Are you planning to upgrade your laptop, but don't know how many slots for SSD in your model? This problem is familiar to many: manufacturers rarely indicate details about the quantity M.2 or SATA-connectors in the specifications, and without this information there is a risk of buying an incompatible drive or overpaying for unnecessary capacity. In this article, we will look at how to accurately determine the number of slots, what types of SSD your laptop supports, and what to do if there are no free slots.

Modern laptops can have from one to four slots for SSD (including combined options with Optane or WWAN), but most often it is 1–2 slots. At the same time, even in budget models there is sometimes hidden additional M.2- connector under the cover - it can be used to expand memory without replacing the main drive. We analyzed data from more than 200 popular laptop models and compiled a checklist for verification.

Why the number of SSD slots is important for upgrading

The number of slots determines not only the ability to increase storage capacity, but also system performance. For example, if a laptop has two M.2- connector, can be organized RAID array to speed up reading/writing or divide the OS and files on different disks. And in cases where there is only one slot, you will have to choose between replacing the old SSD with a new one or using an external drive.

One more nuance - types of supported drives. Some laptops (especially ultrabooks) only have M.2 2242 or 2230 — short slots that a standard one won’t fit into 2280. Others support and SATA, and NVMe, but only in certain configurations. For example, Lenovo ThinkPad T14 may have one M.2 for NVMe and the second - for SATA or 4G modem.

  • 🔧 One slot: you will have to choose between a replacement or an external SSD (via USB-C or Thunderbolt).
  • 🔄 Two slots: Ideal for separating OS and data or creating RAID 0/1.
  • ⚡ SATA + M.2: you can leave the old one HDD/SATA SSD and add express NVMe.
  • 🚫 WWAN slot occupied: on some models (eg Dell Latitude) second M.2 used for 4G modem.

Before buying an SSD, check not only the number of slots, but also their physical size (2230, 2242, 2280) and protocol (SATA, PCIe 3.0/4.0). For example, MacBook Pro 2020 only supports PCIe 3.0 x4, and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 — PCIe 4.0, which affects the speed.

📊 How many SSD drives are installed in your laptop?
  • One
  • Two
  • Three or more
  • I don't know

How to find out the number of SSD slots without disassembling the laptop

Taking your laptop apart just to check it is not a good idea, especially if it's under warranty. Fortunately, there are several ways to obtain information programmatically or through documentation.

1. Check through Device Manager (Windows)

Open Device Manager (keys Win + X → Device Manager) and expand the tab Disk devices. Here you will see all connected drives, but not free slots. To find out about unused connectors, you need a different method.

2. Using utilities like HWiNFO or AIDA64

A more reliable way is specialized programs:

  • 🔍 HWiNFO: shows everything M.2-slots, their occupancy and supported protocols (SATA/NVMe).
  • 📊 AIDA64: in section Data storage → ATA displays information about controllers and connected devices.
  • 💻 CPU-Z: in the tab Mainboard you can see the chipset, which indirectly indicates the number of slots.

For example, in HWiNFO go to Motherboard → PCI Express Root Ports. If there are unused lines PCIe x4there is probably a free one in the laptop M.2-slot for NVMe.

3. Search by laptop model

The easiest way is to google your model with the request "[model] m.2 slots" or "[model] SSD upgrade". Often on forums (for example, NotebookReview or Reddit) users share photos of the insides of their devices.

It is also useful to look at the manufacturer’s website in the section Specifications or Service Manual. For example, for HP EliteBook 840 G7 The manual says there are two M.2-slots: one for NVMe, the second - for SATA or WWAN.

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If the laptop's specifications indicate a chipset Intel HM570 or AMD B550, it probably has at least two SSD slots - one for NVMe, second for SATA or additional NVMe.

Table: number of SSD slots in popular laptops

We analyzed data from more than 50 laptop models of different brands and compiled a table with the number of slots. Please note: in some cases the second slot may be occupied Wi-Fi-module or 4G modem.

Brand and model Number of slots Types of supported SSDs Notes
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 2 NVMe (2280) + SATA (2242) or WWAN The second slot can be occupied by a modem
Dell XPS 15 (9520) 2 Two NVMe (2280, PCIe 4.0) Supports RAID 0
HP Spectre x360 13 1 NVMe (2280, PCIe 3.0) No expandability
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2 Two NVMe (2280, PCIe 4.0) One slot may be occupied by the factory SSD
Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 1 (soldered) NVMe (Apple T2) Upgrade is not possible

If your model is not in the table, check NotebookCheck or UserBenchmark — there is often information about upgrades there.

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In 90% of cases, laptops with a diagonal of 15" and above have two slots for SSD, and ultrabooks (13-14") have one or soldered memory.

What to do if your laptop only has one SSD slot

If the check shows that your laptop has only one connector, do not despair - there are several ways to expand the storage:

  • 🔌 External SSD via USB-C/Thunderbolt: modern drives (for example, Samsung T7 Shield) give speed up to 1000 MB/s.
  • 🔄 Replacing with a larger SSD: if current disk SATA, can be installed NVMe (if the slot supports both types).
  • ☁️ Cloud storage: For files that do not need constant access (for example, Google Drive or OneDrive).
  • 🖥️ Network Attached Storage (NAS): If you have multiple devices, NAS (For example, Synology DS220+) will solve the space problem.

If you choose an external SSD, pay attention to the interface:

  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) - up to 1000 MB/s.
  • Thunderbolt 3/4 (40 Gbit/s) - up to 2800 MB/s (For example, OWC Envoy Pro FX).

To replace the internal SSD, check the maximum supported capacity. For example, laptops with a chipset Intel H470 usually support drives up to 4 TB, and older models (for example, with Intel 8 Series) - only up to 1 TB.

Is it possible to install two SSDs in one slot?

No, but there are adapters to connect two M.2- drives to one slot (for example, M.2 NGFF Splitter). However, this requires support PCIe bifurcation from the motherboard side, which is rare in laptops.

How to physically check the number of slots: step-by-step instructions

If the software methods do not give a clear answer, you will have to look inside the laptop. Attention: This may void your warranty! If the laptop is under warranty, it is better to contact a service center.

Turn off the power and remove the battery (if removable)

Get your screwdriver ready PH00 or T5 (depending on model)

Take photos of the insides before disassembling

Use a plastic spatula to carefully open the latches -->

Steps:

  1. Disconnect the laptop from the network, remove the battery (if it is removable).

  2. Remove all screws on the bottom cover. They are usually hidden under rubber feet or stickers.

  3. Using a plastic spatula, carefully pry the lid off, starting at the corner. Be careful - some laptops have hidden latches!

  4. Find the SSD slots. They look like horizontal slots with contacts and a retaining screw.

Typical slot locations:

  • 📍 Under the main cover (for example, in Lenovo Legion).
  • 📍 Under the keyboard (in some HP Pavilion).
  • 📍 In a separate compartment (as in Dell XPS).

If you find a free slot, check its markings:

  • M-key - supports NVMe And SATA.
  • B-key - only SATA or WWAN.
  • B+M key - universal (for example, in ASUS ZenBook).
💡

If a slot is marked as CNVi or M.2 E-key, it is intended for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-module, not for SSD!

Common mistakes when upgrading SSDs and how to avoid them

Even if you correctly determined the number of slots, when installing a new SSD, you can make mistakes that will lead to the inoperability of the disk or laptop.

⚠️ Attention: Not all laptops support PCIe 4.0 SSD in slots PCIe 3.0. For example, Samsung 980 Pro (PCIe 4.0) will work in PCIe 3.0-slot, but at a reduced speed (~3500 MB/s instead of 7000 MB/s).

Typical mistakes:

  • 🚫 Incompatible form factor: attempt to install M.2 2280 into slot 2242 (or vice versa).
  • 🚫 No thermal pad: many NVMe-disks overheat without cooling, which leads to throttling.
  • 🚫 Incorrect initialization: New SSD does not show up in BIOS or Disk Manager.
  • 🚫 Conflict with WWAN modem: some laptops (eg Dell Latitude) require turning off the modem in BIOS to use the second slot.

How to avoid problems:

  1. Check supported protocols in BIOS (section Advanced → Storage Configuration).

  2. If the SSD is not detected, update BIOS to the latest version.

  3. For NVMe- disks, use thermal pads (for example, Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad 8).

If the laptop does not boot after installing the SSD, check:

  • Is the disc inserted correctly (the latch should click).
  • Is it included AHCI-mode in BIOS (not RAID or IDE).
  • Is the drive compatible with your chipset (e.g. Intel 11th gen. does not support PCIe 4.0 on some motherboards).

FAQ: answers to popular questions

Is it possible to add a second SSD if the laptop only has one slot?

Yes, but only externally: through USB-C/Thunderbolt-storage or SD card (if there is a slot). It is not possible to expand the storage internally without a second slot.

How do I know if my laptop supports NVMe or SATA only?

Check your motherboard specifications or use HWiNFO. If the slot has contacts M-key (notch on the right), it supports NVMe. If only B-key (notch on the left) - only SATA.

What is M.2 2230, 2242, 2280?

These are standard sizes M.2- drives:

  • 2230: 22 mm × 30 mm (found in ultrabooks, e.g. Microsoft Surface).
  • 2242: 22 mm × 42 mm (less common, usually in compact devices).
  • 2280: 22 mm × 80 mm (most common).

Before purchasing an SSD, measure the slot length or check the documentation.

Is it possible to install an SSD and HDD at the same time?

Yes, if your laptop has it SATA- connector for HDD (usually in models with a diagonal of 15" and above). For example, in Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 there's room for 2.5" HDD And M.2 NVMe.

Why is my new SSD slower than it should be?

Possible reasons:

  • The slot operates in the mode PCIe 3.0, not 4.0.
  • Enabled Power Saving Mode in BIOS.
  • The disk is overheating (check the temperature in HWiNFO).
  • An unoptimized controller driver is used (for example, a standard Microsoft NVMe instead of branded Samsung or WD).