HP 17-bs191nd laptop: does it support PCIe NVMe SSD's?

[GuidoK]

I want to swap the SSD in my HP 17-bs191nd laptop for a larger one, preferably with NVMe interface.

But does it support M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD's?

The current ssd in there is a 256GB Micron 1100 M.2 ssd with sata-600 interface, in a M.2 slot.

The M.2 slot is M keyed.

I've read the service & maintenance guide but if I understand correctly that only lists the interface type of the fitted/supplied ssd's (which are all SATA), not what the M.2 interface can handle.

Laptop specs:

https://support.hp.com/nl-nl/document/c05834527

cpuid info:

[Huffer]

Service Manual:

Manual

See p. 3. Only SATA M.2 SSDs are supported. The M.2 slot is an M.2 slot. All of them have 2 chambers and the slot is not "keyed". The M.2 SSDs are "keyed". An "M" key or "B + M" will physically insert into the slot but in the case of this model laptop only a SATA M.2, which are almost always B + M keyed, will actually work. I suggest a Samsung 860 Evo 2280 M.2 like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-860-SATA-Internal-MZ-N6E1T0BW/dp/B07822Z77M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=15...

I will not include an image of the inside because it seems you have seen where the M.2 slot is located.

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

[GuidoK]

I interpreted the list on p3 as specs for possible combinations shipped, as it specifies specifications on drives, not specifications on interfaces.

On p94-95 you see the same data but specifically listed to the drives that gave me a clearer picture regarding what I thought.

But if those are the specs of the drives which will work, a 1TB drive also won't work because it isn't listed.

But maybe I interpret the info in the service manual wrong. It's a vague document.

I got my info from wikipedia regarding the keying.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.2#Form_factors_and_keying

There it is shown like this with 2 distinct sockets:

But maybe the info is wrong and the b key socket doesn't exist.

What I ment to say it has the socket on the right in the picture above.

[Huffer]

I have never seen a "B" key only SSD or slot not to say they do not exist. If the socket could support a PCIe/NVME M.2 then HP would offer one and it would be listed in the Manual. Granted, the Manual nowhere says "you can't use an NVME M.2" in so many words but it means that by not listing one as compatible. You can use any capacity SATA M.2 on the market; a 2 TB would work. 

[GuidoK]

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@Huffer wrote:

 If the socket could support a PCIe/NVME M.2 then HP would offer one and it would be listed in the Manual.

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I understand your point but I have some doubt that the manual is written in that matter.

I think that the options displayed in the manual are the options HP is willing to sell as an install/have been available as installed from supplier.

I mean look at the combination M.2 SSD and 2,5" HDD. Only 128GB+1TB is listed. So is that only/max combination supported?

It would be in your interpretation.

But thats just my logic.

Of course an SATA SSD would be the safe choice as that is supported for sure.

The other option is just go for NVMe and return it if it doesn't work (more hassle....)

[Huffer]

To be fair your post was a question: does it support? You have apparently already figured it out for yourself and really are not looking for an answer, just confirmation of your own conclusion and I am sorry I can't provide that. Of course I have only been reading these Manuals for like 20 years. They are not an upgrade Guide or in any way intended to say what CAN be installed. They are for techs in the field and designed to show how to deal with the hardware HP provides from the factory. Any other use including divining upgrade options requires some interpretation. Yes, your option is to believe or to experiment and as you say what do you have to lose by trying an NVME as long as you can return it if it does not work? To advance the knowledge of the Forum please post back here and let us know when (if) the NVME does not work and you have to return it for a SATA or come in with a big "I told you so" when it works. Thanks for looking. 

[GuidoK]

My question whether it supports NVMe is indeed maybe not the most accurate one.

The better question would be: will it work?

That HP doesn't 'support it' I already knew as I wrote in my opening post that I already read the service & maintenance guide.

I'm not after a gloating 'I told you so' post. I was hoping to find someone that had hands on experience with this laptop series.

Its fairly normal for laptops with this exact same cpu/chipset config to support NVMe.

[Huffer]

support = it works....there is no middle ground. 

You might be surprised to know we do get HP laptops to try out and I have had my hands on the 15 inch cousin of this laptop that uses the same motherboard. I did put an M.2 SSD in it but I did not try an NVME M.2 because I was pretty sure it would not work. So its still technically an open question until somebody actually tries it, right?