Skip to main content

My HP 15-AB292NR Laptop - i7-6700HQ - upgrading to an SSD - an absolute must!

Upgrading My HP i7-6700HQ Laptop with an SSD

I am upgrading my HP i7-6700HQ model 15-AB292NR (purchased in 2016) with a new SSD (solid-state drive), a 1TB Crucial BX500 3D NAND SATA 2.5 drive purchased for $100 from Amazon.

Specs of the HP 15t Model 15-AB292NR

  • Processor: Intel i7-6700HQ
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • HDD: 1 TB
  • GPU: Intel Graphics 530
  • Screen: 15.6" IPS
  • DVD Writer: Yes
  • Wireless: 802.11AC
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Battery Model: ki04 (KI04)

The “HQ” in the processor name stands for High Quality and Quad-Core. It is a step below the unlocked K version but is otherwise fairly decent.

Why Upgrade the i7?

The HP i7 has been my main Windows OS machine as I still need it for certain functions, and recently I've been using it daily while stuck at home.

Normally, I spend most of my time on my Linux laptop (HP i3-4010u), which has always been faster than even an i7 running Windows 10. Since I need to spend more time on Windows 10, upgrading to an SSD will help improve performance.

Does an SSD Improve Speed?

While an SSD does not directly improve the CPU speed, it significantly reduces load times. The CPU and RAM primarily determine the speed of a PC. The SSD helps to reduce wait times for loading applications, which is often perceived as speed.

A typical bottleneck occurs when the HDD is busy handling a queue of requests from the CPU. An SSD can dramatically reduce this queue time—what took one minute to load can take around 20 seconds with an SSD. For many users, this difference creates a perception of improved performance.

Upgrade Windows

If you decide to upgrade the hard drive (or perform a factory restore), it is essential to upgrade Windows 10. The default installation is build 1511, which reached its end of life (EOL) in 2017. The more current build is 1909 (November 2019).

You may encounter problems during the upgrade process, but you can resolve these by downloading the Microsoft Update Assistant.

Final Thoughts

The installation was straightforward, and I relied on a YouTube video for guidance. Overall, I am satisfied with the SSD upgrade. The system feels a bit snappier, and certain features, such as full virus scans or initial boot times, are noticeably quicker.

I initially debated opting for a smaller 500 GB SSD for half the price ($50) and using the savings to upgrade to 8 GB of RAM. However, the 1 TB drive is a better long-term choice, allowing me to stay below the 70% maximum utilization. Most recommendations suggest keeping at least 30% free space on an SSD to avoid speed degradation, which means I will have at least 600-700 GB of capacity.

I also purchased an external HDD case to convert the original 1 TB HDD into an external hard drive for a good deal at $10. After a few weeks, I plan to format the old HDD and use it for backup storage.

Update: Disable Defrag

I recently discovered that Windows 10 has a default setting that defragments the HDD every week. Defragmentation is generally unnecessary for an SSD and can actually shorten its lifespan.

If you have an SSD, consider disabling the automatic defragmentation. While defragging makes sense for older mechanical HDDs by reducing mechanical latency, it is irrelevant for SSDs that have no moving parts.

Update: May 14, 2023

The SSD upgrade has breathed new life into my now seven-year-old HP laptop. It is a must-have upgrade for any laptop still running traditional magnetic drives. There is little reason to stick with old magnetic drives, as SSDs are now even more affordable.




Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX310 Series Headphones

Sony ZX Series Headphones Review: A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Let’s dive into how they compare in terms of build quality, cost, specs, sound, and overall value. Build Quality: ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads. Over time, these earpads disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310, on the other hand, comes with upgraded earpads that don’t suffer from this problem, making them a clear winner in the build department. Cost Comparison: ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability While the ZX-310 model co
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

G-Shock Preferences and Favorites After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size . Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. Size Preference: DW-5600 Series For overall size, the DW-5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear. Best Compromise: G9000 Mudman Series If I had to choose a balanced option between size, comfort, and functionality, the G9000 Mudman series would be it. The buttons are slightly tough to press, but the layout and form factor resonate with what I prefer in a G-Shock. Despite having different module versions (GLX, G, and DW), I find that these models offe
Post a Comment
Read more

Eton Microlink FR160 Radio -- Sticky Residue

Eton Microlink FR160 Handcrank Radio Review I bought an Eton Microlink FR160 handcrank radio for my emergency kit a few years ago, and it’s been great overall. However, there’s one significant issue I've encountered. Sticky Residue Problem Over time, a sticky residue developed on the radio's external surface, which was driving me nuts. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the device. Solution Fortunately, I researched the problem online and discovered that Eton radios are coated with a substance designed to make them easier to grip. Unfortunately, this coating degrades over time and turns into a sticky mess. To resolve the issue, I used isopropyl alcohol and cotton balls to clean most of the gunk. While some paint may have been lost in the process, at least the radio is no longer sticky.
6 comments
Read more