SSD M.2 compatability is it sata or NVME

[eddiebs]

Hi Everyone

I would like upgrade the M.2 SSD in my HP Envy x360 - 15 - bq051sa notebook.

The current size of the SSD is 128 gb and my intention is to increase the drive to either 1 TB or 2 TB.

I will probably increase the Ram to 16gb at the same time but this doesn't seem to be an issue if I use like for like.

I believe I can upgrade the SSD  using a M.2 SATA variation as the current drive is I believe a SATA drive,   however I would like to determine if I can install a M.2 NVME drive or whether I need to stay with the slower SATA version of the M.2 

Any help or advice would be appreciated

Thanks and kindest regards

Eddie

Kindest regards

Eddie

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here is your Service Manual:

Manual 

See p. 2. The M.2 slot can be used with EITHER a SATA M.2 OR a PCIe/NVME M.2. All M.2 slots are the same. SATA M.2 SSDs tend to be 3 prongs (B + M keyed) and NVME tend to be 2 prong (M keyed) but either type fits into the M.2 slot perfectly. 

Good luck. If this is the info you needed please accept as solution. 

[eddiebs]

Thanks for the fast response and the manual, this is great

Thanks for confirming that the socket on the Motherboard is configured to accept both SATA and NVME drives, 

I guess I was also questioning if the installed drive interface would work with the NVME format,  and also if I would see the speed increase difference that is evident between SATA and NVME drives,  as I have read elsewhere that whist some interfaces will work with both formats, because of the architecture the of the interface, the speed achieved from the NVME drives is no better than the equivalent SATA drive.  

Also are there any bios or other configurations changes needed to use a NVME drive

Thanks again for the fast response

Kindest regards

Eddie

[Huffer]

Great questions. I am not sure what you mean by asking if the installed drive interface will work with the NVME format? You want to place the OS onto the M.2 SSD by cloning the old system disk or a clean reinstall onto the new NVME. In a few cases we have seen HP laptops that will take an NVME M.2 limited to x2 speeds but still like 3 times faster than SATA rather than 6 times like NVME. SATA is like 500 mbps 2x is like 1500 mbps and x4 NVME is up to 3500 mbps. No BIOS changes needed. Just stick the NVME in and configure it with an OS and you are off to the races. I have done this kind of upgrade many times so if you have specific detailed questions about what to do I am sure I can answer. 

[eddiebs]

Thanks will reach out if I have issues but currently locked down away from kit so researching ready to start so I can upgrade when I can get back