Adding an SSD to Probook 430 G4

[Ozzy23]

I have a ProBook 430 G4 with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB HDD. It completely isn't cut out to run even a few chrome tabs with a word document open, let alone run Eclipse with any other program.

I have been thinking of adding another stick of 4GB RAM to bump it up to 8GB and to add an M.2 SSD to run Windows while keeping the HDD as a secondary drive to store files on, much like in my desktop PC.

I know for the RAM it's as simple as making sure the BIOS is up to date before upgrading, but how do I go about putting Windows onto the SSD if I'm not removing the HDD as I wouldn't need to clone my HDD in this case. Is this upgrade even possible in the first place?

Thanks

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here's the Service Manual:

Manual

Pages 31-41 show all the procedures you need to do. Yes you can add a 4 gig module of DDR4-2133 SO-DIMM to have 8 gigs. In fact you could have 2 x 8 =16 or even 2 x 16 = 32 if budget permits. Yes you can have an M.2 disk IN ADDTION TO the spinning hard drive. You have easy access service doors so this is a piece of cake compared to HP's consumer model laptops. 

The M.2 SSD must be a SATA-3 kind 2280 form factor. The Samsung Evo 860 is a good choice:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-500GB-SATA-Internal-MZ-N6E500BW/dp/B078218TWQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=...

Additional 4 gb memory:

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-HP-2133MHz-Memory-820569-001/dp/B073DL36MZ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&i...

To install Windows on the M.2 remove the hard drive temporarily. You can use the HP restore disk you can make from the HP Recovery Manager, or a clean install from a disk made from the Microsoft Media Creation Tool site, you can clone, etc. Lots of ways to skin the cat. With Windows 10 installation and activation is easy. 

I can't anticipate all your questions so post back if you have any more. Please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[Ozzy23]

Thanks a lot for your reply, this certainly helps me out a lot!

I'm over in the UK and unfortunately it seems that the original HP replacement part 820569-001 isn't readily available, and where it is available the price is double that of other 4GB sticks as most are from independant resellers.

On the Amazon UK website there is Crucial RAM available, but in order to save myself about £15, would I be able to buy the 2400 MT/s stick over the 2133 MT/s stick, as I hear the PC will just limit the speed itself to match the RAM already installed.

Crucial memory:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-CT4G4SFS8213-PC4-17000-Single-260-Pin/dp/B01N79H5HV?th=1&ref_=nav_s...

Also, I had already seen a SATA-3 2280 SSD from WD that I quite liked - would it be possible to confirm if the following is okay to install:

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/240gb-wd-green-m2-2280-ssd-sata-iii-6gb-s-3d-nand-read-545mb-s-retai...

So in order to install Windows I would simply install it on the M.2 as if the HDD never existed, and then add the HDD in after? In terms of installing Windows on the M.2 is there any way to do it without making install discs, as I don't have any writeable discs to hand (I suppose I could always order some) and is there some sort of guide you could link?

If I mark this as solved, would I still be able to post here once I get the parts and go ahead with the upgrade (if I have any further questions) or would you suggest making a separate thread for that if and when the time comes?

Also, while I've remembered, is there any particular sized screwdriver head I'd be looking at in order to access the hard drive and RAM slots? It does indeed look much more serviceable than most laptops, but I don't want to accidentally strip the screw by using the wrong tools.

Thanks!

[Huffer]

The Crucial will be fine, but I hesitate to advise mixing speeds. It will probably be OK but may not run at optimal speed i.e. no dual channel operation. Just about any major brand DDR4-2133 is fine to use. 

I can't picture installing Windows without some kind of disk...these days most folks use thumb drives and not burnable DVDs although either will work. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQaOj2-KhZA

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-media-creation-tool-create-installation-media-upgrade

A Phillips 0 or 00 tech screwdriver will work fine

If you mark soultion the thread stays open and I get a notice if you come back and add to it later. 

[alberthink]

Dear Huffer,

I just bought a HP 500G SSD EX900 M.2, is there a guidance available for me to enable this new SSD onto my Probook 430 G4?

tried to install it but it could not recognized by the system yet.  thanks a lot!

best regards

alb