HP Pavilion Gaming 15 Series Manual

Maintenance and Service Guide
HP Pavilion Gaming 15 Laptop PC

© Copyright 2019 HP Development Company,
L.P.
AMD, Ryzen, Radeon, and Radeon Vega are
trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by HP Inc. under license.
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its
subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.
NVIDIA, GeForce, and Optimus are trademarks
and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
SDHC, SDXC, and microSD are trademarks or
registered trademarks of SD-3C LLC. Windows
is either a registered trademark or trademark
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries. Miracast is a registered
trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
The information contained herein is subject to
change without notice. The only warranties for
HP products and services are set forth in the
express warranty statements accompanying
such products and services. Nothing herein
should be construed as constituting an
additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for
technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein.
First Edition: September 2019
Document Part Number: L83493-001
Product notice
This guide describes features that are common
to most models. Some features may not be
available on your computer.
Not all features are available in all editions or
versions of Windows. Systems may require
upgraded and/or separately purchased
hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to
take full advantage of Windows functionality.
Windows 10 is automatically updated, which is
always enabled. ISP fees may apply and
additional requirements may apply over time
for updates. Go to http://www.microsoft.com
for details.
To access the latest user guides, go to
http://www.hp.com/support, and follow the
instructions to nd your product. Then select
User Guides.
Software terms
By installing, copying, downloading, or
otherwise using any software product
preinstalled on this computer, you agree to be
bound by the terms of the HP End User License
Agreement (EULA). If you do not accept these
license terms, your sole remedy is to return the
entire unused product (hardware and software)
within 14 days for a full refund subject to the
refund policy of your seller.
For any further information or to request a full
refund of the price of the computer, please
contact your seller.

Important Notice about Customer Self-Repair Parts
IMPORTANT: Your computer includes Customer Self-Repair parts and parts that should be accessed by only
an authorized service provider. See Chapter 5, "Removal and replacement procedures for Customer Self-
Repair parts," for details. Accessing parts described in Chapter 6, "Removal and replacement procedures for
authorized service provider parts," can damage the computer or void your warranty.
iii

iv Important Notice about Customer Self-Repair Parts

Safety warning notice
CAUTION: To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the device, do not place the
device directly on your lap or obstruct the device air vents. Use the device only on a hard, at surface. Do not
allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or
clothing, to block airow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as
pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The device and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible
surface temperature limits dened by applicable safety standards.
v

vi Safety warning notice

Table of contents
1 Product description ....................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Getting to know your computer ...................................................................................................................... 5
Right side ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Left side ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Display .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Keyboard area ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Touchpad ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Touchpad settings ............................................................................................................. 8
Lights ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Button and speakers ......................................................................................................................... 10
Special keys ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Rear ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Labels ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
3 Illustrated parts catalog .............................................................................................................................. 14
Computer major components .............................................................................................................................. 14
Display assembly subcomponents ...................................................................................................................... 17
Cables ................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Mass storage devices ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Miscellaneous parts ............................................................................................................................................. 20
4 Removal and replacement procedures preliminary requirements .................................................................... 22
Tools required ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Service considerations ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Plastic parts ....................................................................................................................................... 22
Cables and connectors ...................................................................................................................... 22
Drive handling ................................................................................................................................... 23
Workstation guidelines ..................................................................................................................... 23
Electrostatic discharge information .................................................................................................................... 23
Generating static electricity .............................................................................................................. 24
Preventing electrostatic damage to equipment ............................................................................... 24
Personal grounding methods and equipment .................................................................................. 25
Grounding the work area ................................................................................................................... 25
Recommended materials and equipment ........................................................................................ 25
vii

Packaging and transporting guidelines .............................................................................................................. 26
5 Removal and replacement procedures for Customer Self-Repair parts ............................................................. 27
Component replacement procedures .................................................................................................................. 27
Preparation for disassembly ............................................................................................................. 27
Bottom cover ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Solid-state drive ................................................................................................................................ 30
Memory module ................................................................................................................................ 31
Hard drive assembly .......................................................................................................................... 33
6 Removal and replacement procedures for authorized service provider parts .................................................... 35
Component replacement procedures .................................................................................................................. 35
Feet .................................................................................................................................................... 35
Battery ............................................................................................................................................... 37
WLAN module .................................................................................................................................... 38
Touchpad ........................................................................................................................................... 40
Fans ................................................................................................................................................... 41
Heat sink ............................................................................................................................................ 42
Power button/USB board .................................................................................................................. 44
System board .................................................................................................................................... 45
Speakers ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Display assembly ............................................................................................................................... 49
Power connector ............................................................................................................................... 57
Keyboard/top cover ........................................................................................................................... 58
7 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................................. 59
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................................................................................ 59
Updating Setup Utility (BIOS) .............................................................................................................................. 59
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................................... 59
Downloading a BIOS update .............................................................................................................. 60
8 Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics ................................................................................................................ 61
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows (select products only) ................................................................. 61
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows ....................................................................... 61
Downloading the latest HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows version ....................... 62
Downloading HP Hardware Diagnostics Windows by product name or number
(select products only) ..................................................................................................... 62
Installing HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows ............................................................................. 62
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI ............................................................................................................. 62
Starting HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI ....................................................................................... 63
viii

Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI to a USB ash drive .............................................. 63
Downloading the latest HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI version .............................. 63
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI by product name or number
(select products only) ..................................................................................................... 64
Using Remote HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI settings (select products only) ............................................. 64
Downloading Remote HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI ................................................................. 64
Downloading the latest Remote HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI version ................. 64
Downloading Remote HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI by product name or
number ............................................................................................................................ 64
Customizing Remote HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI settings .................................................... 64
9 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ........................................................................................................... 66
Backing up information and creating recovery media ........................................................................................ 66
Using Windows tools ......................................................................................................................... 66
Using the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool to create recovery media (select products only) ..... 66
Restoring and recovery ........................................................................................................................................ 67
Restoring, resetting, and refreshing using Windows tools .............................................................. 67
Recovering using HP Recovery media ............................................................................................... 67
Changing the computer boot order ................................................................................................... 67
Using HP Sure Recover (select products only) .................................................................................. 68
10 Specications ............................................................................................................................................ 69
11 Power cord set requirements ...................................................................................................................... 70
Requirements for all countries ............................................................................................................................ 70
Requirements for specic countries and regions ................................................................................................ 71
12 Recycling .................................................................................................................................................. 73
Index ............................................................................................................................................................. 74
ix

x

1 Product description
Table 1-1 Product components and their descriptions
Category Description
Product Name HP Pavilion Gaming 15 Laptop PC
Model numbers: 15-ec0xxx, 15z-ec000
Processor AMD® Ryzen™ 7 3750H (2.3 GHz, turbo up to 4.0 GHz), 2400 MHz/6 MB L2 + L3 cache, quad core, 35
W
AMD Ryzen 5 3550H (2.1 GHz, turbo up to 3.7 GHz), 2400 MHz/6 MB L2 + L3 cache, quad core, 35 W
Graphics Internal graphics
AMD Radeon™ RX Vega 10 Graphics (Ryzen 7 processor)
AMD Radeon Vega™ 8 Graphics (Ryzen 5 processor)
Hybrid graphics
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660Ti with up to 6 GB of dedicated video memory
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with up to 4 GB of dedicated video memory
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with up to 3 GB of dedicated video memory
Supports HD decode, DX12, and HDMI
Supports Optimus™
Supports MR compatible (60 Hz frame)
Display panel 39.6 cm (15.6 in) full high-denition (FHD) (1920 × 1080), antiglare, narrow bezel
SVA 45% NTSC, 220 nits, eDP 1.2 without PSR, slim
UWVA 45% NTSC, 250 nits, eDP 1.2 without PSR, slim
UWVA 72% NTSC, 300 nits, eDP 1.2 without PSR, ultraslim
UWVA 72% NTSC, 300 nits, eDP 1.4 + PSR, 144 Hz, ultraslim
Memory Two SODIMM slots, customer accessible/upgradeable
DDR4-2400 dual channel support (DDR4-3200 bridge to DDR4-2666, DDR4-2666 downgrade to
DDR4-2400)
Supports up to 32 GB maximum system memory in the following congurations:
●16 GB (16 GB × 1 or 8 GB × 2)
●12 GB (8 GB × 1 + 4 GB × 1)
●8 GB (8 GB × 1 or 4 GB × 2)
Storage Supports 7.0 mm/7.2 mm, 2.5 in SATA hard drives
Support for solid-state drive + hard drive
Support for NGFF M.2 solid-state drive with SATA/PCIe co-layout port
1

Table 1-1 Product components and their descriptions (continued)
Category Description
M.2 SSD expansion capability on single HDD SKU
Accelerometer/hard drive protection support
Single hard drive congurations
1 TB, 5400 rpm, 7.2 mm
Dual storage congurations
256 GB, PCIe, NVMe, TLC, solid-state drive + 1 TB, 7200 rpm hard drive
128 GB, PCIe, NVMe, TLC, solid-state drive + 1 TB, 7200 rpm hard drive
128 GB, PCIe, NVMe, TLC, solid-state drive + 1 TB, 5400 rpm hard drive
M.2, NVMe solid-state drive
1 TB, PCIe-3 × 4, TLC
512 GB, PCIe-3 × 4, TLC
512 GB, PCIe, value
256 GB, PCIe-3 × 4, TLC
256 GB, PCIe, value
Audio Audio brand: Bang & Olufsen Play
Audio control panel: Bang & Olufsen Audio Control
Supports HP Audio Boost
Dual speakers
Video HP TrueVision HD Camera - indicator LED, USB 2.0, HD BSI sensor, f2.0, WDR
720p by 30 frames per second
Dual-array digital microphone with appropriate software - beam forming, echo cancellation, noise
suppression
RJ-45 (network) jack Integrated 10/100/1000 NIC
Supports Network Booster
Sensors Accelerometer
Wireless networking Integrated wireless option with dual antennas (M.2/MIPI/BRI)
Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11ac 2 × 2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5 (MU-MIMO supported)
Support for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast™ devices
Ports HP Smart Plug AC adapter
Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone) combo jack
RJ-45 (network) jack
High-denition multimedia interface (HDMI) v.2.0 + HDCP 2.2 supporting up to 4096 × 2160 at 60 Hz
Hot plug/unplug and auto detect for correct output to wide-aspect vs. standard aspect video (auto
adjust panel resolution to t embedded panel and external monitor connected)
2 Chapter 1 Product description

Table 1-1 Product components and their descriptions (continued)
Category Description
USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A port
USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port (supports data transfer only)
USB 2.0 Type A port (supports HP Sleep & Charge)
Media card reader Supports microSD™/SDHC™/SDXC™
Push-push insertion/removal
Internal card expansion One M.2 slot for WLAN
One M.2 slot for solid-state drive
Keyboard/pointing devices Keyboard
Full-sized, backlit, island-style, keyboard with numeric keypad
Full-sized, non-backlit, island-style, keyboard with numeric keypad
Touchpad requirements
Clickpad with image sensor
Multitouch gestures enabled
Support for Precision Touchpad
Support for modern trackpad gestures
Taps enabled as default
Power requirements Battery
Supports a 3-cell, 52.5 Whr, 4.55 Ahr, polymer battery
Supports battery life enhancement
Supports battery fast charge (45 minutes, 50% charged)
Smart AC adapter (PRC, slim barrel, 4.5 mm)
200 W
150 W
135 W
Power cord (1 m, conventional)
C13 (for adapters 200 W and greater)
C5
Security Trusted Platform Module (fTPM) 2.0, rmware based
Operating system Preinstalled
Windows® 10 Home 64
Windows 10 Home 64 Plus
Windows 10 Home 64 Plus Single Language
Windows 10 Home 64 Plus Single Language Africa Market PPP
3

Table 1-1 Product components and their descriptions (continued)
Category Description
Windows 10 Home 64 Plus Single Language APAC EM PPP
Windows 10 Home 64 Plus Single Language India Market PPP
Windows 10 Home 64 Plus Single Language Indonesia Market PPP
Windows 10 Pro 64
FreeDOS 3.0
Serviceability End-user replaceable parts
AC adapter
4 Chapter 1 Product description

2 Getting to know your computer
Your computer features top-rated components. This chapter provides details about your components, where
they are located, and how they work.
Right side
Table 2-1 Right-side components and their descriptions
Component Description
(1) Memory card reader Reads optional memory cards that enable you to store, manage,
share, or access information.
To insert a card:
1. Hold the card label-side up, with connectors facing the
computer.
2. Insert the card into the memory card reader, and then
press in on the card until it is rmly seated.
To remove a card:
▲Press in on the card, and then remove it from the memory
card reader.
(2) Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone)
combo jack
Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also connects an
optional headset microphone. This jack does not support
optional standalone microphones.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the
volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset.
For additional safety information, see the Regulatory, Safety,
and Environmental Notices.
To access this guide:
▲Type HP Documentation in the taskbar search box,
and then select HP Documentation.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the computer
speakers are disabled.
(3) Drive light ●Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
●Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard
drive.
Right side 5

Table 2-1 Right-side components and their descriptions (continued)
Component Description
(4) USB Type-C port Connects a USB device, such as a cell phone, camera, activity
tracker, or smartwatch, and provides data transfer.
NOTE: Cables and/or adapters (purchased separately) may be
required.
(5) RJ-45 (network) jack/status lights Connects a network cable.
●White: The network is connected.
●Amber: Activity is occurring on the network.
(6) USB SuperSpeed port Connects a USB device, such as a cell phone, camera, activity
tracker, or smartwatch, and provides high-speed data transfer.
(7) HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-
denition television, any compatible digital or audio component,
or a high-speed High-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
device.
Left side
Table 2-2 Left-side components and their descriptions
Component Description
(1) AC adapter and battery light ●White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully
charged.
●Blinking white: The AC adapter is disconnected and the
battery has reached a low battery level.
●Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is
charging.
●O: The battery is not charging.
(2) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(3) USB port with HP Sleep and Charge Connects a USB device, provides data transfer, and even when
the computer is o, charges most products such as a cell phone,
camera, activity tracker, or smartwatch.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Display
Your computer display is shipped from the factory in low blue light mode for improved eye comfort and
safety. Also, blue light mode automatically adjusts blue light emissions when you are using the computer at
night or for reading.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide. It describes proper
workstation setup and proper posture, health, and work habits for computer users. The Safety & Comfort
Guide also provides important electrical and mechanical safety information. The Safety & Comfort Guide is
available on the web at http://www.hp.com/ergo.
Table 2-3 Display components and their descriptions
Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless local area networks
(WLANs).
(2) Internal microphones Record sound.
(3) Camera light On: The camera is in use.
(4) Camera Allows you to video chat, record video, and record still images. Some cameras also allow
a facial recognition logon to Windows®, instead of a password logon.
NOTE: Camera functions vary depending on the camera hardware and software
installed on your product.
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the
antennas free from obstructions.
For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or
region.
To access this guide:
▲Type HP Documentation in the taskbar search box, and then select HP Documentation.
Display 7

Keyboard area
Touchpad
Touchpad settings
To adjust touchpad settings and gestures, or to turn o the touchpad:
1. Type touchpad settings in the taskbar search box, and then press enter.
2. Choose a setting.
To turn on the touchpad:
1. Type touchpad settings in the taskbar search box, and then press enter.
2. Using an external mouse, click the touchpad button.
– or –
▲Press the Tab key repeatedly until the pointer rests on the touchpad button. Then press the spacebar to
select the button.
Table 2-4 Touchpad components and their descriptions
Component Description
(1) Touchpad zone Reads your nger gestures to move the pointer or activate items
on the screen.
(2) Left touchpad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(3) Right touchpad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Lights
Table 2-5 Lights and their descriptions
Component Description
(1) Power light ●On: The computer is on.
●Blinking (select products only): The computer is in the
Sleep state, a power-saving state. The computer shuts o
power to the display and other unnecessary components.
●O: Depending on your computer model, the computer is
o, in Hibernation, or in Sleep. Hibernation is the power-
saving state that uses the least amount of power.
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the key input to all capital
letters.
(3) Mute light ●On: Computer sound is o.
●O: Computer sound is on.
Keyboard area 9

Button and speakers
Table 2-6 Button and speakers and their descriptions
Component Description
(1) Power button ●When the computer is o, press the button to turn on the
computer.
●When the computer is on, press the button briey to
initiate Sleep.
●When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the button
briey to exit Sleep (select products only).
●When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button
briey to exit Hibernation.
IMPORTANT: Pressing and holding down the power button
results in the loss of unsaved information.
If the computer has stopped responding and shutdown
procedures are ineective, press and hold the power button
down for at least 5 seconds to turn o the computer.
To learn more about your power settings, see your power
options:
▲Right-click the Power icon , and then select Power
Options.
(2) Speakers Produce sound.
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer