Can I use a PCIe SSD in the OmniDesk S02-0034

[DLM569]

I have the Omni slim desktop which has a free PCIe X1 slot and a PCIe X16 slot.

I'm trying to install a SSD in the X16 slot, but the PC does not seem to recognize it.

Is the Omni specifically "handicapped" to not be able to use SSDs in these slots.  Is there a compatibility list somewhere that shows what devices are possible to use in the Omni X16 slot?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @DLM569,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

No, not directly. The PCIe x16 slot in your HP OmniDesk S02-0034 is designed for graphics cards, not for storage devices. The motherboard and BIOS do not natively support booting from an SSD installed via a PCIe x16 slot unless you use a special adapter, and even then, it’s hit-or-miss because HP firmware often restricts NVMe boot from add-in cards. This is why your SSD isn’t being recognized.

Supported Storage Upgrade Options

• Add a 2.5" SATA SSD or HDD using the available SATA port and power connector.
• If you need more NVMe storage: 
  • Use the existing M.2 NVMe slot (if free).
  • If occupied, you can add a PCIe-to-M.2 adapter in the x16 slot for secondary storage only (not bootable in most cases).
• HP officially supports: 
  • M.2 NVMe SSDs (Gen 3 or Gen 4, depending on model).
  • SATA SSDs/HDDs for extra storage.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[DLM569]

I'm not trying to boot from the SSD in the PCIe slot.  I am trying to use it as secondary storage.  However, even after booting from the main SSD in the M.25 slot, the PC itself does not recognize the SSD in the PCIe slot.

The PCIe slot is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI.  Is there some other setting or boot-up process necessary to tell the PC about the new hardware?

I could get a M.25 to SATA adapter and try to install the NVME with that, but I'm not so sure I won't run into the same problem.

[DLM569]

So I tried a few things.

1. I replaced the SSD in the M.25 slot that came with the PC with my Samsung 990.  The system recognized it, but of course couldn't;t boot because there was nothing on it.  While it was recognized, I tried upgrading the Samsung firmware.  The process told me that the firmware was already up to date.

2. I took the 990 out of the M.25 slot, put the SSD that came with the system into the PCIe X16 adapter and installed it in the X16 slot.  To my surprise, the system booted up.  The adapter has a nice blue LED on it that was blinking away.  This has never happened when I had the 990 installed.

3. I tried the 990 again in the X16 slot and it wasn't recognized.

4. Finally, I put the 990 in the M.25 slot and the system SSD in the X16 slot with adapter.  The system booted up and I initialized it.

It would seem like I have what I want, but I know, as you said, that the system doesn't support booting up from the X16 slot.  So, I'm a bit worried about getting too far down the road with an unsupported configuration.

I would also like to know why the X16 slot is happy to recognize and use the SSD that came with the system, but simply won't recognize or initialize the Samsung 990.

[Deep_World]

Hi @DLM569,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I’m sorry you’re going through this; I understand the concern and don’t worry I’ll help you with this.

1. What is the exact HP PC model you’re using?
2. Are both the Samsung 990 and the original SSD NVMe drives with the same PCIe generation (Gen3 vs. Gen4)?
3. When the Samsung 990 is in the X16 slot, does it appear at all in BIOS, or is it completely unrecognized?
4. Have you updated your BIOS and chipset drivers to the latest versions?

In the meantime, here are some things to consider and try:

1. Slot compatibility

• Some X16 slots share PCIe lanes or bandwidth with other devices, which can prevent certain drives from being recognized or used for booting.
• Check your PC/motherboard manual for M.2 vs. X16 lane allocation and boot support.

2. Drive initialization

• A new SSD like the Samsung 990 may need initialization in Disk Management or Diskpart before Windows recognizes it fully, even if BIOS detects it.

3. Firmware & drivers

• Ensure both chipset drivers and NVMe drivers are updated. Some drives may not be recognized in certain slots without the latest driver support.

4. Boot configuration

• Many systems don’t support booting from X16 slots, but the drive may still function as storage. Keep the boot drive in the supported M.2 slot and use the X16 slot drive for data.

5. Drive compatibility

• The original SSD may be fully compatible with X16 signaling, while the Samsung 990 may require specific PCIe Gen or NVMe support that the X16 slot cannot provide.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[DLM569]

First of all,

Thank You Deep_World and VikramThe Great for responding to my question.  I see that you work for HP Support.  When I called HP for warranty support, they told me I had modified my PC and voided my warranty and that was the end of the call.  But, so be it.

Deep_world:

Your questions -

1. This is an Hp OmniDesk Slim Desktop PC S03-0034.  Product #B5UH4AA#ABA

Samsung 2280 256GB MZVL8256HEJD-00BH1 came with it.  

Trying to add a Samsung 1 TB 990 EVO PLUS.

2. Both Samsung SSDs are PCIe Gen4

3. When the Samsung 990 is in the X16 slot, it is completely unrecognized and does not appear in the BIOS.

4. I have updated my BIOS and chipset drivers to the latest version and it makes no difference.

Things to consider -

1.  This was the main reason I started this question.  I have not been able to find anything about this PCs motherboard and or its slot compatibility.  If you can point me somewhere, I'd appreciate it.

2. I'm well aware of initializing and allocating drives inside Windows.  I was originally unable to do that because the drive was not recognized by the BIOS.  I did initialize and allocate the drive when it was recognized in the M,25 slot.  It still is not recognized by BIOS and doesn't work in the X16 slot.

3. Chipset and NVME drivers have been updated.

4. I have read several places that booting from a SSD in a X16 slot is not supported by this PC.  However, I am currently able to boot from the drive that came with the PC while it is in the X16 slot and the secondary SSD is recognized in the M.25 slot.  Perhaps I should be happy with this, but I am somewhat concerned since it is not technically supported.

What you suggest is exactly what I'm attempting, i.e. original SSD in M.25 slot and new 1 TB SSD in X16 slot as secondary storage, but I can't get the 990 working in the X16 slot.

5.  More and more, this looks like the issue.  Something about the X16 slot does not support the Samsung 990.

Thanks again!