Install a 2nd 2280 M.2 NVMe SSD in Inspiron 5502/5505: Parts, Instructions, Photos & How-To to

Unfortunately it looks like most of the Inspiron laptops don't ship with hardware for mounting secondary SSDs, despite the laptops having the capability to install a second SSD. This is quite unfortunate as it would most likely only cost a couple extra cents per laptop if the parts were shipped with the laptop (1 aluminum bracket and 2 screws). Based on what I have been reading in threads, it seems to be a common frustration with everyone trying to get the mounting hardware, and in my case it was no exception. I guess this is the way Dell tries to keep their laptop prices down. In case anyone is looking for details about adding a second SSD (2280 M.2 NVMe) to their Inspiron 5502, I have some info here on part numbers and installation.

Based on what I have been reading, the same mounting hardware and process can be used for these models as well (although I have not confirmed it, it's just based on my research into the subject):

-Inspiron 5400, 5401, 5402, 5406, 5409, 5501, 5502, 5505, 5509

-Vostro 5401, 5501

 

PART NUMBERS TO ORDER:

KYMC9 (Bracket) (for holding the 2280, 2243 or 2230 NVMe SSD)

49RK6 (M1.6 x L2 screw) (for holding the bracket onto the laptop base)

DF6CG (M2 x L3 screw) (for securing the SSD onto the bracket)

 

I called in my order to the Sales team and told the technician what I wanted. If you ask them to confirm if it'll fit your laptop or if they are the parts you need for the 2nd SSD drive, they'll have no idea despite their attempts to look it up to confirm. Save your time, just tell them those are the parts, get the quote and be done with it. I suggest you open up your laptop first and check if it looks similar to my photos below so that you know.

It took 2.5 months and 7 phone calls (approx every 1.5-2 weeks) until I received my 3 parts. The total for me was about $15-20 CAD. Like I said before, the 2 screws and aluminum bracket should literally cost only 5-10 cents total, but since Dell doesn't include them in the laptop during the build, it costs the consumer more to purchase and have them shipped out separately, huge delays in time, and a bit of frustration while trying to have intelligent conversations with the customer service technicians in India who usually don't know what's going on or just lie to you to try and make you feel good that your order has the highest priority. Seems like they all run off the same script or have all been trained by the same useless system. I had the "shipping delay" issue elevated to their "advanced" team twice which may have helped to move things along a bit.

The rest of the photos in the post show the process of installing the board. I referred to the Dell Service Manual PDF for instructions on removing the bottom plastic panel (basically just 9 screws to remove and pry open the edges carefully).

Hope this helps out anyone.

The physical parts.

1TB 2280 NVMe SSD I want to install.

Remove the back panel.

Bottom right corner is where the 2nd M.2 NMVe SSD gets installed.

The 2280 form factor uses the bottom-most mounting standoff location.

Test fit of the bracket resting on the case.

Use the 49RK6 (M1.6 x L2) to attach the bracket.

Bracket is installed.

Install the SSD by pressing the contacts into the holder at a 30 degree angle, then press down the other side onto the bracket.

Secure the SSD using the DF6CG (M2 x L3).

SSD is installed, replace the cover.

2nd hard drive is operational.