“For anyone who has purchased this computer and have perhaps removed the bottom panel, does there happen to be an M.2 Slot available for that particular SSD Form Factor? This doesn't appear to be mentioned anywhere in Best Buy's Specs or ASUS's Specs.”
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Currently typing this answer on my ASUS Q524UQ: Having since purchased this computer to gain a more decisive answer to my original question, I proceeded with removing the bottom panel, which was quite simple with the correct Torx bit and careful removal. Upon removal, on the middle of the motherboard there is an M.2 PCIe Slot (M Key) readily available. An image will be provided for reference. However, given that M.2 PCIe SSDs come in different sizes, the most common being 22MM Wide by 80MM Long, signified by '2280' under product descriptions or dimensions, this particular slot looks slightly smaller. Not having yet purchased an SSD of this form factor due to their current retail prices still being relatively high, I have not been able to verify whether or not one of 2280 size fits. For the time being, I have swapped out the 2TB HDD for a much, MUCH faster 512GB SSD, re-installing Windows 10 by means of a recovery USB flash drive created prior. If someone else chooses to install an M.2 PCIe SSD, please provide your response to this answer and your overall experience.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I purchased two of these computers. The ASUS Q524UQ does have the M.2 "M" connector and it fits a 2280 and 2242 card. I have put a Samsung EVO 850 500GB (M.2 2280) in one of the computers and a Samsung EVO 850 1TB in the other. Both computers recognized and boot off the new SSD card. It recognizes under the SATA controller which is to be expected based on the cards I bought. I have no idea if it will allow for the newer NVMe as that requires PCIe 4 and I believe this is a PCIe 2 version so SATA is the way to go. My current builds have a 500GB for OS and 2TB (that came with) for storage, and the other is 1TB for OS and 2TB for storage. About 9 seconds to boot from turning on with the SSD.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I purchased this laptop last week and ordered a Samsung 850 EVO-250GB M.2 SATA III SSD for this from Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TGIVZTW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I started up the laptop when I received it, performed the initial start up and once finished, I downloaded the Samsung Magician and Samsung Migration software for moving all partitions over to the new M.2 drive, I also downloaded AOMEI Partition Assistant, free download, to re-partition the 2TB for storage after the migration. I installed the new M.2 drive, note: there is not a mounting screw in the MOBO for the new drive, I had some on hand from an old laptop, so rob one from the hard drive mounting or order them before you start the install, powered unit back on, opened the Samsung Migration, migrated the OS and all partitions over to new drive, performed a restart and went into the BIOS, press F2 from power up, selected the new drive to boot from, started and verified all had been migrated, at this point I used the AOMEI software and reformatted the exciting 2TB drive and labeled it as a Storage drive. NOTE: the existing drive will not show up in the file folder tree, the system disconnects it since there is a conflict with the duplicate operating systems, not to worry, the AOMEI software will see it and you can format and start using it for whatever you want to.This unit powers up to desktop much faster and system runs great.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.To answer my own question, I did speak with a representative from ASUS over the phone via their System Product Support number, and after explaining my question in detail, I was told that the laptop does NOT feature an M.2 Slot for that form factor SSD. Instead, the 2TB SATA 2.5 Inch Hard Drive would have to be swapped out for an SSD of your choice and capacity.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Yes, and I can confirm that it also works with NVMe drives ( I used WD Black PCIe 256GB one) but you most likely will be limited by x2 lanes (if that's the limitation). No reason to spend more for NVMe if you get good deal for M.2 one though IMHO. P.S. Under metal looking shield there's a stick of 4GB ram which can be replaced by 8GB in case IF you need that extra 4GB but for now ram prices are crazy high so I left it at that.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I haven't purchased it yet but a couple of users have opened it in youtube. It does have a slot for SSD. Check the videos.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Yes there is an M.2 slot
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