Can I upgrade my SSHD to 2 TB and what form factor is being used

[programmer_java]

Hi, My system partition is set up on a 250 GB SSHD - running out of room. I do all my new software installs on the roomy 2TB hard drive. Patches, virtual memory, etc. have still chewed up my tiny SSHD. The specs for my machine say it has a Odense2-S motherboard - expansion slots are:  PCIe x16 (Gen 3): 1PCIe x1 (Gen 3): 1M.2 socket 1, key A: 1

I haven't actually opened up the machine and looked but I am guessing one of the slots is for the hard drive, one for the NVIDIA graphics card? and the SSHD. I want to do more video work and would like more room for the pre-rendering, so a 2TB SSHD would do nicely. I am guessing with the current configuration I will have to migrate the system partition to the 2TB hard drive and set that partition as the boot drive. Then replace the 250 GB SSHD with a larger SSHD and then migrate the system partition back. Looking at the original hardware options for this model all the combinations of SSHD and HDD show only a 256 GB SSHD. So do I need to buy a new machine or will the motherboard support the 2TB HDD and a larger SSHD.  If so what form factor should I be looking at and exactly how large an SSHD will it support?

Thanks in advance

Harold

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@programmer_java,

Glad you dropped by to ask.

Here is your basic configuration  , (includes link to the motherboard)  and  upgrade manual.

CAUTION: Before you look inside, shutdown and remove the power cord.  That is an absolute safety issue.  The motherboard has stand-by power 24/7 unless you remove that power cord.  Also get a grounding strap.

There are only 3 SATA data headers on the motherboard, ie DVD, 2.5" SSD (2.5 to 3.5 adapter tray), and 3.5" HD.  The tray and the 3.5" drive used Fillister head screws to allow these devices to "slide" into the drive bays. Then it clicks into locking position. There is a de-lock tab on each of the 3 bays.

If what you explained is 100%, you could purchase a Samsung EVO 860 (1 or 2 TB max).  Unplug the 2TB HD (temporarily) and perform a clone using Samsung Tool or Macrium Reflect tool.  Both are free).  Then swap the SSD drives.

You could unplug the DVD power and data lines.  Hook up a new HD (any size, ie WD Black  4 TB or 6TB and clone the 2TB HD.  You could need a power and data line to the new HD.  (I do not know if the DVD plug is 2 cables or a dual plug).  Strangely Seagate Barracuda Pro series 10 TB is cheaper than their 8 TB. 

NOTE: the SSD sizing is for a boot drive, the HD sizing is for programs/data.

Special Note: If you want 3 drives, a PCIE x 1 SATA card will work with your DVD drive.

[programmer_java]

Hi, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I want to make sure I understand you directions. You mention 3 SATA data headers, Are you referring to the the three expansion slots (1 CPLe's and the M.2 socket) ? I guess the NVDIA graphics is either somewhere else or built into the motherboard. I plan on staying with the 2TB hard drive. Any finished projects I just peel off onto an external drive. 

So then, Step one: remove 3.5" HDD.  Step two: clone the existing SSD unto the new SSD. Here is where I can't quite visualize what is going on. I assume the cloning requires that I plug the new SSD into the old HDD's slot before doing the clone.

Step three: remove the old SSD and replace with new SSD. 

Step four: return 3.5" SSD to it's slot

Does that sound like I've understood?

Thanks

[programmer_java]

Ok, I went over to YouTube and found a video that was a very helpful visual. So I am good to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hYJfcMu2nk