HP OMEN SSD Upgrade Guide: Laptop and Desktop Installation

If you reckon you need more space for games or believe it’s time to boost system performance, upgrading to an SSD may be the smartest investment you can make. For Australian gamers, this upgrade means faster load times and more room for your growing library of titles. Modern games can require a substantial amount of storage space. For example, the Call of Duty series requires around 120-150 GB of space to install, and with updates this can increase to up to 200 GB.

An SSD upgrade will not only help you increase your storage space, but also noticeably improve your system performance. Moreover, HP OMEN owners can do this themselves: if you are a DIY PC enthusiast, this is an upgrade you can complete without much difficulty. In this guide, you will find the following information:

• General information about HP OMEN laptop SSD upgrade process
• How to install SSD in HP OMEN desktop - step by step
• How to install SSD in HP OMEN laptop - step by step
• Possible problems and solutions

Can I Upgrade the SSD on My OMEN? Compatibility Basics

The HP OMEN Gaming series was created with the expectations and needs of gamers in mind, and upgradability is a common feature of PCs and laptops in this series. In other words, yes, you can upgrade your SSD on your OMEN. However, the upgrade options will vary depending on the specifications of the model you are using. Therefore, it is best to start by identifying your specific OMEN model.

To do this, you will need the serial number, product number, or product name of your HP OMEN. You can find this information on the product label: the label can be on the bottom, side, top, or back of the product. Once you find the required information, enter it in the “identify your product for manuals” search box on the official HP Support website. This will take you to the official support page for your product. Here you can find out what kind of storage solution the product uses and what its form factor is.

Choosing the Right SSD for Your HP OMEN

SSDs have undergone many changes over time in terms of form factor, performance, and capacity. SATA SSDs are the first and oldest: they mostly use the SATA III standard and the same connection as traditional HDDs. M.2 is the modern and fastest form factor used in high-end PCs and laptops.

Generally speaking, if you have multiple SSD upgrade options compatible with your system, we recommend going with the most modern and fastest one. So, if your system supports it, you should consider upgrading to M.2 SSDs. To choose the capacity, think about your needs: for example, how much space do the games you install usually require? A minimum capacity of 1 TB will be enough for most users, but if you want to plan for future needs, feel free to upgrade to 2 TB or even more.

When selecting an SSD, Australian gamers should also consider the warranty and local support options available. Browse through HP’s storage accessories to find compatible options for your OMEN system.

Essential Tools and Preparation for HP OMEN SSD Upgrade

For HP OMEN laptop SSD upgrade, you need the following tools:

• New SSD compatible with your system
• A precision tool kit
• (Optional) Your laptop’s user guide to refer to when you need it

For HP OMEN desktop SSD upgrade you need the following tools:

• New SSD compatible with your system
• Screwdriver
• A SATA data cable if using a SATA SSD
• (Optional) Your desktop PC’s user guide for reference when you need it

Before you start, it is always good practice to back up your important files. Clean your workspace and always unplug your device before opening it. Do not plug in your device until you are finished. Australian consumers should also ensure they have adequate lighting and a static-free work environment to prevent any damage to sensitive components.

How to Install SSD in HP OMEN Laptop: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Turn off and unplug your HP OMEN laptop.

2. Locate the back panel of your HP OMEN laptop, then open the panel by removing the screws.

3. Unplug the battery cable inside your laptop.

4. Carefully remove the existing SSD. Pay attention to the location of the cables and/or slots.

5. Insert the new SSD in the same slot.

6. Reattach the battery cable, replace and screw in the back laptop panel.

7. Turn on your laptop and make sure your system detects the new SSD on the BIOS/UEFI screen.

8. Install your operating system.

How to Install SSD in HP OMEN Desktop: Complete Instructions

In this example, we will use the HP OMEN 25L models. The following steps apply to similar OMEN desktop configurations.

1. Turn off and unplug your computer. Remove all cables from the back.

2. Open the side panel by unscrewing the screws on the back.

3. Find the M.2 SSD slot on the motherboard. Some models have two M.2 SSD slots, and one of them may be empty. You can insert the new SSD into the empty slot or replace the existing one.

4. Unscrew the screw that connects the SSD to the slot and allow it to lift up slightly. Carefully pull it out of the slot.

5. Insert the new SSD into the same slot and screw it in.

6. Close the side panel and reconnect all the cables you removed.

7. Turn on the PC and make sure your system detects the new SSD on the BIOS/UEFI screen.

8. Install your operating system and restore your system using the clone you created.

On HP OMEN 25L models, you can also use 6.4 cm (2.5-inch) SATA SSDs. You can use the larger capacity (and cheaper) SATA SSDs for data storage and (slightly more expensive) M.2 SSDs for your operating system and games. In these models, the SATA SSD can be installed in the existing 6.4 cm (2.5-inch) disk bay. In this case, you will need to use a SATA data cable: pay attention to cable management and make sure they do not obstruct airflow.

Setting Up Your New SSD: Software and Configuration

To start using your new SSD, you need to format it so that Windows recognises it and reinstall your operating system. To do this, after installing the new SSD:

1. Turn on your PC or laptop and enter the “Boot Menu” screen by holding down the F9 key

2. Select Windows media (a USB stick or DVD) to be first in the boot order and reboot the system.

3. Windows installation will start. Choose ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ and set your new SSD as the drive where the operating system will be installed. Windows will automatically format the SSD and complete the OS installation.

4. When your computer reboots, restore your game library and other files by restoring the clone file you have created previously. You can find more information about cloning and clone restoration in HP’s support documentation.

For Australian users, ensure your Windows installation media is appropriate for your region and includes the latest updates. This will help optimise your gaming desktop performance from the start.

Troubleshooting Common HP OMEN SSD Upgrade Issues

Q: New SSD is not recognised in BIOS, what can I do?

A: Check that you have installed the SSD in the correct slot and that the cables, if any, are correctly installed. Even a loose or dislodged cable can cause this problem.

Q: My system does not boot after installing a new SSD, what can I do?

A: Check if your SSD is properly set as the primary boot device in BIOS. You may need to install an OS if it is not available on the SSD. Start a new Windows installation and select the ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ option.

Q: I’m not getting the performance I expected with my new SSD, what could be the reason?

A: There can be many reasons for this. First, try updating your BIOS and check if there is new firmware for the SSD. Also, make sure that AHCI mode is enabled in the BIOS.

Q: My newly installed SSD is getting very hot; will it cause a problem?

A: It is normal and within limits for SSDs to heat up to around 70°C - 80°C (158°F - 176°F). If it gets hotter than this, consider using a cooling pad. Australian summers can be particularly warm, so monitoring temperatures is especially important for optimal performance.

Q: Will my warranty expire if I install a new SSD myself?

A: Upgrading the SSD yourself does not void the warranty as long as you do not damage any other internal parts of your device during the upgrade. However, it’s always wise to check HP Australia’s specific warranty terms for your model.

Q: Where can I purchase compatible SSDs in Australia?

A: You can explore compatible storage solutions through HP’s accessories range, ensuring you get components that are tested and verified for OMEN systems.

Maximising Your HP OMEN Experience

Upgrading to a new SSD has advantages in terms of both storage space and system performance, you can store and access more games or files faster. Moreover, this upgrade is straightforward, so it can be done by almost anyone. To maintain the performance boost you get, check regularly for new firmware releases for your new SSD. Also, consider using a cooling pad if its temperature during operation exceeds 70°C - 80°C (158°F - 176°F).

For Australian gamers looking to take their setup to the next level, consider exploring the full range of HP OMEN gaming laptops and OMEN gaming desktops. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or considering a new purchase, HP’s OMEN line offers exceptional performance for competitive gaming and content creation.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Gaming Experience

Upgrading your HP OMEN system with a new SSD is one of the most cost-effective ways to dramatically improve your gaming experience. Whether you’re working with a desktop or laptop, the process is manageable for most users and delivers immediate, noticeable benefits. Australian gamers will appreciate faster load times, more storage space for their expanding libraries, and improved overall system responsiveness.

Remember to check your specific model’s compatibility, gather the necessary tools, and follow the step-by-step instructions carefully. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can successfully upgrade your OMEN system and enjoy enhanced performance for years to come. For additional support or questions specific to your system, visit the HP Support website or explore the comprehensive range of HP gaming accessories to complement your upgraded setup.