Does my laptop has m.2 ssd SLOT or i have to go with 2.5 inch ssd and replace my hdd

[vadlanitish]

I'm interested in upgrading my laptop to SSD does my laptop has an m.2 slot to fit an SSD or I have to replace my HDD with SSD. 

my laptop model no : pavilion hp-14al176tx

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

According to the Crucial memory report for your model, it supports SATA M.2 SSD's only, not NVMe.

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/HP-Compaq/pavilion-14-al176tx

Below is the link to the service manual...

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05207097

[vadlanitish]

ok is there an dedicated m.2 slot or i have to swap my hdd for installtion of ssd

[Paul_Tikkanen]

According to the service manual and the crucial memory report, there is a dedicated M.2 slot for a SATA M.2 SSD.

[vadlanitish]

i have opened my laptop back case but im not able to find the M.2 slot  please look at the image 

opened pic

[Huffer]

See the rectangular silver-colored circuit traces to the left of the battery in your picture right on the edge of the motherboard? That is where an M.2 slot WOULD BE. But in your case it is not. I always try to advise folks to open her up and examine before assuming the M.2 slot is present. I hope you did not buy an M.2 SSD thinking there would be a slot and if you did, that you can return it. Good luck.  

[vadlanitish]

I went to hp service center they are saying that you can buy an m.2 slot adapter and we can solder it and then you can use the slot. Will it work out 🤕. I haven't brought the ssd yet. 

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Did they say where you could buy it? Who was going to do the soldering? I find it hard to believe the HP Service Center suggested that. If they will guarantee it will work and will replace your laptop if something goes wrong sure, go for it.