Is there an M.2 SSD port on my laptop?

[paulxmr7]

Good night Paul! 

I have checked the chapter 4 of the service manual and mentions things like: 'You need non-conductive, non-marking plastic tools' or 'Before handling a drive, be sure that you are discharged of static electricity'.

I would need you to explain to me a little how it works since I am trying to use these components to perform the complete upgrade of my 15-db0107ns laptop: 

Crucial BX500 SATA SSD 1TB, SSD Interno 2.5", Hasta 540MB/s, Compatible con Ordenador Portátil y de ...

Crucial RAM DDR4 8GB 2400MHz SODIMM CL17, Memoria para Ordenador Portátil/Laptop, Mini PC, Memoria d...

StarTech.com Cable adaptador USB 3.1 (10 Gbps) a SATA para unidades de disco

JOREST 38Pcs Destornilladores Precision Kit, Set Herramientas con Torx T1 T2 T3 T4 T5, TR6 T7 T8 T9 ...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to help you with those details. 

The only precautions I take when working on a notebook is to remove it from A/C power, and disconnect the battery. 

I've never encountered any issues changing components that way.

[paulxmr7]

Hi again, Paul!

I found these warnings strange, so I decided to ask you, since you seem to have a lot of experience on the subject

On the other hand, I've been checking some things. 

I've found, via cmd, that both chips are running at 1866MHz. This is likely due to the system's limitation due to their unevenness. We already knew that, but it's a good fact hehehe. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Paolo:

I don't believe that to be the case.

In order for notebook memory to run in dual channel mode, it has to be installed in matching capacities (2 x 4 GB, 2 x 8 GB) for example).

Download and run the free utility from the link below.  I use the portable version.

Free Download HWiNFO Sofware | Installer & Portable for Windows, DOS

On the summary report that opens when you run the app, you will see in the middle screen the mode the memory is running in.

If it is running in dual channel mode, it will state 'Dual Channel.'

If it is running in single channel mode, it will state 'Single Channel.'

If the memory is running in dual channel mode, there would be no pressing need to upgrade it, but if it is running in single channel mode as I believe it will be, you may want to consider upgrading it.

The DDR4-2400 memory will automatically bridge to 1866 MHz.

[paulxmr7]

Hello again Paul!

I have verified through the CPU-Z software that both RAM memories are SK Hynix DDR4-2666 but they are different capacities, one of 8GB and the other of 4GB, so it is currently working in single channel mode.

I was planning to buy one with the same capacity, brand, model and part number as the 8GB one, so it will work in dual channel for a total of 16GB.

I've fixed a couple of my mistakes and am currently planning to use these components for the upgrade:

Crucial BX500 SATA SSD 1TB, SSD Interno 2.5", Hasta 540MB/s, Compatible con Ordenador Portátil y de ... 

SK Hynix 8GB 2666MHz HMA81GS6JJR8N-VK Sodimm Memory Module 

UGREEN Cable SATA III a USB 3.0, Adaptador para 2,5" Disco Duro SDD HDD con UASP Soporta S.M.A.R.T, ... 

JOREST 38Pcs Destornilladores Precision Kit, Set Herramientas con Torx T1 T2 T3 T4 T5, TR6 T7 T8 T9 ... 

TRIXES Pulsera Antiestática ESD - Correa/Banda de Muñeca para ESD (Descarga Electrostática) con Band... 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Paolo:

Your choices of parts and equipment look great.

I definitely agree that if HP installed a DDR4-2666 MHz memory chip, then you should match it with another 8 GB chip of the same speed.

I find that HWINFO utility very useful.

Have a great evening and please post back and let us know how your notebook upgrade project went.

[paulxmr7]

Thanks for all your help and patience, Paul! 

I will use those components to upgrade and thus maintain the useful life of my 15-db0107ns for a few more years. 

The only obstacle could be the end of support for W10 in October of this year, so I'm considering switching to Linux later or keeping W10 (although vulnerable) and applying WSL. 

If I were to switch to Linux, I'd have to look for a distribution with a Windows-like interface for ease of use. Do you recommend any? 

Still, thank you so much for all your input and patience with me. I know it's not easy, hehe. Have a good night, Paul!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, Paolo.

Glad to have been of assistance.

I came across an interesting article I read last week regarding the Zorin operating system which you may want to consider.

Zorin OS - Make your computer better.

I'm thinking of installing it in a HP Thin Client t630 desktop PC which I'm currently running Tiny 11 on and it is still slower than molasses.

[TzortzisG]

Hi!

I've been using Zorin as my alternative OS/ Linux distro for quite a few years now, and I don't know if it's the closest thing to Windows, but it certainly is the easiest to use for someone new to Linux. I've been using this along with win7 (totally unsupported for many years now) and win10 on my older systems and have never had any security, malware or ransomware issues. The only problems I've had were with an Alder Lake totally patched win11 system.

About static electricity, if you want to follow protocol to the letter you can use an antistatic wristband. But most people touch something metal before working on electronics. This article has some good advice: How to Ground Yourself to Avoid Destroying a Computer with Electrostatic Discharge. 

[paulxmr7]

Hi TzortzisG! 

In the end, I decided to follow the protocol and buy a generic anti-static wrist strap from Amazon. I verified that it had the clamp and the 1MΩ resistance, so everything is fine.

Regarding ZorinOS, it could be an alternative if something happens with the discontinued W10. I like the world of computing but I haven't yet started using Linux, so if it's very similar and intuitive like Windows, it can be a good solution.

Thank you very much and have a nice day, TzortzisG!