Add SSD drive to slimline computer

[Barwarner]

I just received my new HP Slimeline computer with a slim case.  I was expected to add a SSD drive and conenct it with  SATA  connections, but I don't see the space inside the box to do that.  What are my options as far as addind a SSD drive to this computer?  Thank you.

Barry

[Grzwacz]

Greetings,

You're very welcome.

Welcome back to the forum.

I am not a HP employee.

Did you buy a 290-p0014? If not, please provide the product number only.

The 290-p0014 only has two SATA ports (both are in use). You cannot add a 2.5 inch SSD.

But this product has a M.2 2280 socket which can be used to install a PCIe 3.0x4 NVME SSD.

Regards

[Barwarner]

Hello and thank you for replying:

It is a 290-p0014. But after a closer look inside the case, it looks like there is a second bay beneath the SATA hard drive that already has SATA conenctions and appears to be for SSD drives.  If that is not the case, what would the purpose of the bay beheath the SATA drive?

[Grzwacz]

Hi Barwarner,

Well, then HP has provided for adding a 2.5 inch SSD but there are two SATA ports on the motherboard.

Both SATA data ports are in use (HDD and Optical drive). The SATA connectors you see are probably SATA power connectors.

You would have to disconnect an existing SATA device to add a 2.5 inch SSD. Or buy a SATA to PCIe x1 adapter.

You still have the M.2 option for adding a M.2 NVME drive.

Regards 

[Barwarner]

How would I use the SATA to PCIe adapter?  Do I also have the option to use the PCIexpress slot for a SSD drive (or is that what you are referring to by the SATA to PCIe adapter?

[Grzwacz]

Hi,

You have a PCIe x1 slot on the motherboard. I am assuming it is unused at this time.

You can buy an SATA to PCIe adapter that plugs into this PCIe slot.

The adapter will have internal SATA data ports for connecting additional SATA devices such as a second HDD or SATA SSD.

Some adapters get power through the PCIe slot while others require a SATA power connection to power the adapter.

Regards