Upgrading the ssd in my HP ENVY Desktop - 750-447c CTO

[bize]

Hi,

I am trying to upgrade the ssd on my desktop: HP ENVY Desktop - 750-447c CTO. The motherboard I have in my computer is an IPM17-002 or Odense2-S. I already have a 128gb ssd and 1tb hard drive from the factory. I want to add a 500 ssd drive to my computer.

Here is what I think I can do, starting with what I prefer:

1. add an m.2 nvme drive
2. add a m.2 sata drive
3. add a 2.5" sata drive
4. replace my existing 128 gb sata ssd with a new 500 gb drive.

It looks like all 3 sata ports are being used even though there are only 2 drives.

Also, the motherboard does say that it has:

• One PCI-E (GEN 3) x16 socket
• One PCI-E (GEN 3) x1 socket
• One M.2 socket 1, key A

I know the x16 socket is being used by my gpu. I do see a m.2 wifi card, but I'm not sure if that is using the m.2 socket or something else, and if I can use that one for my ssd. I don't know if my PCI-E x1 socket is being used, and if I can use that to plug in a drive.

Below is a picture of what looks like the m.2 wifi card in the m.2 socket 1, key A expansion slot. If you look closely at the top left of the card, you can see the text "M.2_2_SSD". Underneath the card, you can see the text "PCIE X1". In very small text, to the top left of the card, right next to the gpu fan's heat sink, you can see the text "J_M2_2".

This is the 3 sata ports, all of which are plugged in, even though I only have 2 drives plugged in.

Link to my desktop's specs: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-envy-750-400-desktop-pc-series/12079665/model/12740574/docum...

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The wifi card is using the only M.2 socket and it can only be used for wifi.

it appears you will have to go with option 4...replace the 2.5" SATA 128 GB SSD with a larger capacity one.

There is no M.2 slot for a SSD on the motherboard.  The circuitry pattern is there for one, but it is useless to you in that state.

[bize]

I think that's what I'm going to do, thanks. One last question though, I reopened my case for further inspection, and I realized there was a kind of blank m.2 area thing. This is a cropped picture from earlier. The red circled area looks like an empty place to put an m.2 slot yourself. If you look at the writing near it, next to the wifi card, there is the text M.2_1_WLAN, and next to the red circle is the text M.2_1_SSD. I'm assuming that means that it is for different versions of the board for different computers, but I was wondering how hard would it be to install my own m.2 socket there? I was also wondering what the black socket in the yellow socket was.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes, that is what I saw yesterday.

Partial circuitry for a M.2 slot.

I would have no idea if that is a DIY thing or if it is even possible to just add a slot to it.

The black slot you circled is a PCIe x1 slot that is used for various devices such as audio cards and what not.