SSD upgrade

[mustafa_arra]

Hi there,

I have HP Envy 15 as100nx with Sandisk SSD M.2 SATA 128GB that came with it out of the box.

Can I upgrade it to an M.2 PCIe NVME SSD ?

Also, I think my current SSD connector layout is B&M, where the new SSD will mostly have an M connector, can it replace the B&M SSD?

Oh, one last thing, my only PCIe X4 slot is already in use, and the remaining X1 slots are free, will the capacity of X1 slot limit the performance of the speedy new SSD ?

THNX IN ADVANCE!

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here's the Manual:

Manual

In a word "yes" your laptop can accept either a B + M SATA M.2 mSSD OR an NVME/PCIe version which will be "M" keyed. 

Start on p. 28 of the Manual and jump to SSD replacement on page 35. 

Be careful with the rubber strips. Try not to stretch them or they will be hard to get back into the slots. 

You will see when you get in there that there is only the one PCIe slot for the SSD; as for x1 slots...those are virtual devices or hold the wireless card. Nothing will hold back that PCIe/NVME M.2 disk. 

Need help transferring the OS? 

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[mustafa_arra]

I really appreciate the fast  response !

but to be sure and to make it clear.....will the x1 pcie slot limit or throttle the maximum  speed obtained by the new nvme m.2 ssd like samsung 960 pro ?

also, i would be thankful if you give a hint on now to transfer my genuine win10 to the new ssd.

[Huffer]

Not sure where you are getting the idea that there is a 1x PCIe slot. I believe it is an 8x where you plug in the M.2 disk and it is a special purpose port. The only 1x port is for the wirelss card and you do not put the storage disk there. 

Do you want to clone the installation in place or do a clean install? 

Several ways to do it:

1. Use the HP Backup and Recovery and make a factory image disk

2. Use Windows backup and make a system image on an external drive and use that to install; or, 

3. Clone the existing install which is an exact copy of your software over to the new disk. 

There are others. 

[mustafa_arra]

ok i will make it clear for you:

running a tool to show my  system pcie slots shows that i have 5 slots, slot 0 is pcie x1 and its in use, slot 4 is pcie x4 and its also in use, slots 1-3 are pcie x1 and they are not in use.

unforunately, it doesnt show what devices are connected to the used slots.

let me guess, slot 4  is being used by my current m.2 sata ssd ?

anyhow, there is no mentionig at all that i have a x16 slot.

[Huffer]

Yes that is the 4x...however, most of those "slots" you are seeing, in a laptop are not physical devices you can actually get to but circuitry soldered into the motherboard. Frankly, you are overthinking. Take the back cover off and put the NVME M.2 in the disk slot and you are good to go. The speed will amaze you. 

[mustafa_arra]

One last question, please.

Since I have an M.2 M+B keyd SSD installed in my M.2 slot ,THEN;

does it mean that my slot is also M+B keyed ? and that I cannot install M keyd devices in it like the samsung 960 evo SSD ?

I KNOW THAT I AM OVERTHINKING, BUT I NEED TO GET THIS ANSWERD BEFORE BUYING THE NEW SSD 🙂

[Huffer]

I think I already answered. The slot actually has two channels which are designed to accept either a SATA (B + M) or an NVME (M key)

The edge is the same width so the slot can take either type.