What type of SSD HDD can I use with a HP Pavilion Gaming 690-0835?

[Anders74]

Hi! My brand new Pavilion Gaming 690-0835no was only delivered with a 256GB harddisk (SSD) and I am looking to buy an expansion / additional HDD as I need the space.

What type of SSD HDD can I use? I read something about it using M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD? Can you point me to an example of a compatible SSD HDD that will fit in to the motherboard please?

Thank you,

Anders

[WAWood]

@Anders74 

First off all, lets get our terms straight to prevent any confusion.  There is no such thing as a "hard drive SSD".  There is the hard drive, which is HDD. There is the Solid State Drive, which is SSD.  These are totally different devices, as the second is basically a b bunch of memory chips with a controller chip -- that looks like a disk drive to the OS.

Second, when a new PC comes with an m.2 SSD, that is mounted directly to the motherboard as there is a slot on the motherboard for it.  Unless the motherboard is a high-end Gaming model, which yours does not appear to be, it will not have additional m.2 SSD slots.

So, your option then is to add a second drive, and it would be a SATA drive, and it can be either an SSD or HDD -- the choice is yours.  SSDs are faster than HDDs, but for the same capacity, they are a LOT more expensive.  So basically, you are choosing between space and speed.

Your PC probably already has as SATA power cable with an additional plug to take a drive, so all you would have to buy is a SATA data cable.  With those, you can add a second drive, either SSD or HDD.

[Anders74]

Ok, thx. Do you know if the Sata disk should be a 2.5 or 3.5”? I was looking at this one 

SAMSUNG 860 EVO SATA SSD 1TB 2.5”

[WAWood]

@Anders74 

In a laptop, space is the issue so the SSDs have to be the same size as laptop HDDs -- but in a desktop, space is readily available.

But still, the SATA SSDs are the same physical size as laptop HDDs.

That SSD should work, although some folks have reported issues with the newer Samsung EVO drives -- but those are usually with older PCs that can't handle the newer drives.

[wb2001]

@Anders74,

Nice gamer unit.

@WAWood 

Explained the terminology to you.  I will get to the nuts and bolts.

You can  install 2 hard drives or SSD devices.  See this manual.   When your ready, watch this video to prevent damage to the DVD drive face plate.  Item # 19 on the file is the SATA power motherboard header. The cable from this header has 2 connectors unused and terminals to the DVD drive.  A standard 3.5" HD will mount to either of the 2 HD trays. If you plan on an SSD you will need to create or get a flat adapter plate. SATA devices get their power from those unused connectors. There are also 2 unused SATA data headers on the motherboard.

[Anders74]

Thanks guys! Got it - SSD and also need a SATA data cable to connect to either Disk 1 or 2 port on the board. The unused powe connectors are also located.

May I ask if I want to add additional RAM. I see it uses standard DDR4 RAM with 2666 with 1 slot (8GB) used today. Can I buy any DDR4 2666 module and could I add a 16GB or is it restricted to 8GB per slot? I look at the manual as well board viewer doc but don't find the exact specification / rules.

Cheers

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@Anders74,

You also need a mounting tray, as the holes in the existing tray only mount a 3.5" drive.

RAM is matching pairs. You can install (2) 8GB, or (2) 16 GB.

If you want to add a match to your existing module, start here with the stock number shown.