Correct cable to add SATA ssd to HP motherboard

I ordered an HP i7 all in one desktop and will need to add an existing WD 256 SATA SSD. The machine comes with an NVME SSD. From what I can tell the cables I can get are a ribbon that connects to the motherboard with a plastic connector fitting. What is the correct name for the cable as I don't know the name for that type of fitting. Thanks in advance.

It would help to know the exact model number of the computer you are getting.

HP Pavilion All In One 24-ca1015st

Wouldn't that be a SATA to NVMe adapter cable?

I did a search, but didn't see anything like the cable you showed. Sorry!
I guess you'll have to do your own search.

This is just a SATA cable with a standard SATA connector at one side and a flex at the other. You may visit HP support site and search with the part number (SKU) or the serial number of the computer to find the exact model. Then there is a section with all the parts. Each part has a part number (product code). You may call HP or search online where to buy using the part number or the description given at HP site. Of course I recommend the part number to make sure you get the correct component.

You may have to contact HP.

This one may work: https://www.amazon.com/Deal4GO-15-CD040WM-15-CC726TX-DD0G75HD021-DD0G74HD021/dp/B08GS5YQWF

or, if you need one with the bends: https://www.amazon.com/Zahara-Connector-Replacement-15-DC0030NR-DD0G75HD021/dp/B07VV3R6KR

Will you need a drive caddy as well

the ribbon length is important.

Not only the ribbon length but also the type of flex (width, order of wires). That's why I said to use the part number when ordering to make sure you buy the right part, not something similar and incompatible. The best is to call HP support and ask for their help. To save time you should have the part number of the cable, so visit HP support site and find out which it is before calling.

spapakons said:

Not only the ribbon length but also the type of flex (width, order of wires). That's why I said to use the part number when ordering to make sure you buy the right part, not something similar and incompatible. The best is to call HP support and ask for their help. To save time you should have the part number of the cable, so visit HP support site and find out which it is before calling.

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Good advice, but it may not be easy to find the part number online. (I looked quickly. No luck.) Maybe searching the parts site (above) using the serial number will yield better results than just searching on the model number.

I called HP. Absolutely HORRID experience. Tech Support bounces me back to sales and I NEVER got an answer. Bet thing to do is buy up a dozen on Amazon and send back what doesnt work. I had to spend a half an hour explaining this to them.

Download Aida64, it is a utility which gives details about the hardware and software even without all drivers installed. Start Aida64 and go to Computer, DMI, System. There you can see both the part number (SKU) of the computer and the serial number. Go to HP support site and search for the serial number to get to the specific model. If you cannot find the link with the parts and their part number, download the User Manual. In some models they are written there.

idainc said:

I called HP. Absolutely HORRID experience. Tech Support bounces me back to sales and I NEVER got an answer. Bet thing to do is buy up a dozen on Amazon and send back what doesnt work. I had to spend a half an hour explaining this to them.

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Sounds like industry standard outsourced support. You probably asked for information not covered in their scripts.

Most employees answering the phone are level 1 support. This is the most basic level and since not all are experienced technicians they reply by consulting a guide (flowchart). If they are unable to assist you they won't, although they should connect you to a more experienced level 2 colleague. Usually they hardly bother, unless you insist or threaten them. Today sending an email to a large company like HP has more chances to be replied eventually. A few years ago they would just ignore it and never reply. Been there done that. That's the forums such as Elevenforum are for. To get a much faster assistance to your issues.

idainc said:

HP Pavilion All In One 24-ca1015st

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First, let me say I'm not all that familiar with all-in-ones; however, here's a link to technical details to your computer:


Note that there are two alternative storage methods; storage which includes NVME and secondary storage which infludes SSD. Although only 1 TB & 2 TB are included in the SSD section, I don't see why your 256 GB WD SSD wouldn't fit. As far as I know, there doesn't seem to be a lower end capacity limit, although there "used to be" a higher end capacity limit.

You will probably need two cables to attach the SSD; one for power (probably already coming from the power supply ready to attach to the drive) and one to go from the drive to the mobo's "SSD 1" port. You will probably have this one with the WD you want to add.

You should be able to find a schematic to the motherboard of your computer from the line I provided above. You should be able to find where the SSD port(s) is/are located with the schematic.

I'll go back and see if I can find a schematic.

Ooooohhhhhhh! Looky what I just found!


EDIT: Well shux, looks like I'm going in circles!

Thanks Wynona - Even though I enabled it the HP site doesn't inform you when there's a reply. It looks like it will be the cable in the picture. A male SATA and a blue ribbon connector on the other end. Probably no longer than 4 inches.

idainc said:

Thanks Wynona - Even though I enabled it the HP site doesn't inform you when there's a reply. It looks like it will be the cable in the picture. A male SATA and a blue ribbon connector on the other end. Probably no longer than 4 inches.

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Is the drive caddy already present?

Because an AiO has limited space, they don't use a standard SATA data cable and power. The cable in the picture has a combined data and power connector in one side and a flex at the other, similar to laptops. The flex attaches to a small plastic connector near the side of the SSD compartment. Not all frex cables are the same length and width, that's why you have to make sure you buy the correct part.

spapakons said:

The cable in the picture has a combined data and power connector in one side and a flex at the other, similar to laptops.

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That would be because the majority of AIO's are nothing more than a glorified laptop built into a monitor.