HP ProBook 6570b internal connector

[KDN1]

Hello! I have a laptop HP ProBook 6570b with product number C3C94ES#ACB. Found an internal connector that could look like mSATA or mini PCI-E. What is it really? What can it be used for? Is it possible to install mSATA SSD or mini PCI-E SSD?

Does the purpose of this connector differ in different products of the ProBook 6570b model? Couldn't find the documentation for my C3C94ES model, would appreciate it if you could help with that.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

See p. 92 of the Manual here:

Manual

Is that the slot? It is for a WWAN card (cellular modem) so you can get an internet connection wherever you can use a cell phone. It is not for use with any kind of storage device like an mSSD card. 

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

[KDN1]

Thank you very much for the answer! It seems that you are right and this is the connector for the WWAN module.

It became clear that this is not mSATA, but mini PCI-E connector, which is provided by the developer for WWAN module. It is unclear only - this is a full connector for any devices with mini PCI-E interface or cut (partially soldered) specifically for the use of WWAN modules only. The above manual describes how to install (and remove) WWAN module into the connector, but it is not indicated that this is its only application.

[Huffer]

But we have had quite a few users before you see that slot and stick an mSATA mSSD in there and then wonder why it does not work. You also have to look at what the Manual does not say. If there were a way to put an mSSD in it the Manual would say so. Some Lenovo Thinkpads from the era had dual purpose slots and I believe one or more HP Mobile Workstation models with 2nd and 3rd gen Intel Core processors had a slot that could be for WWAN or mSSD but in those cases the manuals say so. 

[KDN1]

I agree with that. In this case, we are dealing with a connector on which the SATA bus is not output, and therefore it is impossible to connect any drives. Continuing the theme, I mean, is it possible to connect the device, in particular adapters are designed to interface mini PCI-E. Apparently it can be found only empirically. Anyway, thanks for your help!