15-dw3xxx / 15-dw3000 / 15-dw3035cl HDD to SSD Upgrade Questions

[MofoPopo]

Helping out a friend who has a 15-dw3xxx / 15-dw3000 / 15-dw3035cl (it's actually that last one, 50U06UA is the exact config) which came with a super slow 1TB HDD, and he wants to upgrade to SSD.  I have not opened up the laptop yet (and it's not currently in my possession as he lives 60 miles away).  I have done research online but haven't found any videos for this particular upgrade.

Looking at the Maintenance and Service Guide here: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06941101.pdf and videos I know this laptop can accommodate a M.2 SSD, but I'm not sure what parts, if any, I will need.  So I have the following questions.

1.  If I buy a SSD, can I just insert it and it will be good to go as I second drive?

2.  Is the screw which secures the SSD to the mobo already present in the laptop, or do I need to buy one?

3.  Do I need to buy the L52025-001 cable?  Or can I use the same cable that currently connects the HDD?  (per Guide it is the same cable)

4.  Should I abandon the M.2 upgrade and just purchase a SATA SSD to replace the current 2.5" HDD for an easier upgrade?

I'm no stranger to working on laptops but would prefer to know what I'm getting into and what I need to order before I open it up.

Any and all replies *greatly* appreciated.  Thank you.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The 15-dw3xxx notebooks with the Intel core processors have the M.2 slot ready to go for installing a M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD.

What I don't know is if the M.2 hold down screw is present or not.

In some model series, it is, and in some, it isn't.

According to the manual, the SSD hold down screw is a Phillips M2.0 × 3.0 size.

[MofoPopo]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I will order and if for some reason the info is not correct, I will post back.  Much appreciated.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

[MofoPopo]

I am the OP.

Performed the addition of the SSD today.  No cables needed, just placed it into the M.2 NVMe slot.  There was no hold-down screw inside, and I figured this was probably the case, so I had ordered one prior to opening it up.

Everything was pretty quick and easy.  Mostly posting back here just to let others know the hold-down screw for the SSD is not inside this model of laptop if it didn't come with a SSD.