Hi,

These systems support the combination of mSATA Solid State Drives with a SATA Hard Drive which enables the use of several technologies found in Intel® Rapid Storage Technology:

• Intel® Smart Response Technology: This technology utilizes the speed advantage of SSD in caching where the frequently used information is stored on the SSD instead of the Hard drive.
• Intel® Rapid Start Technology: This technology enables the system to boot back with-in seconds after getting into hibernation.

However if you want to install another SATA hard drive, you can do that by using the following caddy which can help you connect another hard drive to the optical drive slot.
2nd HDD /SSD Caddy, DELL Inspiron 17R  laptop using your laptop's optical drive bay.This is a great solution for those who want to add a 2nd hard drive, or 2.5" SSD. This device/caddy will fit in the CD/DVD/Optical drive bay in your laptop.

Please let me know whether you want to increase the storage of your system or make it faster using the Intel Technologies stated above. I am adding you as a friend , you can accept my friend request and send me the system Service Tag so that I could check the components that already went with the system and help you in a better way.

Kindly get back if there are any further queries

Hi,

Thank you for your message.
In your system there is no preinstalled mSATA drive. You can install one by following the steps below.

Note:Observe the following safety precautions before performing any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or reassembly:

• Turn off the system and any attached peripherals.
• Disconnect the system and any attached peripherals from AC power, and then remove the battery.
• Disconnect any telephone or telecommunications lines from the system.
• Use a wrist grounding strap and mat when working inside any computer system to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
• After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
• Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to help reduce the chance of being shocked or seriously injured in an electrical accident.

Pre-Removal Instructions: Before removing the mSATA

1. During installation or removal of any hardware, always ensure that all data is backed up properly.
2. Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer.
3. Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Remove the AC adapter from the system.
5. Remove the Battery from the system.
6. Remove the Base door  from the system.

Locate the mSATA slot.(pic below)

Slide in the mSATA drive at a 45 degree angle in this slot after removing a single screw that is there to secure the mSATA drive. Once inserted put the screw back in .(check pic below)

Once this is done you will need to configure the Intel technology that you would like to use:

• Intel® Smart Response Technology: This technology utilizes the speed advantage of SSD in caching where the frequently used information is stored on the SSD instead of the Hard drive.
• Intel® Rapid Start Technology: This technology enables the system to boot back with-in seconds after getting into hibernation.

Configure Intel® Smart Response Technology:

• Restart / Power on your computer
• At the first text on the screen or when the Dell™ logo appears, tap until the message Entering Setupappears.
• Under the Advanced Tab, set SATA Operations to Intel Smart Response Technology.

• Press F10to save the settings and exit System Setup.
• In Windows Click start >Programs>Intel>Intel Rapid Storage.
• On the Intel Rapid Storage window, click Accelerate. and then Select Device.

• Select the Primary Hard Drive for acceleration and click OK

• Restart / Power on your computer
• At the first text on the screen or when the Dellâ„¢ logo appears, tap until the message Entering Setup appears.
• Under the Advanced Tab, select Intel Rapid Start Technology.
• Enable the options Found under Intel Rapid Start Technology.

 Once it is Installed you can check in it BIOS to confirm. Check the picture below.

  Please reply if you have any further questions

Just one question - there is no screw in the post that would normally have one.

I also own a non SE version of the 17R 5720. Is there any point in installing a larger than 32 GB mSATA drive? For example could I put in a 128GB drive and set it up as above with a 32GB partition as a Cache drive and the rest as a  partition for normal use?

Also what size is the screw?

Just checked. I bought it from Dell Outlet here in the UK. No screw.

Hi Liondogs,

The screw should be located on the top right side of the card, please check the image below.

Please reply if you have any further questions

Hi Tape Joiner,

Dell recommends 32 GB mSATA as that is the maximum mSATA capability tested by the Dell on this system model. You can try using a 128GB with a 32 GB partition.However, there may be issues in the system stability and data processing.

The specifications of the screw are:

Dimension M2x3 screw

It's the same size which holds the WLAN card too.

Please reply if you have any further questions

I have now pruchase and received the MSATA 32gb Drive and installed the msata drive and when I go into the BIOS, I do not have the option to change the SATA Operation to "Smart Response Technology".  I booted the system up and went into the Intel Rapid Storage Application and it show the msata drive but dont see the Accelerator Button.  What do I need to do into make that feature available in the BIOS and see the Accelerator Button.

Hi,

I would advise you to check the system BIOS to make sure it is detecting the mSATA drive. To check the BIOS please follow the steps below.Tap on F2 on restarting the system. On the BIOS screen under the main tab please check if the mSATA drive is listed.

If it is not listed please try to reseat the mSATA drive and check. If it is listed please try to update the latest system BIOS from the link below.
http://dell.to/RHLIMy

Before flashing the BIOS please check the following:

• Battery should have 10% charge
• Adapter should be connected
• No external devices should be connected.
• All other programs should be closed and documents saved

Once the the BIOS is updated, the system will restart. Try to activate the Intel Smart Response Technology in the BIOS and check.
Please reply if you have any further questions

If you have not solved the problem I would try re-flashing the bios, first time I flashed the BIOS it did not take properly, I done this a second time then re-booted and loaded the default settings in the bios and it was then that the Intel option became available. Once you have the Intel option in the BIOS selected you will have the option in the Intel software to choose the mSATA drive for Acceleration, stick with it and you will get there, I re-flashed my BIOS to the A08 version.

I am interested in buying this computer (5720) and adding second drive, not a mSata drive but a regular 750 gb 2.5" hard drive. It looks like I would need to order a bracket or something. If so what is the bracket part # and how much?

Hi Tony,

There are two ways you can connect a second hard drive to the system.
1. You can use an external hard drive with the USB port.
2. You can use a hard drive caddy and install a second hard drive in place of the CD/DVD drive.You might need to use the bracket or faceplate of your existing optical drive.

There are a lot of hard drive caddies available over the internet, just make sure it is compatible with the Inspiron 17R. I am posting a picture below for your reference:

2nd Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Dell INSPIRON M5030 N5010 N5030 17R 15R Vostro 3300

Please reply if you have any further questions.

I have many external caddies and drives. That is not what I am looking for. Also, I do not want to lose access to the CD/DVD drive. What I want to do is add another drive in the area marked in red. To do that, it looks like I need a mounting kit. That is what I am asking a part number and price for. I am quite certain only Dell makes this part.

Hi Tony,

Inspiron™ 5720/17R has a dummy hard drive slot, this slot cannot be used to install a hard drive as it does not have a hard drive connector, secondary hard drive option is available only on Inspiron™ 7720/17R (SE).

Please reply if you have any further questions.