Replace HDD with an SSD

[AkshayHB]

Hi,

I am planning to replace my HDD with SSD to improve my system performance. System came with 1TB HDD (~350GB used) and I am planning to replace it with 500GB SDD.

I would like to know the SSD that can be installed on my laptop? Do I need to use 2.5" SATA or an M2 SATA SSD? Any recommendations is highly appreciated.

Also, please let me know some key things to be considered while performing the replacement?

Thanks and Regards

Akshay

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Since your notebook has an Intel 7th generation core processor it has a M.2 slot that supports SATA M.2 SSD's only, not NVMe.

I recommend the Western Digital Blue SA510 M.2 SATA SSD in a storage capacity that meets your needs and budget.

Your other option would be to replace the 2.5" mechanical hard drive with a 2.5" SSD.

The performance would be the same.

Below is the link to the service manual.

HP 15 Laptop PC (Intel)HP 15g Laptop PCHP 15q Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide

The manual does indicate support for a 2.5" drive + a M.2 SATA SSD, so you should be able to retain the 1 TB mechanical hard drive and use it for storage if you want.

[AkshayHB]

Thanks, Paul.

I prefer to take out HDD from my system and use it as an external storage if needed. 

Looking at the manual I understood that my system supports dual storage (existing HDD + M.2 SATA SSD). Is it possible to make my system work with dual SSDs (2.5" SSD + M.2 SATA SSD)?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

You can replace the 2 5" HDD with a 2.5" SSD, and add a M.2 SATA SSD, but you would still be limited to using the 2.5" SSD for storage only. 

[AkshayHB]

Great to know that I can use both 2.5" SDD and M.2 SATA SDD together. However, for now, I would just be using either of them and will take out HDD from the system. I will have the new partition created for all my personal data files.

When it comes to OS, is cloning from HDD or fresh installation of windows on SDD is recommended? And , if I am replacing my existing HDD with 2.5" SDD, am I required to buy any additional accessories like drive bracket etc?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I wouldn't be able to help you with cloning questions.

I always clean install the OS on new drives.

As a matter of fact, the reason it has taken me a while to reply is because I just got finished installing W11 on a new Samsung 980 NVMe SSD for my HP 800 G3 Desktop Mini desktop PC.

In addition to clean installing Windows, you can also make a bootable USB recovery drive with the HP cloud recovery tool that will reinstall Windows, the drivers and the software that originally came with your notebook on the new M.2 SSD.

Here is an info link for how to use the utility.  You will need a 32 GB USB flash drive for this.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Customer Support

You can make the bootable USB recovery drive now before you install the new drive(s).

[AkshayHB]

Thank you, Paul, for the support.

I was able to replace HDD with an SSD and did a fresh installation of Windows 10. Thank you again.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.