SSD Upgrade For OMEN 17

[tfoz]

Hi, I've just purchased an HP OMEN 17 an013na laptop (P/N: 1VJ83EA #ABU) that has an Intel i7, nVidia 1060, and 1TB HDD.

I'm looking to upgrade the HDD and install a NVME SSD for the OS to boot from, and then keep the HDD in place as a data drive.

Please can someone help confirm if the Samsung 960 EVO SSD found here will fit the M.2 slot in the laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M211K53/ref=psdc_430505031_t1_B06VYJMLS8

The laptop's maintenance guide only lists HP sourced M.2 (2280 form factor) SSDs that are Single Sided, whereas I believe the Samsung 960 EVO is Double Sided and so physically thicker. Will it still fit this laptop - or am I limited to Single Sided M.2 drives? The Samsung NVME drives seem to have the best performance, so I would ideally like to use this one.

I'm also looking for advice on the best way to clone the existing 1TB HDD (which still only has the OS on it, no apps yet) to the M.2 drive?

Do I need to clone to the M.2. drive before installing it in the laptop alongside the HDD (using an external enclosure or something) or can I install it and then do the cloning? Is there recommended software that can do this easily?

Thanks for any help!

[Photoray002 · Accepted solution]

Hello @tfoz

The Omen SSD drives used are actually Samsung 951 NMVe m.2 drives. The 512 GB (part #: 847110-004) that is also supported is also double sided, so yes you can use either one.

TIP: Before you do any cloning or wiping, you would do best to make your HP usb recovery media from the HDD first.

If you have to reinstall the HDD for a warranty issue, you can return it.

Alternatively, Some users choose not to wipe the original HDD, instead store it in case they need to do a quick replace for a warranty issue. The SSD will technically void the warranty, so don't send it back with the SSD in place. Then later, use the HDD for external storage.

You can clone the HDD contents to a smaller SSD using several programs out there that are free to use.

Macrium and Aomei both work. I use the later.  Link..

Note: do not use sector by sector cloning with a drive smaller than the original.

You cannot boot with both drives as a boot drive, so you can either remove the original HDD and put in another blank drive, or wipe the original.

I would disconnect the original first, to test the cloned SSD, then do what you decide.

[tfoz]

Hi @Photoray002

That's great help thank-you!

🙂