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    How to install mSata SSD in Envy 14?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by chumanji9, Jan 24, 2012.

  1. chumanji9

    chumanji9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    While looking at HP's site on the Envy 14. I notice it had an option to buy a mSata with the standard HD. Has anyone, install one before? Any pics? I try the search on this forum and youtube, but all are about switching the HD to a SSD.
     
    chumanji9, Jan 24, 2012
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  2. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    It's simple. Just plug it in. It can only fit one way because of the cut out on the contact side of the device.

    No video or guide required. :)
     
    2.0, Jan 24, 2012
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  3. fo4imtippin

    fo4imtippin Newbie

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    Except if it is a Gen 1 envy, you need a modded bios for it to work. I am still looking for a bios before i buy the msata drive.
     
    fo4imtippin, Jan 25, 2012
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  4. chumanji9

    chumanji9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Maybe I am not looking at the right places. I took off both of the bottom panels. And I can't find the slot for the mSATA drive. Do you know where its located at? I do see an empty spot under the HD, but there is no sockets.
     
    chumanji9, Jan 25, 2012
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  5. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    2.0, Jan 25, 2012
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  6. chumanji9

    chumanji9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the manual 2.0.

    I guess I was looking at the right location afterall. My envy doesn't seem to have the socket for a mSATA. The space is there with the mounting holes, but no mSATA sockets. Dang, can't believe HP wouldn't put the socket in unless I order there mSATA drive.
     
    chumanji9, Jan 25, 2012
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  7. yknyong1

    yknyong1 Radiance with Radeon

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    You can order the SSD bracket separately from the parts store.
     
    yknyong1, Jan 25, 2012
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  8. chumanji9

    chumanji9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    chumanji9, Jan 25, 2012
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  9. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    Hmm... which version do you have? Envy 14 1xxx or Envy 14 2xxx? if the former, that may explain it.
     
    2.0, Jan 25, 2012
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  10. chumanji9

    chumanji9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    chumanji9, Jan 25, 2012
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  11. chumanji9

    chumanji9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Errr...just found a thread on the HP forum. Looks like if you didn't order the mSATA option with the HD, you won't get the mSATA board/socket install onto the motherboard. Since, I bought mine from the MS store, its not a custom order. Dang.
     
    chumanji9, Jan 25, 2012
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  12. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    So the pads are there but the socket isn't? I've seen them do the same on a HP DV2000 and CQ41. That's a horrible practice of HP's to save a few cents but Acer do it too - their 3G models get the WWAN socket but the cheaper variants don't so budding users have had to solder it on. Now if the Envy 14 advertising/doco implied it did have mSATA capability then could asked HP to provide you a replacement systemboard.

    If no go but still keen to have mSATA could solder on a mPCIe socket but you'd void your warranty. It's a relatively easy thing for a mobile phone tech to do. HP might also have missed a few 0ohm resistors near the socket as well just to completely disconnect it. Those would need a blob of solder to wire through the track.
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 25, 2012
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  13. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    Wow, yeah, I'm shocked at that too.

    If you could, take a pic of that area and post it. A nice close up pic but not so close up that there's no frame of reference as to the ports location. There may simply be a part that you might need that you can order from HP parts store.

    Otherwise, Nando's advice is the way to go if you're game.
     
    2.0, Jan 25, 2012
    #13