Replacing Intel Optane SSD with M.2 SSD (no POST)

[user139]

My Pavilion is using a 16GB Intel Optane Drive and a slow 1TB HDD. I tried to replace the Optane Drive by disabling the Optane storage in the "Intel Optane Management ... " GUI, rebooted, and was now only using the HDD (following Solved: Steps to Replace Optane with SSD in M.2 slot - HP Support Community - 7020025).

After shutting down, I replaced the Optane Drive with an WD Blue 3D NAND M.2 SSD, but I am not able to get it to boot.

Steps I tried:

• turning on with both the HDD and the new SSD
• turning on with only the new SSD (by unplugging the HDD)
• HDD alone (no Optane or SSD)
• above steps with removed battery and drained CMOS

However I can`t get it to boot: The fan starts spinning, but the display stays off (no logo/no beep). After ~5 seconds the laptop halts, waits 1 second, then start again.

If I put the Optane back in, it boots back to windows without problems (just poinfully slow because HDD without activated optane).

Now my question: how can I get my M.2 SSD to work.

Could it be differences in power?

• Optane uses 1-3.5 Watts Intel Optane Memory Series 16GB M.2 80mm PCIe 3.0 20nm 3D Xpoint Product Specifications
• WD Blue uses only 0.06 - 3.5 Watts

Could it be a problem with Intel RST/AHCI?

The M.2 is fresh out of the box, so chances for failure should be pretty low (I hope).

Thank you for any answer.

Further Note: I was able to toggle the keyboard backlight, but not the Cap Lock indicator.

Further Note: This might be a problem with RST vs AHCI: I need to use an AHCI driver for the HDD and M.2 slot, but I can`t change that in the BIOS (there is no advanced tab, and the usual tips like press "a" or "fn+tab x3" didn`t work). How can I change the SATA operation mode?

[user139 · Accepted solution]

Since I can`t change the operation mode, I am not going to be able to install the M.2 Drive. Or install linux. Or recommend a brand that locks down their products.