Compatibility M.2 SSD

[Shinoko]

Hi, 

I have the HP Zbook 15 (now 5 years old). Recently I had some trouble with my HDD. I am looking for a replacement/upgrade. After removing the back panel, I noticed 2 slots. In the HP Zbook 15 maintenance and service booklet, pages 56-59 explain about the WWAN module slot and SSD module slot. The SSD module slot is currently in use by a 32GB SSD, which I had set up to accelerate my HDD with Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Is it possible to use the WWAN module slot for an M.2 SSD? Or will my motherboard/BIOS/system not recognise that drive after placing it? I also have the same question for the SSD module slot. I would like to use one of these slots for an 128GB/256GB SSD from which I would be able to boot windows. This way, I still have the HDD to store my files and the optical drive for my CD's/DVD's.

I look forward to a reply and/or suggestions. 

Kind regards,

[Huffer]

Is this the Manual:

Manual 

There are at least 6 generations of the Zbook 15. I am sending this on my G3 and based on description yours could be a "G0" or "G1" model which are similar but have some subtle differences. In the G0 that port holding the 32 gig "flash cache" device can be used to hold a 2242 form factor mSATA mSSD which can be the boot disk. You can also use a 2.5 inch SATA SSD in one of the 2.5 inch bays (main or expansion-which requires an adapter part). The M.2 WWAN slot is not useable for storage.

Post back with the requested info and any other questions. 

[Shinoko]

Thanks for your reply. It is indeed the manual that I referred to. As for the different models, I am aware of the different generations and I have the base model (just the Zbook 15, probably the G0 you mentioned), since no generation number is mentioned on the sticker/label underneath the battery. 

So what I understand from your reply: 

- the WWAN port is not compatible for M.2 SSD.

- the port next to it with the now 32GB flash cache is compatible with an mSATA-3 SSD for bootable purposes. 

The manual mentiones a capacity of 128GB for the mSATA-3 SSD. I assume a larger capacity is not supported (even with the latest BIOS update). I probably won't need more, since I plan on using it mainly/only for the operating system, but I'd like to be sure before purchasing a new drive. 

Kind regards,

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

The capacity of the mSATA mSSD is NOT limited. The Manual is just a catalogue of configurations HP shipped from the factory. Larger ones are a bit hard to locate but I have seen 256s and the occasional 512 and if you can find it either of them would work for you. 

Please accept as solution to help others find this information in the future.