can't find m.2 port in HP Pavilion 15-au023cl

[leaf26]

I'm looking for the m.2 port. I can't seem to find it using the manual

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

This Manual?

Manual

Clear as mud, ain't it? Look at page 50 for the SSD cable insertion point. Also notice that the SSD section makes reference to something called an SSD board and cable (p. 34). But also look at p. 30 and 33 you can faintly see to the left of the hard drive what looks like the insertion for a 2280 M.2 mSSD and it shows one plugged in with a hard drive. It was offered with a dual hard drive and M.2 configuration. So I would say it plugs in next to the hard drive or you need a board and cable to put the M.2 in the laptop in place of the hard drive. 

Those are the only possibilities I can think of. 

[leaf26]

I found the solder joints for the m.2 port in that spot, but the port itself isn't installed. Total bummer. Do you think I could send it back to get the port installed by the manufacturer?

[Huffer]

As if....no way. It was sold without an M.2 so by what obligation do they have to provide it to you? Not to mention they are not set up to do that kind of after the fact soldering. It's a little more involved than soldering on an AC jack. The motherboard may not even have live traces for the M.2 circuitry. I am guessing there are different motherboard for with an without M.2. Yes, it is a bummer.