Can I replace my 128GB SATA SSD with 1GB PCIe NVMe SSD?

[mawa1128]

Hi:

I recently purchased a notebook with a 128GB M.2 SSD. I also installed an old 1TB SanDisk 2.5" SATA drive which I now see is much slower. I'd like to replace the 128GB M.2 SSD with a 1TB PCIe/NVMe M.2 SSD such as this one from Samsung - https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/solid-state-drives/ssd-960-pro-m-2-1tb-mz-v6p1t0....

I would clone (Windows 10) the old 1TB SDD to the new PCIe/NVMe 1TB SSD and put the old SSD back in my older notebook.

I found the service manual and I think it says it is OK - http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06148960 - but only lists a 512GB pn page 23 and page 45.

BUT I also chatted with HP support and they didn't know much. They said a max of 256GB SSD. These were my options when I configured the notebook - https://snag.gy/wmIuP3.jpg.

On the HP parts web site it also lists a 512GB - https://parts.hp.com/hpparts/Search_Results.aspx?mscssid=3AE563F242574220B5D7EC68ACE008EE&SearchIn=K...
But I need 1TB in order to clone from my existing 2.5" SSD. Can someone help me confirm a 1TB PCIe/NVMe M.2 SSD will work? Is there a limit to the size I can us? Is there a limit to the interface speed that makes it pointless installing that Samsung SSD - https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/solid-state-drives/ssd-960-pro-m-2-1tb-mz-v6p1t0...

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

7th and 8th gen Intel Core models can take a PCIe/NVME M.2 disk. You have already been in there obviously if you have already replaced an SSD, so I will not bother to post pictures of the inside of the laptop.

There is no size limit on the M.2 you can install and I believe M.2 NVME SSDs are made up to 2 TB in capacity. 

I might suggest you get the Samsung 970 Evo instead of the 960 Pro. The Pro models are quite a bit more expensive and are not that much faster if at all. I have a 970 Evo in my own laptop. But if you want to get the 960 Pro it will work fine. Good luck and please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[mawa1128]

Hi Huffer:

Thanks for such a quick reply! All great information - much appreciated. And yes I have an i7-7500U CPU. And clearly you're right - big price difference between the 960 Pro and 970 Evo. 

Thanks again!