M.2 SSD slot configuration AND using the PCIe x16

[Grzwacz]

Hi trinlev.

Now we know you can boot to an M.2 drive using a PCIe 3.0x4 adapter when the motherboard has an integrated M.2 socket.

I still question why HP would limit the native M.2 socket to X2 speeds.

My first encounter with this issue.

Regards

[trinlv]

I know....not as simple as it should be, but it turned out how I wanted. This is an office workhorse that I'll be doing database work on and crafting design docs. Not bad for a total investment of $800.

[jafrisi]

---

@Grzwacz wrote:

Hi trinlev.

Now we know you can boot to an M.2 drive using a PCIe 3.0x4 adapter when the motherboard has an integrated M.2 socket.

I still question why HP would limit the native M.2 socket to X2 speeds.

My first encounter with this issue.

Regards

---

Hi,

I have the 290 p0035qd which has the (I think) same Menlo motherboard.  I am trying to get some info on that in another question, but do you know if they are the same?  I was told the m.2 was SATA only there.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/ssd-upgrade-help/m-p/6839073#M1...

Thanks!

[Grzwacz]

Hi Jafrisi,

HP motherboards, and the Menlo MB in particular, only support the M.2 NVME PCIe protocol.

But it appears the native HP MB M.2 socket is limited to PCIe3.0x2 speed. The current PCIe standard is PCIe 3.0x4.

A SATA M.2 device will not be recognized by the Menlo MB.

Regards

[jafrisi]

Thank you!  So to be clear, I probably won't get 3400mbs speeds, more like half that right?  1000-1500mbs maybe?  Still well faster than SATA right?

[Grzwacz]

Hi,

The average reads and writes will not disappoint unless you want theoretical bandwidth.

Regards

[jafrisi]

Thank you so much.  Guess I'll be looking for an NVMe SSD then.

Just curious, how do you find info on the Mnelo motherborad and its NVMe vs SATA specs?  I have looked all over, but could not find this info.

[jafrisi]

---

@Grzwacz wrote:

Hi Jafrisi,

HP motherboards, and the Menlo MB in particular, only support the M.2 NVME PCIe protocol.

But it appears the native HP MB M.2 socket is limited to PCIe3.0x2 speed. The current PCIe standard is PCIe 3.0x4.

A SATA M.2 device will not be recognized by the Menlo MB.

Regards

---

Hi Grzwacz, 

I just want to be sure before buying the ssd.  HP support is telling me the m.2 appears to be sata, but I know you helped Trivnl as well.  Can you confirm the 290 P0035qd m.2 is definately NVMe?  How do you confirm this?

Thanks!!  

[Grzwacz]

Hi,

I suggest you start a new thread.

There are many smart folks in this Forum whom are (much sharper than I am).

Nothing in life is 100% certain; take a chance!

Have you ever studied Calculus (Link)? 

Regards

[jafrisi]

Thanks.  I did start a new thread but only the response was the one I referred to.  I know it's not guaranteed, just hoping to find solid info.  I'll see if anyone else chimes in and then just go for it I guess.

Thanks again