Add M.2 SSD to Lubin Motherboard

[dja1980]

I just purchased a Slimline 270-p014 Desktop, and I'm looking to add an M.2 SSD.  What I'm actually hoping to accomplish is to install the OS and applications to the new SSD, and replace the included 3.5" 1TB HDD with a 12TB HDD to hold media only.  I've been reading a lot on these forums, and it looks like there has been some compatibility issues with adding SSDs to this board.  From what I gather, as long as the SSD is NVMe as opposed to SATA, I should be ok.  I also read that length of the SSD could be an issue with this board.

This is what I'm looking to purchase, but I wanted to confirm compatibility before clicking the button...

https://www.newegg.com/hp-ex900-500gb/p/N82E16820326251?Item=N82E16820326251

Here's the link to the motherboard...

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05382582

And, here's a picture of my board measuring from the back of the M.2 connector to the last bolt...

Thanks in advance for any feedback on this subject... Dave

[The_Fossette]

@dja1980,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I reviewed your post and I understand that you want to know whether you can install an NVMe SSD on your computer.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

I checked the specifications of the motherboard and see that it has one PCI Express x16 and one M.2 socket. The SSD you have listed uses PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. It can use PCIe slots on your motherboard and still operate, although slower. Normally, I would put it in a physical slot that is a PCIe 3.0 to take the full benefit of the NVMe SSD.

The slot you shared in the picture is the M.2 socket on the motherboard and you can install an M.2 SATA SSD on the slot.

Disclaimer: HP Doesn't recommend any upgrade/downgrade of any hardware parts or software that is bundled with the product. You can change the configuration at your own risk.

I hope that answers your question and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[dja1980]

I really appreciate the response... thank you!  The more I read, the more confused I get.

This is the SSD I ended up purchasing, but it hasn't arrived yet... https://www.newegg.com/western-digital-black-sn750-nvme-500gb/p/N82E16820250109

This is also NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, but based on your reply, it sounds like this is not the best fit for this motherboard since you say it will operate "although slower".  Can you give me an example of the specs I should be looking for to give me the fastest SSD compatible with this motherboard?  If I'm going to make the upgrade, I want to make sure I'm getting the best performance possible.  The Lubin motherboard specs say it has 3 expansion slots...

 - One PCI Express x16

 - One M.2 Socket 1, Key A

 - One M.2 Socket 3, Key M

According to this article... https://www.atpinc.com/blog/what-is-m.2-M-B-BM-key-socket-3

 - Socket 3:  SSD Drive Socket with SATA (OR) up to four PCIe lanes

 - Key M: PCIe x4 / SATA Interface

So, based on this, it seems that the SSD I ordered would be a good fit since it's PCIe x4.  When you say "It can use PCIe slots on your motherboard and still operate, although slower. Normally, I would put it in a physical slot that is a PCIe 3.0 to take the full benefit of the NVMe SSD."... will the SSD I ordered require an adapter, or will it still use the M.2 Socket 3, Key M slot on the motherboard?

I apologize for the additional questions, and I thank you in advance for helping me sort this out... Dave

[The_Fossette · Accepted solution]

@dja1980,

Yes, you can connect the NVMe drive to the M.2 M socket on the computer. 

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[dja1980]

I received my SSD, and it installed perfectly fine... thank you!