I want to replace my 128GB M.2 SSD but don't know what compatible drives I can upgrade to.

[Rchrd]

Hi.  Any advice on the following gratefully received.

My notebook contains a 128GB SATA3 M.2 SSD (Samsung MZNLN128HAHQ-000H1).  I want to buy a larger SSD to replace this, but am not sure if there is a limit on the size I can go up to.  

- Are there any limits, e.g. set by the system board (HP scanner says it is PN L23236-601; Mr Memory scanner says it is HP-849A, KBC version 74.37)?

- Can I change the M.2 SSD for a NVMe SSD, or do I have to stick with a SATA3 SSD? (some versions of my laptop have NVMe drives, but they have different processors, and probably different motherboards too)

- the current SSD has a B+M style connector, do I have to buy a replacement SSD with the same connector, or can I buy one with a B type or an M type connector? 

I have tried the system scanners on sites like Crucial and Mr Memory, but they say that they can only sell me 2.5" drives.  I'm not sure if this is because I can't go higher with an M.2 drive on my motherboard, or it's because they don't stock a suitable M.2 drive for my laptop.  

I have previously opened up the same laptop up to replace the RAM, so I am reasonably competent with such DIY computing upgrades.  If there is any info printed on the motherboard that may help, I am able to open the laptop up and look for it. 

many thanks! 

[NonSequitur777]

@Rchrd,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

It appears to me that your HP Pavilion Notebook 14-ck0989na only accepts a 2.5" (7mm) SATA SSD, and a SATA M.2 drive, which has a "B & M key" edge connector:

The SATA M.2 slot is most likely not compatible with an M.2 NVMe SSD. You can check that here, for example: https://www.mrmemory.co.uk/ssd-upgrades/hp/pavilion-notebook/14-ck0989na#!integral-m.2-sata-ssd.

So, your best chance of upgrading your M.2 drive is to buy something like this product: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fikwot-FN203-1TB-M-2-SATA/dp/B0C3ZR818X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1J1PVMEAU8S6N&....

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Rchrd]

Hi NonSequitur777,

Thanks for your reply, it was very helpful.

I have one question before I proceed - my notebook does not have the name 'Pavilion' on it anywhere (not on the case, and not in Windows settings / about) and the HP website itself refers to this simply as "HP Laptop 14-ck0989na".  Is this the same laptop, or is the Pavilion version a different series?  I really like your recommendations, but I don't want to buy something and find that it doesn't actually fit after all.

best wishes, etc.

[NonSequitur777]

@Rchrd,

And it is a great question to ask, but we already established that we are swapping one M.2 SATA drive for another, with a (much) larger capacity:

Whether or not "Pavilion" is part of your laptop's name/designation or not -personally I think it is more of a generic HP designation, seems to me irrelevant. Even if a newly purchased 1TB M.2 SATA drive were not to work -which would be surprising to me, most Sellers accept returns to get your money back.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777