So i’d like to buy the 16 with a dual ssd module. i’m not a gamer and i’m older now so bigger size and more ports helps, and i’m wise enough to know that having a consistently backed up drive is worthwhile. i also understand that heat buildup inside a machine of any kind can be a problem, and if it isn’t a problem atm it could be sometime later. the idea of putting both my booting ssd and the backup drive outside the machine in the bay for thermal purposes is very appealing, but only if the performance will be similar to the internal ssd connector.
so i naturally have a list of questions for whoever may have such answers up in here:
will ssds in this new dual m.2 expansion module register in the bios and in windows as internal drives with similar performance to identical drive in the internal ssd connector?
will 2 wd black 4tb 2280 drives fit in the module without problem of having the internal nvme connector vacant?
is there any reason not to put 2 ssds with 4tb storage in the expansion module with the expectation that i can boot windows 11 from one of them, and then backup that one to the other with full internal mainboard capable speeds?
this is a longshot from what i understand, but is there any way to get an old sata3 ssd to work internally with the fw16? i have a very fresh 4tb one that would be great to hookup even knowing the limitation in performance vs nvme.
in summation, i plan currently to purchase 2 wd black 4tb 2280 nvme ssds because my understanding is that my only ssds that are 4tb sata3 are not compatible with fw16 internally, and i need to have backup mirroring in case of a hw failure. will i be able to run windows 11 on one wd black 4tb 2280 in the expansion module and keep a backup of that one on the other identical drive in the same module without a drive in the internal connector and without any performance losses or other problems? will this theoretically keep the internal temps down in the process? thanks for any insights from current fw16ers with dual ssd expansion module experience / knowledge!
That should work (although I haven’t tested it). Electrically they are the same as internal slots and will perform the same.
That should be fine.
That will work fine.
That would be much more complicated. It would require PCIe SATA controllers.
That should work fine.
Theoretically, although thermals generally aren’t a huge issue. I can get the SSD performance to reduce slightly if I hit it with a heavy sustained load, however otherwise it works fine.
They (still) make SATA SSDs in the M.2 form factor. People have taken to calling M.2 “NVMe” but it can also be SATA, PCIe or even USB and more esoteric protocols.
To enforce a particular protocol, M.2 slots incorporate keying, which will physically prevent a SATA M.2 from being plugged into the Framework’s PCIe x4 NVMe socket. This socket has a block in the M key position. B-keyed SATA M.2s lacking the M key slot will not physically fit.
Both Framework’s KB article and AMD’s spec page for the processor don’t mention SATA compatibility anywhere, so it’s most likely the laptop doesn’t support M.2 SATA SSDs. Which is both surprising and good to know.
So, if you have a M.2 form factor SATA SSD, it will be an B-Key or a B+M key device.
The expansion bay NVME module can take up to 2280 NVMEs with M.2 M-key.
You can get adapter boards from M-key to B-key, but they take up space, so you would not be able to fit a 2280 SATA SSD, probably only a 2260 SATA SSD.
So, I guess the question is then, what size are your 4TB SATA M.2 SSDs?
My guess is it will be 2280 SATA M.2, so will not fit.
You can probably get an external enclosure to hold the 4TB SATA M.2 SSD. I would then just copy its contents to a 4TB NVME SSDs, and then sell the 4TB SATA M.2 SSD, because it not much use to you after that.
thank you all so much for those very sharp insights. i believe the sata ssd is 2.5" and not sure how that relates to m.2 sizes as they are obviously not proclaimed in inches or cm. doesn’t matter cuz it won’t connect right and the enclosure idea as a backup for data thru usb is the obvious future use with fw16.
exciting step forward for me as i’m still using an old, yet well crafted, satellite from around a dozen years ago. always craved user replaceability of parts in a lappy, and very optimistic for what this wonderful monster will hopefully become to the world.
thanks again, i feel like i should be paying some sort of support fee for this because when i actually use a tech support solution the help is always at least 3 levels inferior to what i received here
Completely physically incompatible then. It won’t fit.
However SATA III to USB enclosures/adapters are dirt cheap and fast enough. It would make a great drive for backups. Regular incremental backups and stick it in a fireproof/waterproof safe and you’re pretty well protected.