HP EliteBook 840G1 Upgrade

Hello all, this is my first post so just to say hi and thanks for the answers I'm sure you'll be able to help me with.

I am located in Kenya and recently purchased a new HP EliteBook 840G1. I am quite impressed with the machine and do like it - however the model I purchased is not really the model I wanted. Unfortunately the model I preferred was not available locally so I bought the next best model available and would now like to know if I can upgrade it.

My Model, HP EliteBook 840 G1 H5G86EA includes the following features:

i7 processor (dual core 2.1 GHz)
500GB 7200rpm SATA HDD
1600 * 900 ''HD+" display
4GB DDR3 RAM
Intel HD 4400 integrated graphics only

The model I would have preferred HP EliteBook 840 G1 H5G30EA includes the following features:

i7 processor (same variant as above)
256 GB SSD Drive
1080p (Full HD) display
8GB DDR3 RAM
AMD dedicated graphics (1 GB GDDR5)

Effectively I'd like to upgrade my machine to the one listed. I have no problem with the HDD/SSD or the RAM upgrade. Although if somebody could confirm I can go to 16GB as opposed to 8 that would be great.

My main concern is the dedicated graphics - does anybody know if I can buy and fit the AMD graphics (card/module?) used in the better spec'd machine into my machine. I assume the chassis is the same and that the connector is probably there, though I'm no expert on the issue. Is it possible to fit a more powerful one?
Ideally I would also like to upgrade the display, though as the "HD+" display is not that bad, it isn't a priority.

I mostly use the computer for work (Email, Excel, Word, Latex, etc). However I usually use an external display (Full HD) in conjunction with the machines own and when creating documents with a large number of pictures requiring editing and multiple windows being open across the two displays this machine does struggle. Furthermore I occasionally use mathematical modelling software simultaneously which slows things down even further. At some point I would also like to use CAD software and an additional external display as-well which I think could be problematic considering the performance thus far.
I do use this machine for any gaming.

Thanks in advance for you help.
Jack Wootton.

 

if graphics for you is a must then you may aswell send it back because you cant upgrade it. it comes soldered on to the motherboard. only some gaming laptops can be upgraded. this is not. the machine is nice if you do everything but game. if you want to do cad in the future then a NVidia type grpahics card would be the better otion but then you would have to pick and entirely different machine and prepared to pay probably at least 50% more of what you paid for the hp.

That's all I can say to help. I do want this laptop but I want it with the graphics too. but im kinda holding out because I anticipation of the next model being quite a bit better.

 

I would suggest to not worry about the dedicated graphics. It would require a motherboard replacement, which voids warranty and requires a complete disassembly of the machine. The display is replaceable, but requires quite a bit of disassembly as well. If you are happy with your current display, it would be better to not replace it.

The speed issue with the machine is probably due to the 4GB ram and 500GB HDD you currently have installed. The HD4400 runs quite a bit better with dual channel enabled, so adding another 4GB stick or replacing the existing 4GB with a 16GB kit would fix it. I can drive the internal 1920x1080 display on my 850 and an external 2560x1440 display at the same time without any slowdowns in 2D mode. An aftermarket SSD can also greatly improve the speed (and decrease the noise level) of the machine. Both the HDD and RAM are easily accessible with the bottom cover off. The machine accepts standard 2.5" SSD's and two DDR3-1600L (1.35v) sodimms.

 

Thanks for the replies folks, much appreciated.

However you have confirmed my worry that it is non-upgradeable. Also in my original post I meant to say I do not game, not that I do! That being said I expect, as win32asmguy says if I sort out the RAM and SSD the machine will be fit for my use. Also thanks for confirming I can go to 16GB and the specifications - very helpful.
However to get a good number of years service from the machine it would have to run some CAD software reasonably well, perhaps it will with the upgrades mentioned above and no other programs running. Sadly I bought this machine in a bit of a rush, hence this mess!
This machine does run two displays well, unless I have many windows open at the same time from a few programs - which unfortunately is exactly how I write my reports!

Unfortunately here in Kenya I can't just take it back for a full refund or swap, I'd have to sell it (probably for 80-90% what I paid for it) and then buy another. The problem with that is I'd be without a laptop for a while and it will cost even more!

So I'll have a think about my options, thanks again for the info.

Finally, sisqo_uk, if you've got time can you recommend a couple of these laptops with Nvidia graphics you mention so I can see I can get a quote for them locally.

Thanks again,
Jack

 

The Zbook 15 and Zbook 17 come with Nvidia Quadro graphics. The Zbook 14 has an AMD FirePro M4100 graphics card.

HP ZBook 14 Mobile Workstation | HP® Official Site

 

Yes, the Zbook appears as if would have been a better buy for my intended use. I'm going to see if I can get a quote for one locally and go from there. Thanks for the advice.

 

yes these are the laptops I had in mind. however I just bought the zbook 14. but if it had a nvidia option then id pick it and im not a NVidia over amd guy. I just prefer the driver support from NVidia and its uses manual switiching switching better than amd. if you have changed the laptop I hope you do enjoy it. its a nice machine but I don't like big laptops or with numpads.