This category contains OEM solid state drives for laptops and desktop PCs, aimed at people who need to replace or upgrade the original drive in a specific machine. Our range includes drives from Panasonic, HP and Lenovo.
OEM drives are supplied for manufacturer systems, so they are usually identified by part number rather than by a retail model name.
How to choose an OEM SSD for a laptop or PC
Compatibility. Start with the exact model of your machine and, if you can, the part number printed on the drive that is fitted now. Matching the part number is the surest way to get a drive that physically fits and is recognised by the machine's firmware.
Form factor and interface. Most recent laptops use an M.2 drive, commonly the 2280 length, while older laptops and many desktops take a 2.5-inch SATA drive. M.2 slots can be NVMe (PCIe) or SATA, and some machines accept only one type, so check the service manual before ordering.
Capacity. Choose the size from what you store today plus room to grow, because an SSD that is nearly full slows down and wears faster. Many office laptops manage well with 256 GB or 512 GB, while machines that hold large project files, virtual machines or local databases are better served by 1 TB or more.
Speed and endurance. NVMe drives transfer large files much faster than SATA drives, but for everyday office work the difference is less noticeable than the jump from a hard disk to any SSD. If the machine will be writing data heavily all day, look at the drive's endurance rating as well as its speed.
Installation and data. A new drive arrives empty. Decide beforehand whether you will clone the old drive or reinstall Windows from recovery media, and back up your files first.
OEM SSD brands we carry
- Panasonic: best known for Toughbook rugged laptops and tablets, which are used in vehicles, warehouses and field work where a drive has to cope with vibration and knocks.
- HP: known for its EliteBook and ProBook business laptops and its desktop workstations, so HP part numbers suit owners of those lines.
- Lenovo: makes the ThinkPad laptop and ThinkCentre desktop families, which are common in offices and are often upgraded with replacement drives.
Check the part number in each listing against your device, because OEM drives are made for particular system families.
OEM laptop and PC SSD FAQ
What is an OEM SSD?
An OEM SSD is a drive made for a computer manufacturer to fit in its own laptops or PCs, and it is identified by the manufacturer's part number. It works like any other SSD once installed. The difference is that it is specified for a particular range of machines rather than for general retail sale.
Can I use an OEM SSD in a different brand of laptop?
Often yes, provided the form factor and interface match, for example an M.2 2280 NVMe drive in an M.2 2280 NVMe slot. Some manufacturers do restrict drives in their firmware or use unusual connectors, so check your laptop's documentation first. If in doubt, choose a drive intended for your own brand.
How do I find out which SSD fits my laptop?
Look up your laptop's exact model number and read its service or maintenance manual, which lists the supported drive types. You can also open the drive bay and read the label on the current drive. Note the form factor (M.2 or 2.5-inch), the interface (NVMe or SATA) and the length of any M.2 drive.
Is NVMe better than SATA for a laptop upgrade?
NVMe is faster, but only worthwhile if your laptop has an NVMe-capable M.2 slot. A SATA SSD in an older laptop still gives a large improvement over a hard disk in boot times and application loading. Fitting the wrong interface will not work, so confirm what the slot supports before you buy.
