Installing an SSD into a HP Pavilion 15-au series

[lasvegasMIB]

I would like to add an M.2 SSD to my laptop and move the OS partition to this new drive while retaining the existing mechanical drive as a data storage drive.

So far I've been able to determine from the manual that it lists 128GB and 256GB size drives and part numbers.

Is it possible to install a SSD larger than 256GB?

What are the compatible specs for the M.2 SSD? Can it be SATA-3 or NVMe? I want to make sure that what I order will work with the main board interface.

I also want to find out the steps necessary to transition the system partition to the SSD.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Chris

[old_geekster]

@lasvegasMIB , welcome to the forum.

Here are the SSD's that are recommended by Crucial Memory.  Crucial/Micron makes very good memory and SSD's for OEM computers.  They are much less expensive, as well.  If you decide not to go with one of their produces, they will give you an idea of what to buy.

The best way to install a M.2, SSD, as the boot drive is, install the SSD and leave the HDD installed as it came from the factory.  Choose a cloning software and install it on the HDD.  Run the cloning software.  It will ask you to choose the Target drive which will be the SSD.  Once the HDD has been cloned to the SSD, you can go into the BIOS/UEFI and change the boot order to the SSD.  Once this is done you can reboot the computer and it should boot to the SSD.  The HDD can be used as storage.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[lasvegasMIB]

So, based on the specs on the Crucial website, it would seem that whichever SSD I select, it would need to be SATA III and not NVMe. But I can go above the 256GB list in the manual. Is that right?

[old_geekster]

@lasvegasMIB,

Q: So, based on the specs on the Crucial website, it would seem that whichever SSD I select, it would need to be SATA III and not NVMe. But I can go above the 256GB list in the manual. Is that right?

A: Yes, you are correct in both instances.  Here is the Maintenance and Service Guide for the notebook.  In Chapter 6, Removal and replacement procedures for authorized service provider part, Page 34, it lists the SSD's that are compatible.  They are all SATA-3.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[lasvegasMIB]

Well, I received the Crucial MX500 M.2 Sata III SSD and it is not at all compatabile with the m.2 slot on the MB next to the battery. Maybe it is a different type of slot. the female slots resemble a SATA connection but smaller in dimensions.

[lasvegasMIB]

Wow, so that slot is the DVD drive sata connection. (facepalm)

I can't find the second M.2 slot anywhere on the MB. Any hints would be helpful.

[old_geekster]

@lasvegasMIB, there is only M.2,  SSD, socket on your motherboard.  Here is a picture of a M.2 socket with the hold-down screw and stand-off showing: 

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=ngEDgUE8&id=BF872B5067A12EE609737BF89E46594D14...

I hope this helps.