Adding 2nd M.2 SSD to my S01-pF3000i PC

[DaveMcM]

I want to add a 2nd M.2 1 TB SSD to the S01-pF32000i desktop PC that I have just ordered, but have not received yet.  My understanding is that the motherboard has 2 M.2 slots, one of which is used by the provided SSD.  I was advised by HP product support that there is a 2nd M.2 slot on the motherboard that I can use, but I've yet to find a manual or instructional video that depicts the 2 M.2 slots.

So first, I'm looking to confirm the specs that state there are 2 M.2 slots, and second I'm looking for some kind of instructional video or manual that shows how to add the 2nd SSD.  Do any such videos/documents exist?  Thanks!

[NonSequitur777]

@DaveMcM,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

According to: HP Slim Desktop PC S01-pF3000i series specifications | HP® Customer Support, your desktop is fitted with the AlkaliR (SSID: 8B3C) motherboard, and its specs as per: HP Desktop PCs - AkaliR motherboard specifications | HP® Customer Support, shows that you only got one (1) M.2 NVMe SSD (Key M) Gen 4.0 slot.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[DaveMcM]

Interesting -- in the link you provided (thanks for that!) I found the following:

(1) M.2 socket 1, key A, type 2230 (PCIe Gen 3.0)

(1) M.2 socket 3, key M, type 2280/2242 (PCIe Gen 4.0)

So I'm guessing that socket 1, because it's a Gen 3.0 for form factor 2230 boards, means it cannot be used for a 2280 type board.  I didn't see that.  Well, there went my plan to add a 2nd SSD using the M.2 socket.

But I think I can buy an adapter that plugs into the PCIe x 16 slot and provides an M.2 slot for an SSD.  Do you know anything about that?

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@DaveMcM,

If you don't use your PCIe x16 slot for a graphics card, you can absolutely use it to add another M.2 NVMe SSD by using a PCIe x16 to M.2 NVMe SSD adapter such as this example: Amazon.com: SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink (EC-PCIE) : Everythi....  Works great: as if you had a second M.2 NVMe SSD slot in your PC!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[DaveMcM]

OK, that's what i'll do, as I'm not going to install a graphics card.  Thank you for your help!!!

[NonSequitur777]

@DaveMcM,

You are most welcome: glad I could assist!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777