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51382
July 6th, 2015 09:00
Area 51 R2 - Cannot upgrade to add additional hard drives due to parts not included, any alternatives?
I recently received an Area 51 R2 desktop PC and I was trying to upgrade the hard drives (I am upgrading from an Aurora R4 and wanted to move over my additional hard drives to the Area 51). When I opened the case on my Area 51 I found that I had no metal tray for bay HDD3 and for bay HDD4/5, preventing me from adding my drives. I thought this was a mistake, as the PC was also missing the SLI Bridge (this was resolved with no charge). However, I was informed by Dell support that I would need to purchase the metal tray for HDD3 and that a tray for HDD4/5 was not available as a standalone part and the only way to get it would be to purchase it with an SSD drive.
I'm in a little bit of shock considering my Aurora R4 came with everything I needed to install the maximum number of hard drives (4) and this feels like a HUGE step backwards. It seems to be the general theme, though, as I ordered the 1500watt power supply with 2 cards pre-installed and I did not receive the power supply cables to upgrade to 3 way (these cables would also be an additional charge)
My question is: Does anyone know a secure way of mounting the drives without the trays? I'd be willing to explore alternative ways to mount, as paying extra to upgrade my PC does not sit well with me.
Dell/Alienware, please reconsider these upcharges to upgrade. When I spend a premium for a desktop PC I expect basics like the ability to attach additional hard drives or video cards.
Alienware - Rodrigo
7 Technologist
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4.4K Posts
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July 6th, 2015 15:00
Hello,
Just to confirm, when you say add additional Hard Drives to bay HDD3 and HDD4, do you mean SSD drives or regular SATA 3 drives? I don't believe you would need an additional bracket/cage if they are regular SATA 3 drives, but to install more than 2 SSDs, you would need an SSD cage to hold them in place, which unfortunately we do not provide.
cafara
20 Posts
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July 6th, 2015 16:00
Regular sata 3 drive for bay 3, and ssd for bay 4 (the 2.5" bay). There is no bracket whatsoever in the spots so no screw holes to attach a drive to.
Alienware - Rodrigo
7 Technologist
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4.4K Posts
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July 7th, 2015 14:00
Hello,
For the SSD, you would need to purchase the bracket and screws separately, since they do not come with the system. For the Sata 3 HDD, there should be a bracket where you can install the drive. However, the screws do not come with the system, they normally come with the drive itself.
cafara
20 Posts
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July 8th, 2015 18:00
my system appears to be completely missing the bracket for HDD3. How can I get one sent to me? Also, what is the part number for the bracket for the SSD drives? I purchased a drive and have screws but need the mounting bracket in order to put it in the system. Also, what number should I call at Dell in order to order that bracket?
Thank you for your help!
Alienware - Rodrigo
7 Technologist
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4.4K Posts
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July 11th, 2015 12:00
Hello,
Please send me a PM with your service tag so I can provide further assistance on this.
cafara
20 Posts
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July 17th, 2015 04:00
Hi, Rodrigo, I sent you a few PMs after this message (one with my service tag and one following up) but I have not heard a response yet. Can you respond when you have a chance?
Thanks!
cafara
20 Posts
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July 20th, 2015 13:00
Bumping this back up, I'm not getting any responses. Can anyone else assist?