What NVMe is better for my HP Laptop 17-by0021dx ? The EX950 or EX920 ?

[jmo3900]

I want to add an NVMe  drive to my HP Laptop 17-by0021dx

Which is better,  HP EX950 or HP EX920 ?

I'd like to buy the HP EX950 but if my laptop can't utilize that drive to it's fullest potential I'd like to buy the HP EX920 to save money. Also what size should I buy? I'm looking at either the 500GB or 1TB capacities. Again, I know there are benefits to the larger capacity versions being faster, but if my laptop won't be able to take advantage of that, I'd rather buy just what I need.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here is the Manual:

Service Manual

Start on p. 36 to remove the back cover and inside see this:

M.2 slot in red circle

Your laptop is capable of getting as much out of an NVME M.2 SSD as it has to give. The EX920 is an "older" device. It is still an x4 device, but will be somewhat slower than the 950, particularly on write speeds. And you are correct, the 1TB version  of the 950 is rated for a bit better write speed than the 500 gb but I question how much difference you would see in day to day performance. It's a very minor difference and either is very very fast. Base your purchase decision on how much storage you need, not design/theoretical speed differentials, I say, to avoid spending significant money you do not really need to spend. 

If the 920 is a lot less expensive I might consider it but unless you are going to save 25% or more I would go with the newer, faster hardware.

Post back with any further questions and please accept as solution if this is the info you needed.