EliteBook 650 G10 secondary SSD

[joris_n]

Hello,

I would like to add a secondary SSD to my EliteBook 650 G10 notebook.

In the quickspecs (https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c08460852) I found that the following secondary ssd is supported: 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ Value 2230 2nd Solid State Drive

But I would prefer to add a 1Tb drive, so I figured (hoped) that would work too, and ordered the 1TB version of this one: VP4000 Mini M.2 2230 PCIe Gen4 x4 Gaming SSD (https://viper.patriotmemory.com/products/viper-vp4000mini-pcie-m-2-gen4x4-solid-state-drive)

When it arrived and I opened up my notebook to install it, I noticed that it would not be possible to secure the drive with a mounting screw. I haven't taken the ssd out of the packaging yet, so I can still return it if needed. But it's clear to me that the mounting screw hole is to far away for a 2230 ssd to fit.

Could it be that this notebook requires a 2242 ssd instead? Or do I need some kind of bracket to secure it?

Here's a picture of the SSD2 slot with the 2230 next to it.

[TzortzisG · Accepted solution]

Hello Joris_n.

Secondary storage on the Probook 4xx G9/G10 - Elitebook 6xx G9/G10 series is limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds, only the primary storage slot has PCIe 4.0 support. The length of the drive has to be 42mm, therefore 2242 m.2 SSDs should be used. If buying a laptop with a factory-fitted second drive, HP uses a bracket and installs 2230 SSDs. Since you've already bought the drive, and assuming you don't want to return it, it's also possible to find a 2230 to 2242 adapter online.... Either way, the SSD's length is not going to be a problem.

There is something else though. By looking at the pic you uploaded, I can't be certain if the m.2 slot is B-keyed or M-keyed. If the notch (indentation) is to the right, where it says SSD2 you're good to go. If on the other hand it's to the left, only a WWAN card can be used....

[joris_n]

Thank you for the thorough reply.

I already returned the 2230 drive. It was also a PCIe 4.0 drive so I guess it wouldn't have worked, or not at the full speed perhaps.

I might get a new PCIe 3.0 1Tb drive, but since the quick specs only list a 512Gb drive i'm still not sure if a 1Tb drive would also work.

The notch was also on the right of the slot if I recall correctly.

Perhaps it's better if I get a 2Tb PCIe 4.0 2280 drive and swap the primary ssd with that. It's doesn't cost much more and I would get 512Gb extra space.

Only downside is that I have to reïnstall everything again.

I'm looking at a Samsung 980 PRO MZ-V8P2T0BW right now. That one seems to be single sided so I guess that would work as a primary ssd.

[TzortzisG]

Yes, from what I could make out from the photo, the indentation was right (pun intended).  🙂

I'm using an old OWC Aura P13 (2242) 2TB on my 650 G9, so capacity shouldn't matter. I would avoid the brand new PCIe 4.0 2230/2242 drives because I'm not sure their controller will play nicely with the laptop's BIOS. I agree that replacing the original (main) drive for a good-quality after-market large SSD is the best solution......