Add a 2nd SSD to HP ZBook 15 G3 Mobile Workstation

[cpliu]

I'd like to add another SSD drive to ZBook 15 G3. The interior where the SSD is located looks like what is in this video. I'm not replacing the existing HD (like demo'd in the video) but to add another one. It looks like the left side of the video is the slot for the 2nd SSD. The type of M2 SSD has only one notch not 2 (from the pictures I saw on SSD). What is the proper type for the SSD drive to purchase? Do I just need to buy the right SSD and insert the card into the left slot and secure it with the screw? Please confirm my observation and steps correct.

Thanks for your help,

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

I actually have a Zbook 15 G3 and am sending this from it. There are 2 M.2 slots so you can have a pair of M.2 2280 form factor SSDs; either the SATA-3 kind or the PCIe/NVME kind. 

2 M.2 slots circled

Don't worry about the notches on the disk. The two types of disks are the same width and the gold connectors fit in the M.2 slot whether there are 2 prongs (NVME) or 3 (SATA). I have the Samsung PM951 NVME M.2 disk in mine and an open M.2 slot and then a 2.5 inch SATA SSD in the 2.5 inch bay. I have had a pair of M.2 NVME disks in it at one time and one was the Samsung PM961 so I know those work. 

With 6th gen systems we do see a fair amount of compatibility problems when people try to use the latest hardware like a Samsung 960 or 970 Evo or Pro so I suggest you stick with the PM951 or PM961 like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PM961-Polaris-512GB-MZVLW512HMJP-00000/dp/B06XJ95YVR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UT...

If you do a pair of SATA-3 M.2 disks you can actually set up a RAID array but RAID for NVME disks is not possible, A single NVME disk would be much faster than a pair of SATA disks joined in a RAID-0 array, in any event, so you are not losing anything. 

Zbook 15 G3 Service Manual

I have enjoyed my Zbook 15 G3. I installed an MXM video card and 16 gigs RAM (it will run up to 64 gigs), and connected a thunderbolt 3 dock driving a pair of 4k monitors and it is a no-compromise powerful workstation. Movie production studios use these to edit visual effects and animation video and they are about the best Mobile workstations out there other than the newer generations but the 6th gen system is still plenty powerful. 

Post back with any more questions and please accept as solution if its the info you needed. 

[cpliu]

Thanks for the helpful advice, Huffer.

[cpliu]

You advised on staying with PM951 or PM961. These are Samsung's. What if it's from a different brand? How do I choose to be compatiable with the laptop?

Thanks,

[cpliu]

Do you think this SSD would work with my laptop?

Thanks,

[Huffer]

Yes but you can do better. That is a slower SATA type. It will work but about 1/4 as fast as the PCIe/NVME type. 

[teekz]

Now i knew from your answer that i could add another M.2 SSD (Not NVMe drive) to the 2nd slot and make RAID 0 ,  i'm thinking of this configuration:
(2) M.2 SSD SAMSUNG (mznln256hmhq-000h1) drives and making RAID 0 array for a roughly speed of 1 GB/s
could i add third NVMe 2.5" drive to the system ?

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@Huffer wrote:

If you do a pair of SATA-3 M.2 disks you can actually set up a RAID array but RAID for NVME disks is not possible, A single NVME disk would be much faster than a pair of SATA disks joined in a RAID-0 array, in any event, so you are not losing anything. 

[Huffer]

No only the two M.2 slots can be RAIDED. A single NVME M.2 will be faster than a pair of SATA M.2 in a RAID-0

[teekz]

yes that info i understand thanks, what i'm asking about is, adding a third 2.5" NVMe hard disk to the system and not adding it to the RAID array, so i will be having (1) RAID 0 array (which includes only (2) M.2's SSDs and will be the master boot) + 1 NVMe ultra fast hard disk for big sized files u use to make.

[Huffer]

No such a thing as a 2.5 inch NVME.....they are all SATA.