Install M.2 SSD and clone HDD

[dwsmithjr]

I would like to install a PCIe SSD, an M.2 format SSD and make it my boot drive. I've cloned many a drive in the past to upgrade laptops and desktops and have always used an external caddy then swapped the drives. I did that for a SATA SSD for my laptop as well.

With the PCIe can I install it in the system, clone the HDD to it in place then remove the HDD, reboot and make the SSD my boot drive rather than using an external caddy or enclosure? If all goes well, I may return the HDD to the system as a secondary drive or keep it archived and install a new HDD.

What is the effect of this on the warranty or on an extended warranty for the system?

[A4Apollo · Accepted solution]

Hi! @dwsmithjr, Thank you for visiting the HP Forums! A great place where you can find solutions for your issues with help from the community!

I understand you would like to install an M.2 SSD and install the OS on it.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out.

Did you make any software or hardware changes on your PC?

Please provide the product number of your laptop to assist you better.

I have checked the specifications of your PC. There are two M.2 slots available, you can install the OS on the M.2 SSD drive.

• One M.2 socket 1, key A

• One M.2 socket 3, key M

Also, If you have to install the operating system on the M.2 SSD you have to change the boot priority to M.2 in BIOS.

You need to make sure the SATA interface mode is set to AHCI in BIOS.
And in the boot section of the bios if any M.2 is listed, set it to number 2.
Or a bootable PCI-e device.

Refer the specification page of your PC for more information. Click Here

Also, upgrading the parts on your PC will not void the warranty. However, if there are any physical damages caused during the part replacement it will not be covered under warranty.

You can purchase the part from HP parts store using this link.

Hope this answers your query!

Have a great day! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

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[dwsmithjr]

Wanted to come back and report on the process. It was simple and flawless.

I installed the M.2 SSD in the system after having installed the Samsung Magician and Data Migration software. The SSD was immediately recognized by the software and I was able to clone the HDD in about 15 minutes (not much data, mostly OS). I shut down the system, remove the HDD cables and turned it back on. The boot was so fast, I didn't have time to get into the BIOS and not need to. 

The system booted to the SSD without intervention. I then installed a SATA SSD I had from my laptop. That replaced the 1TB drive for data. So, now I have a 500G PCIe SSD for the OS and a 1TB SATA SSD for data. I don't think it could have been any simpler.

The only issue was having to remove the graphics card to install the PCIe as the slot is underneath the rather substantial card. However, I found a post and video on how to remove it and that went well and quickly. Thanks for the input and help.

[Raj1788]

@dwsmithjr,

It looks like you were interacting with @A4Apollo, but he is out for the day & I'll be glad to help you out. 

I'm Raj1788 & I'm at your service. 

I'm glad to hear you found the solution you were looking for.

Thanks for taking the time to let the community know about the solution!

Take care now and do have a great week ahead.

:)Cheers:)