around the perimeter, and not in one place.
• ✅ Tighten the screws diagonallyto avoid distortions.

After assembly:

• Connect the power supply without battery and check if the laptop turns on.
• Run a stress test (eg AIDA64) to check temperatures.
• If the laptop does not turn on, check:
• - Connection motherboard power supply (24-pin connector on the battery).
• - Contact power buttons (the train may come off).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with careful disassembly, problems may occur. Here are the most common of them and how to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible reason	Solution
Laptop won't turn on	The power button cable is disconnected	Disassemble and check the connection PWR_SW connector
Touchpad doesn't work	The touchpad cable is not connected or damaged	Reconnect the cable (the connector is usually under the keyboard)
Overheating after assembly	Incorrect application of thermal paste or poor heatsink contact	Disassemble and check the radiator for even fit
New SSD is not visible	The drive is not initialized or is incompatible	Go to Disk control (Win+X) and create a volume

If after assembly the fan is constantly running at maximum, most likely, you forgot to connect its connector or damaged the cable. In models HP 15s with BIOS 8.1+ overheating protection may be triggered - in this case, reset the BIOS settings (remove the battery CR2032 for 10 minutes).

What should I do if artifacts appear on the screen after assembly?

Artifacts (banding, flickering) are usually associated with:

- Poor RAM contact - remove and reinsert the modules.

- Overheating of the video card — check the thermal paste on the GPU chip (if it is discrete).

- Damage to the matrix cable - carefully check its connection to the motherboard (the connector is usually marked LCD).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disassembling HP Laptop 15s

Is it possible to replace the processor in HP 15s?

No, in all modifications HP Laptop 15s processor soldered to the motherboard. Replacement is only possible together with the board, which is not economically feasible.

What is the maximum amount of RAM supported by my model?

Most models 15s support up to 16 GB DDR4-3200 (2 slots of 8 GB). The exception is modifications with soldered memory (for example, 15s-eq1010ur), where an upgrade is not possible. Check the exact limit through the utility CPU-Z (tab SPD).

What should I do if the keyboard does not work after disassembling?

Most likely, the keyboard cable has come loose. Re-disassemble the laptop and check the connection white flat cable to the connector on the motherboard (usually marked KBD). If the cable is damaged, it can be replaced (the article number depends on the model, for example, L13681-001 for 15s-fq4xxx).

How often should I change the thermal paste in HP 15s?

Recommended interval - once every 1.5–2 years for intensive use (games, rendering). If the laptop is used for office tasks, it is enough once every 3 years. Signs that it’s time to change the toothpaste:

• Constant operation of the fan at high speeds.
• CPU temperature is higher 90°C under load (check in HWMonitor).
• Spontaneous shutdowns during resource-intensive tasks.

Is it possible to install a second SSD in HP 15s?

Yes, but with reservations:

• If the laptop already has M.2 SSD, a second drive can be installed instead of a DVD drive (via an adapter SATA to USB-C) or into a slot 2.5" (if your model has it).
• In modifications with one M.2 slot (For example, 15s-du3000) you will have to replace the current drive with a more capacious one.
• Please check supported protocols before purchasing: some HP 15s don't work with NVMe PCIe 4.0 (only 3.0).