HP Pavilion Gaming 16 Laptop - Complete Disassembly & Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD, Battery, LCD & Motherboard Replacement
Jun 09, 2025
1. HP Pavilion Gaming 16 Pre-Disassembly Preparation
⚠️ Critical Safety Precautions
-
Power Down Completely:
- Shut down Windows normally
- Hold power button for 15 seconds to discharge
-
Electrostatic Protection:
- Wear ESD wrist strap
- Work on non-metallic surface
Essential Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips #00 | Case screws | Precision screwdriver set |
| Plastic spudger | Clip release | Guitar pick |
| T5 Torx | Battery screws | Not recommended |
Workspace Preparation
-
Lighting:
- 500+ lux brightness
- Adjustable desk lamp recommended
-
Organization:
- Use magnetic mat
- Create screw length diagram
Model Verification
- Check base sticker for exact model (e.g., 16-d0043dx)
- Confirm in HP System Information
- Match to official specs
Time Expectations
- First-time users: 2.5-3 hours
- Experienced: 1-1.5 hours
- Motherboard replacement: Add 45 minutes
2. HP Pavilion Gaming 16 Bottom Case Removal
Step 1: Screw Removal Protocol
-
Locate all 11 screws:
- 7 short (4mm) around perimeter
- 4 long (6mm) near hinges
- Refer to HP service manual diagram
-
Proper technique:
- Use magnetic #00 Phillips screwdriver
- Apply firm downward pressure
- Organize screws by length/location
Step 2: Plastic Clip Release
| Area | Technique | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Front edge | Insert spudger at 45° angle | 0.5mm plastic tool |
| Side vents | Slide horizontally | iFixit opening picks |
Step 3: Safe Case Separation
-
Initial lift:
- Start near hinge area
- Use suction cup for grip
-
Complete removal:
- Maintain 30° angle
- Watch for LED ribbon cable
- Set aside on soft surface
Common Challenges & Solutions
-
Stuck clips:
- Apply 99% isopropyl with brush
- Wait 2 minutes before retrying
-
Stripped screws:
- Use screw extractor
- Replace with HP genuine screws
Internal Layout Overview
- RAM slots: Upper left near heatsink
- SSD bay: Center with silver heatsink
- Battery connector: Large white plug
3. HP Pavilion Gaming 16 RAM Upgrade Guide
RAM Specifications
- Supported Type:
- DDR4-3200 SODIMM (JEDEC standard)
- Max 32GB (2x16GB) per HP specs
- Recommended Kits:
- Kingston Fury Impact (CL20)
- Crucial CT16G4SFRA32A (1.2V)
- Verified in NotebookCheck tests
Step 1: Existing RAM Removal
-
Locate RAM slots:
- Positioned near CPU heatsink
- Protected by metal shield
-
Release retention clips:
- Push outward simultaneously
- Module pops up at 30° angle
Step 2: New RAM Installation
| Step | Key Detail | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Alignment | Notch matches slot key | Don't force insertion |
| 2. Angling | Insert at 45° then press down | Must click on both sides |
| 3. Verification | Check CPU-Z detection | BIOS may need reset |
BIOS Optimization
- Enter BIOS (F10 at startup)
- Navigate to Advanced → Memory Configuration
- Enable XMP Profile (if available)
- Set Memory Timing to "Auto"
Performance Verification
- Benchmarking:
- Run AIDA64 Cache & Memory Test
- Expect 25,000MB/s+ reads
- Gaming Impact:
- 8-15% FPS boost in TechSpot tests
- Best gains in open-world games
Resale Considerations
- Keep original RAM for warranty claims
- Document benchmarks in listings
- Mention "Professional RAM Upgrade"
4. HP Pavilion Gaming 16 SSD Replacement Guide
SSD Compatibility
- Supported Form Factors:
- M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe
- Max 2TB capacity per HP specifications
- Recommended Models:
- Samsung 970 EVO Plus (Best performance)
- WD Blue SN570 (Best value)
- Verified in NotebookCheck benchmarks
Step 1: Existing SSD Removal
-
Locate SSD bay:
- Positioned between cooling fans
- Under metal heatsink with HP logo
-
Remove heatsink:
- Unscrew 1.5mm hex screw
- Preserve thermal pad integrity
-
Release SSD:
- Push retention clip sideways
- Lift at 30° angle
Step 2: New SSD Installation
| Step | Key Detail | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Alignment | Notch matches socket key | Don't force insertion |
| 2. Angling | Insert at 30° then press down | 45° may damage pins |
| 3. Securing | Retention clip should snap audibly | Check full seating |
Thermal Considerations
- Heatsink Reapplication:
- Clean old thermal material with Arctic thermal pad
- 0.5mm thickness recommended
- Temperature Monitoring:
- Verify in HWiNFO
- Ideal load temp: <75°C
Data Migration Options
- Clone Existing Drive:
- Use Macrium Reflect Free
- Requires USB-to-M.2 adapter
- Clean Install:
- Create HP Recovery Media
- Install latest drivers from HP Support
Optimization Tips
- Enable Full Speed:
- Check "PCIe Gen3 x4" in BIOS
- Update to latest HP firmware
- Resale Value:
- Keep original SSD for warranty
- Include benchmarks in listings
5. HP Pavilion Gaming 16 Battery Replacement Guide
⚠️ Critical Safety Precautions
- Pre-Operation:
- Disconnect AC adapter
- Hold power button for 30 seconds to discharge
- Wear ESD wrist strap
- Battery Hazards:
- Never bend or puncture battery
- Keep away from heat sources
Battery Specifications
| Spec | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | L10131-855 (70Wh) | HP Parts Store |
| Voltage | 11.55V | Service Manual |
Step-by-Step Removal
-
Disconnect Battery:
- Locate 4-pin white connector
- Lift locking flap with spudger
- Pull straight out (never sideways)
-
Remove Mounting Screws:
- 4x T5 Torx screws (two lengths)
- 2x under warranty stickers
-
Release Adhesive:
- Apply 99% isopropyl alcohol
- Wait 2 minutes before lifting
- Start from top edge near touchpad
New Battery Installation
- Positioning:
- Align screw holes before adhesive contact
- Ensure ribbon cable clearance
- Securing:
- Use Tesa 61395 adhesive
- Apply firm pressure for 30 seconds
Post-Installation Calibration
- Connect power but don't turn on
- Charge to 100% uninterrupted
- Discharge completely (until shutdown)
- Recharge to 100% before first use
- Verify in HP Support Assistant
Common Issues & Solutions
- No Power After Install:
- Recheck 4-pin connector seating
- Perform EC reset (Fn+Win+B)
- Battery Not Detected:
- Update BIOS from HP Drivers
- Run Windows battery diagnostic:
powercfg /batteryreport