Option of upgrading my SSD

[TL99]

Guys,

Love my laptop but time to get more space on storage. It's currently running on the original factory installed sk hynix pc401 hfs256gd9tng-62a0a 250GB. 

Does it support 2nd SSD? (so life can be easier)
Or, what about this memory-chip-like https://www.crucial.com/ssd/p5/ct500p5ssd8/ct18136869 ?
If none of above applicable, replacing existing will get Windows license transferred and how?
Thank you in advanced.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Your notebook does not have two M.2 slots to support a SSD.

I would just buy another NVMe SSD having a larger storage capacity, and either clone the existing configuration to the new SSD by buying a USB to M.2 NVMe adapter or you can use the HP cloud recovery client tool to create a bootable USB recovery drive that will reinstall W10, the drivers and the software that originally came with your notebook.

Amazon.com: SSK Aluminum M.2 NVME SSD Enclosure Adapter, USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) to NVME PCI-E M-Key...

Cloud recovery link...

This package provides the Cloud Recovery Client for supported computer models running a supported operating system. This Client Utility enables users to download the Recovery Kit from the cloud.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp113001-113500/sp113100.exe

Instructions for use...

HP Business PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool | HP® Customer Support

A Crucial P5, or Samsung 970 NVMe SSD should work fine.

The W10 license/product key is in the BIOS.

You don't need the key or even need to know what it is to reinstall W10.

You can use this free utility to view and save the W10 product key report.

Get ShowKeyPlus - Microsoft Store

[TL99]

Paul, you are right. Mine already has a storage chip installed. Meanwhile the HDD bank is free next to it, how about this as a 2nd storage?  Its sequential read/write is about 6x slower than chip. So, this chip is a better option. 

The one you recommended at Amazon is an external case/sleeve for the chip. If I'm going to get the chip for internal how to clone existing SSD chip into the new one? Reinstall and re-config everything are pain.

Thank you!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

A 2.5" drive would be fine if your notebook has the parts to add one.

When PC's come with M.2 SSD's, many times the caddy and data/power connector cable are missing, and finding the parts is not always easy.

The device I posted is to temporarily install the blank M.2 SSD in, so you can clone it before removing your existing drive.

Otherwise, how can you clone the existing configuration to the new M.2 SSD when there isn't a second slot?

[TL99]

That's exactly the same question I have. Crucial  mentions Acronis. What's your recommendation? 

Appreciate your patience!!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I recommend the free Macrium Reflect software.

I used that to clone a 250 GB SSD to a 500 GB SSD, and it worked great. 

[TL99]

Great, thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.