Spectre Upgrade to NVMe SSD?

[Bizintine]

So I recently got locked out of my drive while running Linux using Hyper V. Figured why not take this opportunity to upgrade my SSD?

I have an HP Spectre x360 model number 13-4003dx

I have been searching compatibility for a Samsung 970 Pro, which is the SSD I would like to upgrade to, with no avail. I found similar models that are compatible up to PCIe 2, but no matches for the 4003dx.

Does this exact model support NVMe over PCIe? Where can I find the specs of this socket on my motherboard?

The stock drive is a Liton L8H-256V2G-HP which is an m.2 form factor running over mSATA.

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

[iomare · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The service manual mentions support with M2 SATA3 and M2 PCIe SSD.

However, the Samsung 970 Evo you mentioned we have seen compatibility issues with older gen. Intel Core systems. So, I would go with the Crucial P1 and buy it from there site, the only reason being that they guarantee their upgrades with money back guarantee.

Examples:

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/hp-spectre-x360-13-4003dx/CT14430864

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/hp-spectre-x360-13-4003dx/CT14430867

On page 32 of service manual you can see the steps to install the drive:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04807803

Hope it helps,

David

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[Bizintine]

Thanks David I appreciate the quick response. I was actually talking about the Samsung 970 Pro, and not the Evo. But I can imagine it having the same compatibility issues if not more as you mentioned. I did see this post however where it seems others have had success with the pro.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/HP-Spectre-x360-with-PCIe-NVMe...

See post by @Tryambak_D

[iomare]

Yes, I see. It is not really that clear what is being said, such as the difficulty with downloading Windows 10 and so on.

The EVO and PRO will be basically the same regarding compatibility.

Basically, what is being said (and is true) is that even if the 970 pro runs in the machine, it will not be at its full potential. 

I have seen compatibility issues with the Samsung NVMe drives even on newer models and usually only recommend them on the 8th gen Core CPUs.

Personally, I would go with the Crucial link, as I can be certain that if it does not work I can get my money back or even replace it with a SATA3 SSD. The difference in speed will not really be noticeable.

Maybe Expert @Huffer could add some input, he might have even used one these in the past?

Regards,

David

[Huffer]

I have never seen the need to pay the extra money for the Pro, since the Evo line is so fast. The Pro uses a different chipset I do know so it seems very likely it could be compatible where the Evo is not and vice versa. 

[iomare]

Hi @Huffer 

Basically I was wondering about it being with Intel Core i7-5500U, so one of the first models to accept PCIe, would you think the 970 Evo would be compatible?

[Huffer]

I would have my doubts. Better off with something like the Samsung PM951, Adata SX6000 series or something like that. 

[Bizintine]

So I ran a clean install of Windows on my 970 PRO. Everything went very quick and very smooth no problems so far. While it is not running at its full potential, I am getting read speeds of 1,674 MB/s and write speeds of 1,605 MB/s.

Thanks for all the input everyone!!

[iomare]

Great, Glad it worked and thanks for letting us know.

Maybe it can help in the future.

All the best,

David