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If you’ve recently purchased a new ZBook and are planning to upgrade your storage with a Samsung 990 PRO SSD, there’s an important tip to keep in mind to avoid potential problems.
Many people make the mistake of buying the version of the Samsung 990 PRO that comes with a heatsink. While this might seem like a good idea for keeping your drive cool, it can actually cause issues in laptops, especially thin and compact ones like the ZBook. The heatsink on the SSD is quite thick—about 8.2mm—and it’s designed mainly for desktop systems or gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5. If you try to install this version in your laptop, it might prevent you from closing the bottom cover properly. Forcing it can lead to serious damage to the motherboard.
So, what’s the best solution? Simply buy the standard version of the Samsung 990 PRO without the heatsink. This version is just the drive itself, without any bulky cooling hardware attached. Your HP ZBook is already equipped with its own thermal management system. When you open your device to access the storage bays, you’ll see a metal shield or caddy in place with thermal pads applied. This built-in system is designed to work perfectly with a bare M.2 SSD—dispersing heat efficiently and keeping the drive cool.
To upgrade, just remove the existing drive, install the plain Samsung 990 PRO under the factory thermal shield, and you’re all set. It will fit perfectly and operate smoothly without risking damage or having trouble closing the case.
Remember, if you’re considering upgrading your SSD, always go for the version without the heatsink to ensure compatibility. This simple step will save you a lot of hassle and keep your new workstation running smoothly. Thanks for being part of the HP Community! If this advice helped you, please give it a thumbs up, and if it solved your problem entirely, don’t forget to mark it as the solution so others can benefit too.
