Replace HDD w/SSD, or add SSD (M.2) to extra slot?

Hello All,

I'm finally upgrading my PC, running Windows 10 (info below on parts I bought, and PC system).

I will upload the video I've been using and got the RAM installed no problem. I did some reading, but hoping for feedback here for a 2nd opinion, wanting to cover all the bases I would like to understand whether or not to use the extra SSD slot (upper right near RAM in photo attached) or should I replace the HDD?

I don't know yet if I can actually put an SDD into the area the HDD is in. It's in a case, and I do understand HDDs are much different than SDD. I didn't realize that until I read an article here this a.m.

I'll be glad to supply any, other info you might need. Oh, pic of my SSD M.2:



Below is a snip of the inside of my PCs Motherboard, PC Info, and the Video showing my hard-drive area:

I started Video from the place HDD info started, hope that works right

Any standard SATA HDD can be replaced with an SSD. Just be aware that, while a lot faster than a spinning HDD, a SATA SSD is slower than an NVMe SSD. Don't get me wrong, a SATA SSD is still plenty quick, but if you are after raw speed, then an M.2 NVMe SSD will be quicker.

Of course, there is nothing that says that you can't put an SSD in the M.2 slot AND replace the HDD with an SSD .

Just one word of caution: Check the specs for your system to make sure that the M.2 slot can accommodate an NVMe type SSD. Some older systems will only accommodate SATA cards in the M.2 slot.

hsehestedt said:

Any standard SATA HDD can be replaced with an SSD. Just be aware that, while a lot faster than a spinning HDD, a SATA SSD is slower than an NVMe SSD. Don't get me wrong, a SATA SSD is still plenty quick, but if you are after raw speed, then an M.2 NVMe SSD will be quicker.

Of course, there is nothing that says that you can't put an SSD in the M.2 slot AND replace the HDD with an SSD .

Just one word of caution: Check the specs for your system to make sure that the M.2 slot can accommodate an NVMe type SSD. Some older systems will only accommodate SATA cards in the M.2 slot.

Ok, little confused, apologies. My SSD is an Nvme I believe? It says so on it? Did I misunderstand you about that?

I do have the HP page for my system I'll put below @hsehestedt and thanks so much for helping me!!

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05950974

Hi,
M key so you're good it's the same as the team group ssd you showed in socket 3 though only.

ThrashZone said:

Hi,
M key so you're good it's the same as the team group ssd you showed in socket 3 though only.

Ok so does that mean I can only add it there, not switch out with HDD? That's good for me if so?

steve108 said:

Since you already have a m.2 NVMe and your PC accepts it, I would use it. Keep the HDD for additional storage.

Why would you want to switch out the HDD? Leave it in place and use it for additional storage after you clone the HDD to SSD.

It wasn't a "want" it was a "I don't get all this upgrading thingy"

Goldengirl52 said:

Ok so does that mean I can only add it there, not switch out with HDD? That's good for me if so?

Hi,
I've not seen any numbering on the m.2 so no idea seems to be only 2
If there is a detailed manual it might list where 3 is
Otherwise you'd just have to look at each and see if they are different.

ThrashZone said:

Hi,
I've not seen any numbering on the m.2 so no idea seems to be only 2
If there is a detailed manual it might list where 3 is
Otherwise you'd just have to look at each and see if they are different.

Do you mean on my new SSD, or the label on the pic of the Motherboard?

Goldengirl52 said:

Do you mean on my new SSD, or the label on the pic of the Motherboard?

Mother board.