Upgrade new model Pavilion 17-ab000 CTO touch M.2 SSD from 128 to 256

[CoolBob]

I need to upgrade the M.2 SSD drive in my new Pavilion 17-ab000 laptop to 256GB.  I have already run out of space on the 128 GB drive it came with.  But optins in the service manual says "

256 GB 2280 M2 PCIe 3x4SS NVMe TLC PA, for use with non-touch screen products".  My laptop is a touch version does this mean i can't upgrade it.  Is there a different brand/version/size of M.2 SSD i can use to upgrade it.  My drive is completely full and the PC is useless at this point.  I am still within my 30 days so if it can not be upgraded I will need to return it.

Thanks,

CoolBob

[banhien]

@CoolBob

It is a CTO (Configure To Order) machine, I don't know why you did not order dual storage in the first place because the series supports

Dual Storage Configurations:
● 1 TB + 128 GB value solid-state drive (SSD)
● 2 TB + 128 GB value SSD

Anyway, within few weeks the 128GB is full, 256GB won't help it may get full in few months. My suggestions:

(a) add 2TB to your machine, you need part #857462-001

(b) return the machine if you could and swap for a dual storage machine

That means you can have both worlds fast (with 128GB SSD) and plenty of storage (2TB HDD)

Regards.

[CoolBob]

Opps, forgot to mention that i did order with dual storage but i can't install any programs on the 1TB HDD.  I have all my programs install now so upgrading the M.2 to 256 would fix my problem. 

Thanks,

CB

[CoolBob]

My problem is not storage for data but all my windows programs.  After installing all my programs it filled the 128GB drive up and need to upgrade to the 256 GB.  I won't be installing in any other programs going forward if i can upgrade it will fix my problem. 

[banhien · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Sorry, I don't know how many programs (good, bad and ugly) you have installed. One of my test machines which only has 128GB and I dump many programs on it to test and after 4 years still have 30% free space.

Anyway, no restriction for you to replace 128GB with 256GB. I think the options are there for people to choose to get the right price (256GB non touch or 128GB touch).

One reason could be there is a module for touch screen and this may reduce the length of the M.2 SSD thus reduces capacity.

Regards.

[llee67]

Did you get your answer resolved?  I have the exact same machine and issue regarding the 128 GB SSD.  I'm looking at the Samsung 860 EVO Series M.2 500GB as a replacement.  Here are some of my concerns and questions:

1.  HP Support has a diagram  showing all screws to remove but separating the back from the keyboard rediculously difficult.   Is there a step by step instruction available?

2.  Is there an extra bay to easily clone the new Samsung SSD or do I have to remove the 1 TB HDD and get an adapter for cloning?

What solution did you arrive at?

Thanks,

Larry

[kaluna00]

hello.

I have one of these machines also. I currently have an 480Gb M2 SSD and a 2 Tb HDD installed. I wanted to upgrade to a 5 Tb SSD but it is a 15mm drive. will it fit? or does this laptop only accept 7mm drives.

Thank you and Merry Christmas,

Andrew

[llee67]

Hi Andrew,

I still have not upgraded from the 128GB SSD that came with my laptop but would like to.  I'm curious as to which 480 GB M2 SSD drive (make and model number) you used.  I still want to retain the 2TB HDD.  

I'm  a novice with computers so forgive the following question:

1.  How exactly did you clone the smaller SSD to the larger SSD.  Program(s) used and additional hardware needed.

2. If you could provide me step by step instructions I'll try to do this on my own.

Thanks in advance,

Larry

[kaluna00]

I use acronis disk director. You have to boot into the utility on the desk. And use that software to clone your drive. This works for master boot record drives or basic drives. You just have to select it accordingly. The teardown is fairly simple. You have to undo all the screws on the bottom and then get a pry tool and unsnap around the edges. 

[kaluna00]

Used a BP5e 480Gb m2 ssd and it has been great. Use a large hdd for storage and you have the best of both worlds. 

I was able to get the five terabyte hard drive installed and functioning. I utilized the second hard drive caddy and had to modify the hard drives holders. I removed the hard drive holder towards the front of the laptop and shamed the other side of the hard drive with compressive foam. The hard drive fits snug and secure. I had to shift the hard drive So it would not conflict with the battery release latch. No exterior modification is noticeable but it is definitely worth the extra effort for five terabytes of storage