SSd Upgrade -- Capacity issues

[-Ken-]

Well after I asked around for the type of SSD drive I can install on my notebook, I already picked my candidate, a 500GB M.2 NVMe  model. All looked good until I called my local HP hoping they would help me install the drive when I get it, and they told me that my notebook only supports 256GB if the SSD is an add-on drive, that if I want to go beyond 256GB then it has to be the only drive in my system.

I have limited experience with notebooks and none with SSDs. So...is it true that I do have this limitation? If so, is there any workaround? What's the theory behind this limitation?

I really would like to get a 500GB SSD if possible.

[iomare]

Hi,

There is no limit to capacity. The capacity mentioned in the service manual is the maximum the models in that series could have been bought with.

You need to be careful if you choose an NVMe drive as there could be compatibility issues with the newer ones such as the Samsung 970 Evo or similar with "older" model notebooks. That is why I recommended the Samung SM951 or 961 or the PM951 or 961.

As you can see Crucial does not offer its PCIe NVMe drive as an option

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/HP-Compaq/pavilion-15-bc021tx#SSDFilters

Personally, I would go with a fast M2 SATA3 drive such as the M2 Samsung 860 Evo or similar.

Hope it helps,

David

[-Ken-]

I also feel that the storage capacity limitation didn't make much sense, but it still nags at the back of my head. The HP guy said if my SSD goes beyond the 256GB limit, the BIOS would simply not recognize it, unless it is the only drive in the system. Again, that didn't make sense at all, but still...

I'm also aware there are a couple of interfaces and specs circulating out there. It's really difficult to decide, since I don't want to get something that's about to go obsolete, and getting the newest models risks compatibility issues. I don't mind getting a fast drive and ending up with half its performance, just as long as it works and I get to use its full capacity. I might change notebook in the near future and that fast drive can go with me and perform to its best in its new environment.

Anyway, the candidate I have in mind is Corsair Force MP510 (hopefully the 500GB model). How can I tell if it's going to be compatible to my notebook? Is there a website or something that I can check?

[-Ken-]

It's okay, I'll take my chances. Thanks everyone!

[iomare]

I can not say it will definetly be compatibe, the model of SSD in that series was the Samsung PM951 I believe. 

Let us know how it works out.

All the best,

David

[-Ken- · Accepted solution]

Well, finally got my SSD, the Corsair MP510 480G NVMe

No hassle at all. Just plugged the drive into the M.2 slot, screwed it in place, booted into BIOS and there it was, sitting in the drive list along with my main HDD.

Then I booted into Windows and checked the partitioning software -- found it listed as drive 1, unpartitioned, 447GB, so I guess that's full capacity detected. Turned out I was correct, that the 250G barrier warning from my local HP was a total bluff after all.

All looks good up to this point. I'm just waiting for the official release of Windows 10 1903, then I'll do a clean install into that SSD and see how it goes.