How to Refurbish an Old Laptop (RAM Upgrade, SSD Installation & Fan Cleaning)
The full build video for this laptop refurbishment — the steps below follow it in the same order.
What you need before starting
- RAM Module: Compatible DDR3/DDR4 SO-DIMM laptop memory stick (e.g., upgrading to 8 GB total)
- 2.5-inch SATA SSD: Ant Esports 690 NEO 256GB SSD (or similar 2.5" SATA drive)
- Secondary HDD & Caddy: 1TB 2.5-inch Hard Drive mounted in an optical bay caddy
- Tools & Cleaning Gear: Precision Phillips screwdriver set, plastic spudger/prying tool, and a soft toothbrush or brush (for fan cleaning)
The full build video for this laptop refurbishment — the steps below follow it in the same order.
Disassemble the laptop chassis
Power off the HP Pavilion 15 laptop, disconnect the charger, and remove the external battery. Remove all bottom casing screws using a Phillips screwdriver, pop off the rubber feet to access hidden screws, and carefully pry open the top palm rest case using a plastic spudger to expose the motherboard.
Clean the cooling fan and replace thermal components
Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away accumulated dust from the cooling fan blades and heat sink vents on the motherboard to ensure proper airflow and prevent thermal throttling.
Upgrade or insert RAM module
Tilt the motherboard up or locate the SO-DIMM RAM slots. Align the notch of the new RAM stick with the slot key, insert it at a 45-degree angle, and press down until the side metal retaining clips click into place.
Install the primary SSD and secondary HDD caddy
Mount the 256GB Ant Esports SATA SSD into the primary drive bay using its bracket and connect the ribbon cable to the motherboard. Slide the 1TB hard drive caddy into the optical drive bay slot and secure its ribbon connector.
Reassemble the laptop
Reconnect all ribbon cables (keyboard, touchpad, power, USB sub-board, display) to their motherboard headers. Snap the top palm rest assembly back onto the bottom base, reinstall all chassis screws, and snap the battery back into place.
Power on and verify upgrades
Power on the laptop, log into Windows, and open System Information or Task Manager (Performance tab) to verify that the RAM shows as upgraded (e.g., 8 GB) and that both the SSD and HDD appear under Disk Management.
If something does not work
Laptop turns on but screen stays black: Ensure the RAM stick is fully seated at a 45-degree angle before pressing down until both metal side clips click into position.
SSD or HDD not recognized: Check that all ribbon cable latches on the motherboard are locked down securely and that the drive SATA connectors are seated tightly.
Fan runs loud or laptop overheats: Verify that all dust clumps were removed from the fan fins and vents during cleaning, and ensure the fan connector wire is plugged back into the motherboard.