Help on Storage Upgrade options

[SharitNew]

Hi,

My laptop has a 256GB SSD. It's fast but I am having storage issues so am looking for upgrading.

What's the best option for me:

1. Can I keep my SSD and add a new Hard Drive (e.g. 1TB HDD)
2. Can I only have either a SSD or a HDD?
3. If it's the second option, is there way to have an image saved of my current SSD so that I do not need to install some of the large applications that I use (mostly games)

Looking forward to some info on this from the experts!

-Sharit

[TzortzisG]

Hi SharitNew.

What type of SSD do you already have? 2.5 inch or m.2 (gumstick)?

[TzortzisG]

To answer your question:

Your laptop (according to your manual) supports dual storage configurations with a 2.5 inch 7.2 mm SATA hard drive and a m.2 SATA or PCIe (nvme). However, if you already have the factory fitted 256 nvme m.2 ssd, it's more than likely that the HDD bay is missing the necessary cable to connect and the HDD cover that holds it in place:

(1) Hard drive cover For use in models without a fingerprint reader L51121-001

     For use in models with a fingerprint reader L51122-001

(3) Hard drive cable L51095-001

[SharitNew]

Thanks for your quick revert.

Yes, I have the factory fitted drive. So, does this mean if I replace the HDD cover with the right part, I can then install an additional HDD as a second storage?

[TzortzisG · Accepted solution]

Hello SharitNew.

As I said above, your laptop was made for having two storage devices, a 2.5 inch (HDD or SSD) and a m.2 (SATA or PCIe). However, to add the 2.5 inch drive (HDD or SSD) you first have to find parts (1) AND (3). BOTH. Unfortunately HP no longer offers them, so you have to find used parts from ebay, etc, etc.  Actually part (3) Hard drive cable is the MOST important one. If you have the parts, your laptop can sport another drive, a 2.5 HDD or SSD. I'd go for a second SSD, this one will have to be SATA.

Take care.

[SharitNew]

Thanks a lot for the clear explanation!

I see the HP forums haven't lost their charm - their experts! Thanks!

-Sharit

[TzortzisG]

Wow, you're definitely being too kind! But I have to admit there are quite a few good people contributing here.

Have a good one SharitNew!

[SharitNew]

Just to update - I found the connector, but not the HDD cover. Still, I managed with some tapes for time being, to have the new SSD not move inside. 

And now.... voila! I have 2 SSDs!!!

Thanks a lot, again!!!

-Sharit

[TzortzisG]

Good on you SharitNew!

Looks great.... This is exactly why I said that actually the cable is the MOST important part. If it were an HDD, it would HAVE to be properly fastened into place, because the spinning of the platters would cause vibrations and movement inside the case thus leading to premature failure of the drive. But with SSDs there are no such issues. I've put SSDs inside desktops hanging by their cables upside down, they're the second most durable thing after RAM modules. Anyways, enjoy!