Question Upgrade HP Notebook (SSD + RAM?) Will this handle MS Teams for online classes?

[Foxslink]

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to upgrade an older HP laptop so it can handle Microsoft Teams for online classes, basic multitasking, and video streaming. I’ve done some research but want advice from people who’ve upgraded this model or similar systems.

What I want to achieve

• Smooth Microsoft Teams experience for classes (audio + webcam, screen sharing; occasional small group video).
• Fast, responsive system for web browsing, watching videos, and basic office tasks.
• Keep costs reasonable (prefer upgrades over buying a new laptop if it makes sense).

What I already discovered

• The laptop SKU V7R57LA corresponds to HP 14-AM021LA.
• It currently has 2 GB RAM and a 2.5" HDD.
• It uses DDR3L SODIMM (likely PC3L-12800 / 1600 MHz) and appears to support up to 8 GB (likely via a single SO-DIMM slot).
• The storage bay is a 2.5" SATA drive — so swapping in a SATA SSD is possible and will give a major responsiveness boost.
• CPU is an Intel Celeron N3060 (dual-core, low power) — fine for light tasks but limited for heavy multi-video meetings.

My main questions

1. Has anyone upgraded the HP 14-AM021LA (V7R57LA) with an 8 GB DDR3L SO-DIMM and a 2.5" SATA SSD? Any hiccups (RAM soldered, odd BIOS limits, connector interference)?
2. For Teams: after upgrading to 8 GB + SSD, will the Celeron N3060 still be a bottleneck for typical online classes (1–2 webcam feeds + screen sharing)? Any practical tips to reduce CPU load in Teams?
3. Recommended RAM brand/model (Chile or international)? Any preference: 1×8GB DDR3L vs 4GB+existing?
4. Recommended SATA SSD models (250–500 GB) that work well in HP 14 notebooks?
5. Any BIOS or driver updates I should do before/after the upgrade? Anything to watch for when opening the bottom cover?
6. If you did a fresh OS install, did you upgrade from Windows 8.1 → Windows 10? Was Teams noticeably better?

What I looked up so far

• Upgrade to 8 GB DDR3L SODIMM and a 2.5" SATA SSD — biggest noticeable gains.
• Teams should be OK for basic classes (audio, screen share, small webcam). Expect limits with many HD video streams; use Teams web when desktop app is heavy.
• Consider upgrading to Windows 10 for better driver support and security.

Most relevant specs:

• Model / SKU: HP 14-AM021LA — V7R57LA
• CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 — 2 cores / 2 threads @ 1.60 GHz (burst)
• Current RAM: 2.00 GB installed (1.86 GB usable) — likely DDR3L SODIMM
• Max RAM (reported): up to 8 GB (single SODIMM slot likely)
• Storage: 2.5" HDD (replaceable) — SATA interface
• BIOS: Insyde F.10 (18-05-2016) — Legacy mode on my machine
• OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (build 9600) — considering Windows 10 upgrade

Thanks for your help!

 

[Shmee]

Hello, yes I do believe an SSD and RAM upgrade would be helpful, however the CPU is still old and weak. You may get better results for performance by running a light Linux on it, this should run faster than any modern Windows.

IMO, with the laptop being older and with such a weak CPU, it may be better to buy a more recent, powerful laptop, and do a fresh install of Windows 10 on it, with a new SSD. Depending on what you choose as a newer laptop, it may even come with an SSD and sufficient RAM.

Whether you decide to replace the laptop or upgrade the current one with SSD and RAM, good options for SATA SSDs include the Crucial MX500 and the Samsung 870 Evo, though prices and deals may have different availability in Chile. For adding a larger capacity DDR3L SODIMM to the existing laptop, any basic module should do (Samsung, Micron, Hynix etc) though I am not familiar with the particular model, so you will want to do your own research and double check on how to open and compatible upgrades. One source you could check for compatible upgrades on your current laptop is the Crucial memory finder.

 

[In2Photos]

Having worked on some older laptops recently the biggest improvement is going from a HDD to an SSD for sure. I used some PNY CS900 drives. I've used them several times before and had success. They are fairly inexpensive and a good value IMO. The Crucial drives Shmee mentioned are also good choices. Adding more memory helps too. I haven't tried using Teams with any of them though. You also may find that the older WiFi is lacking. Several of the units I updated had WiFi 4(802.11n) or 5(802.11ac) and speeds were limited to 50-100 mbps. I upgraded one of them as the WiFi wouldn't work all the time to a WiFi6 (802.11ax) card and was able to get over 500 mpbs.

One thing I will mention is that the window for upgrading from Windows 7/8 to Windows 10 for free ended last year. So if you want to upgrade you will likely have to purchase a new license. There are many places that offer keys at discounted rates, but that would be an additional expense beyond the hardware.

Before spending too much on this older laptop see if you can find a used laptop with better specs for a decent price.

 

[manly]

Before spending too much on this older laptop see if you can find a used laptop with better specs for a decent price.

I've never bought a used laptop, but there is a large supply of them in the U.S. And they depreciate very rapidly, except for MacBooks.

If I was the OP, the ONLY conditions I would even consider that ancient laptop are:
1. I have almost no budget
2. I can get the RAM + SSD for nearly free.

There's nothing you can do to such an underpowered system to make it performant for modern apps. At best, it'll be just "good enough." If you have to purchase an upgrade component "new in box," it's already not worth the exercise.

 

[JackMDS]

My experience with this issue shows that when dealing with such old laptops only those that are based on i5 of i7 CPU would really improve. All the rest of them really do not go anywhere even with SSD and more memory.

Few months ago II had similar situation helping a friend.

I got for $120.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1570 15.6" Core i7- 6500U - 2.5GHz 8GB RAM 256 SSD

It is working very well. Few days ago it was even upgraded easily to Win 11 25H2

This laptop work fast and well like many 2025 Laptops

P.S. the statement made above by manly: I've never bought a used laptop, but there is a large supply of them in the U.S. And they depreciate very rapidly, except for MacBooks

It is a Valid statement.

The only drawback is that if One really needs to use Windows One has to know/learn the all process of installing Win11 in MacBook Boot Camp.