Can my laptop accept NVMe SSD?

[RoRo5]

Hello guys,

I'm upgrading my laptop. My current SSD is M.2 2280 SATA III with M+B key. I need an expert to help me know what part I could buy to upgrade. 

I've downloaded the maintenance and service guide for my product (Pavilion 15-cc5xxxx). I'm confused about which part I can use to replace the existing SSD. In section 9 Specifications, it reads:

Supports M.2 SATA-3 SSD
128 GB SATA III Solid-state Drive
256 GB SATA III Solid-state Drive
256 GB SATA III Solid-state Drive NVMe
1 TB SATA III Solid-state Drive with 8 GB NAND

I'm after a 1TB SSD. To me it makes sense to replace like with like, that is, SATA with another SATA. However, the previous list includes an NVMe, which usually comes with only one key. I know connectors accepting different SDD configurations are rare. So, I'm wondering if it accepts NVMe, could I instead buy a 1TB SSD NVMe and it would work? Or do I need to stick with 1TB SATA as in the list? Would it work with a 2TB SATA?

I wonder if it is not listed in the guide is because by the time of print, the 2TB SATA option wasn't available yet. However, that doesn't mean I cannot use a larger capacity SSD.

Please let me know your thoughts according to your experience or knowledge.

[Huffer]

This is the Service Manual:

Manual 

SATA-3 M.2 SSDs only. NVME will not work. It would fit, but the motherboard would not recognize it. There is no capacity limit. I have seen 4 TB SATA M.2 SSDs and if you could find one of those, it would work. 

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

[RoRo5]

Hi Huffer,

many thanks for your prompt, straightforward answer and the information provided. You've also answered what I imagined that it would fit, but it won't work.

A final question, is there any bran you may recommend? As I previously mentioned, I'm after 1TB or 2TB capacity. Samsung ones are out of stock in my region from different suppliers. Crucial seems to have positive reviews. I'm also inclined for WD blue (and they have software for cloning). Kingstone doesn't seem to produce above 480GB. I've read negative reviews about Intaiell. Also, plenty of enclosures available to connect via USB, do you have knowledge of any good option? I know about Plugable, but they don't produce the one I need.

Many thanks!

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

You really cannot go wrong with just about any brand and can pretty well buy on price. Can't say the same for NVME which vary widely in speed. SATA M.2s all perform in a very narrow band of transfer speeds and there are very few compatibility issues. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Digital-WDS500G2B0B-Blue-Internal/dp/B073SBX6TY/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1...

The prices on the WD Blue at the link above are very good right now.

Likewise the selection of external usb M.2 adapters is very extensive and you can select on price and appearance.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SSK-Aluminum-Enclosure-External-Based/dp/B07MKCG5ZG/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&key...

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

[RoRo5]

Excellent! Thanks for your time and help.