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TheRealStoneColdSteveAustin
7 Posts
0
10132
July 26th, 2019 20:00
7520 - Need to Add 2nd SSD Drive
Hello community!
I simply want to add additional SSD storage to my 7520 – 2018 model. My current drive is approaching full:
Dell 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Class 40 SSD PM981
Just looking to add the fastest additional SSD that the computer is built for while keeping it in stock condition. Doesn't need to be a 2nd M.2 drive, just an SSD with decent speed. What class of type/class of SSD drive should I be looking to purchase for this computer?
For some reason, the Dell support site is not recommending any parts or accessories at this time. So I need your help.
Thank Stan
8312
1
Posted July 28th, 2019 12:00
The parts needed to make the M.2 drive work in my 2.5" bay are out of stock all over the internet AND merchants are obviously price gouging. Will go on my own for a SATA SSD solution that is truly plug and play. Thanks, but no thanks!
7675
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Posted July 27th, 2019 13:00
Hi @TheRealStoneColdSteveAustin ,
You may refer to Dell SSD Classification and choice one base on your usage and budget.
Besides, Dell Online Shop will show you the approximate cost:
7667
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Posted July 28th, 2019 10:00
Thank you for responding! I took the time to order another M.2 SSD from the list. I also took the time to read my owners manual from cover to cover. While there are many advanced how-to's inside that manual, nothing covers where the 2nd M.2 SSD drive has to be placed.
1) Is installing this 2nd M.2 SSD going to be obvious upon removing the battery and back cover?
2) Will I need anything other than the tools needed to disassemble/reassemble?
Precision 7520 (2018)
7664
1
Posted July 28th, 2019 10:00
Hi @TheRealStoneColdSteveAustin ,
Referring to a previous thread, the 2nd m.2 should be installed in the 2.5" drive bay.
Parts needed to install an M.2 into the 2.5 inch bay of 7710 / 7510 / 7520:
1x 745TM 2.5 inch metal bracket - most units will have this already included
1x Y1WJX M.2 bracket ( goes inside of 745TM )
4x 2864D M3X3 screw. Most systems will have these already included. These screws hold in the Y1WJX M.2 drive carrier, or a 2.5 inch drive into 745TM.
1x WPTND M.2 Interposer Board. This installs into Y1WJX M.2 bracket.
5x 4270E M2.0*3L screws
1x HR8P8 M.2 thermal cover
M.2 slot supports 4X while the 2.5 Inch bay is wired as 2X only.
7662
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Posted July 28th, 2019 11:00
"the 2.5 Inch bay is wired as 2X only"
1) Does this mean that the additional M.2 PCIe drive that I have ordered is overkill for the 2.5 inch bay?
I hate to be wasteful if that slot will not take advantage of the M.2 specs.
Thank you BMCOWBOY!
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Posted July 28th, 2019 12:00
BMCOWBOY, all of these parts needed are sold out all over the place! Not only that, but the prices are gouging.
1) Aren't I better off with the fastest 2.5" solution (non-M.2) rather than be wasteful in specs and wasteful in $$$? Whats your opinion?
7659
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Posted July 28th, 2019 12:00
Hi @TheRealStoneColdSteveAustin ,
Sorry but I'm afraid that's the way it is. PCIe GEN3 X2 maximum throughput at around 2GB/s. Modern NVMe like WD Black or Samsung 970 Pro all over 3GB/s.
Besides, if you found any replie(s) above being helpful, please consider marking it/them as solution in order to benefit others with similar question. Thank you.
7278
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Posted October 27th, 2019 18:00
hi! i see you install a SSD7103, can you boot wit it?
5173
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Posted October 28th, 2019 00:00
Hi @Alex1791 ,
Yes for a single drive and no for RAID. SSD7103 claimed as a bootable NVMe RAID card which is true for those with NVMe boot supported motherboard and CPU only. As T5600 do not support NVMe boot fundamentally, I use Clover Boot Loader to make it possible to boot on a single NVMe drive by an EFI driver. However, EFI driver specifically for SSD7103 in RAID is not available yet. I can only boot with a single NVMe with OS now and get the rest 3 in RAID0 as data drive.
bmcowboy
4 Apprentice
•
573 Posts
7642
1
Posted July 28th, 2019 12:00
Hi @TheRealStoneColdSteveAustin ,
All depends on what you want and need.
If you WANT to maximize your workstation's performance no matter if it's what you NEED in your daily operations, go for a 2nd m.2.
If you just NEED a 2nd storage to rescue your primary m.2 with OS from being full, go for a 2.5" SSD in SATA interface.
Personally, I'd recommend a 2.5" SATA SSD.
1). One day if you think you need all hard drives in your workstation in m.2, you can still make a further investment on it and turn the 2.5" SSD into a movable drive by a USB external box. Nothing wasted.
2). I'm using a Highpoint SSD7103 NVMe RAID card on my T5600 now, with 4 m.2 in RAID0, throughput over 5GB/s. However, I could hardly feel the benefit of using such a high speed hard drive in my daily work.
3). 2.5" SSDs are much much more cost effective now. 1TB cost at US$1XX only!