m15, support two NVMe SSD + 2.5" HDD?

You have noticed that the configuration does not state 2 PCIE SSD drives and 1 2.5" drive. It is not a supported configuration.

 I believe the issue is that the HDD covers the second M2 slot. The advantage of no HDD is that you can have the larger battery.

Thanks for this. It's in line with what I was expecting but I was just surprised to see the manual doesn't really show this and it reminded me of the times when you had limited SATA cables/etc to connect drives. 

Is there also any guidance on the maximum dimensions/size of the 2.5" drive? (ie the thickness)

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@blinky44 wrote:

 I believe the issue is that the HDD covers the second M2 slot. The advantage of no HDD is that you can have the larger battery.

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Are you sure? I thought the bigger battery clashed with the hard drive slot; and the second m.2 slot was not impacted at all. Can you clarify? (the other solution in the thread is more in line with what I expected).

hi, anther simple question:

my hhd slot has not came with cable and bay, wich exactly components must i buy to fit the hdd in the slot?

i'm thinking to buy this one https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=26784 but i'm not sure about it is right for my new m15.

this is my open pc:

thanks

The second NVMe slot is obviously marked and accessible.  But, there is no heat shield provided for a second one you might install.  Also, there is a place for a 2.5" 7mm drive, if you have the 60Wh battery, which is what mine apparently came with (I bought in a "lightning deal" on Amazon, so I was unsure of all the specs beyond the Amazon page).  But, here, unfortunately, there aren't the standard SATA connectors you find in laptops I've had in the past: instead it will need a ribbon connector to a port labeled appropriately on the motherboard.  I don't know where to get that, either.

So, in sum, yes, all those configurations are possible.  But, now, we need to find out how to actually install the drives we buy: a heat shield for the second NVMe, and a cable or caddy (not sure) for the 2.5 SATA drive.  Suggestions?

Hi did you ever get an answer to your question? I'm looking too.

Yes. It does support two PCIe NVMe SSD and 2.5" HDD/SSD. I have 500GB Samsung 970 EVO and 1TB Adata XPG SX8200 and Seagate 2TB Firecuda SSHD installed. All are working fine. I have my bios setup in raid which is default from factory.

where did you find the 2.5 inch HDD caddy

I'm with PRI1346, I see this is "Solved" but I don't really see an answer.  I'm in the same boat as others.  I have the 60Whr battery and a "spot" for a 2.5" HDD, but no way to install it.  I have a port on my motherboard that is labeled "MB (HDD) but that is it.  Even if I had a ribbon cable to connect the drive, there is nowhere to secure the drive so it would just rattle around in the laptop - NOT a good idea!

I have my m15 registered on Dell.com, but when I look for parts/connectors, etc... all I get is a power brick.  These are high end gaming computers, finding the necessary parts to conduct upgrades SHOULD NOT BE THIS HARD!

The only thing I have found is this: https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Replacement-Alienware-Drive-Cable/dp/B07PPDQ38V

This LOOKS like it would address the connection problem, but not the issue of securing the drive!

I’m ordering this caddy and a second NVMe 256GB SSD

ill be adding a 2TB Seagate Firecuda

Deal4GO HDD Caddy Tray with SSD Hard Drive Disk Cable & Connector for Dell Alienware 17 R4/17 R5/15 R3/15 R4 0GWD21 GWD21 DC02C00D800 6WP6Y https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLW9F93/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JZZYDbZ5N1KJM

addlink S70 256GB SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 2280 Solid State Drive with Read 3000 MB/s/Write 1000 MB/s https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F8TVSLT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZZZYDbAEFRR1C

Did it work on your M17 or M15? 

I picked up that Deal4Go tray and it does not fit at all. The included connector also does not attach. Don't waste your time with it.