Installing SATA III m.2 SSD in Pavilion 15-AU147CL

[George6501]

I would like to install either an SATA III SSD Drive or a SATA III m.2 SSD Card in my Pavilion Laptop 15-AU147CL. Can I install either, or, am I limited by my Laptop to only the SSD Drive. I have seen reference to the m.2 SSD Card on page 34 of the manual but have also noted a reference on the internet that the laptop does not have space for the card only the SSD disk drive thereby replaceing the 1tb HDD. Before I crack open the computer or otherwise order the part I thought I should ask the forum for assistance. Has anyone upgraded their machine in this area?  My operating system is Windows 10 64 bit and all the rest is pretty standard. I do have a 1tb hard drive currently. 

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Heres the Service Manual:

Manual

This is what it is supposed to look like if you remove the back cover:

M.2 slot circled

This particular model series has been the most problematic. In many cases, users have purchased M.2 disks, opened the laptop and found that there is no slot in their machine at the place pictured above. In a few other cases people have reported the presence of a slot but the system refuses to recognize an M.2 disk in the slot as if the slot is somehow disabled. HP has not provided a list of affected models but problems seem to center around Walmart and Costco models, but not exclusively.

So, at a minumum open the back before you buy anything. Start on p. 29 and follow the steps indicated. 

If you have the empty M.2 slot odds are strong you can put a SATA-3 M.2 disk in it such as the Samsung Evo 860 2280 form factor M.2 disk. 

However, to be 100% safe get a 2.5 inch SATA-3 SSD of which there is also a Samsung 860 Evo model but also many more. The 2.5 inch and the M.2 SATA are the same speed so you don't lose anything except dual disks. 

Wish I could give you a 100% assurance of what would work but this is the most honest info you are going to find.

Post back with any further questions and please accept as solution if the question is answered.