M.2 SSD Upgrade

[JimBob971]

Hello,

I'm wondering if it is at all possible to upgrade my computer with an m.2 SSD. If so, can I use an NVMe drive? If not, which drive would you recommend?

Thanks you

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Yes but your model only can use a SATA-3 type M.2 disk. 

Your Service Manual

However, the M.2 slot is on the backside of the motherboard so accessing it is extremely hard to do. 

This is an image of the backside of the motherboard:

M.2 circled in red

So to return to your question, yes an M.2 is possible to install, no it cannot be an NVME kind so you would be looking at a Samsung 860 Evo M.2 or other SATA-based M.2 disk. And it is not an easy upgrade job. 

Post back with any other questions and please accept as solution if its the info you needed. 

[JimBob971]

Hello Huffer, thanks for your answer.

After reading it, I can't help but wonder if there would be any difference in performance and/or energy consumption between an m.2 SATA-3 drive and a 2.5-inch SSD replacement.

If there isn't any real advantage, then the upgrade doesn't seem to be worth the additional effort.

[Huffer]

Very insightful. Yes a 2.5 inch SATA and an M.2 SATA are basically the same hardware in a different package so performance is about the same. Energy consumption also about the same.