Removing DVD drive in M15x

Does anybody know how difficult it is to gain access to the slot loading dvd drive for removal in the M15x.

Ive just ordered my M15x online and I already have an 80GB intel SSD to put in but would like to use the DVD drive bay for a second HDD like i have in my last laptop.

 

I've thought about doing this as well, it seems that you would have to take the whole laptop apart (removed the top part which has the keyboard in the middle).. there is no way to access it from the bottom..

 

yup pretty much have to take everything apart, one of the hardest things to replace, here is a link to the users manual, shows you step by step. good luck.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/M15x/en/index.html

 

Thanks for the link you posted to the service manual.

Wow, remove the screen and just about everything else to get at the drive.
Why couldnt they make it easy-swap like the last m15x was.

 

after looking at it it doesnt look too bad... atleast the mobo stays in place .. I wonder what kind of connected the optical drive is connected with it looks like a sata/power combo in one..

 

I'd research this a little bit more. Can't remember if someone said you can't add a second hard drive. Or maybe only can't put it in RAID. Anyone clarify this?

 

why not get a bigger ssd, or get an external hdd or a maybe a 64gb sd card? it would be slower but your warranty would be still intacted. also they have ssd express cards too.

 

i have a 256gb ssd in mine, thing cost me a ridiculous 700 something dollars... and its not enough .. keep running out of space all the time after installing a couple games, downloading a few movies, having 40gb of mp3's...

If the connector on there is capable of connecting a hard drive I'll deffinately consider doing this mod..

 

I only have a 80GB SSD in mine and use it for the OS and games, The m15x is coming with a 500GB which if i do this mod will be used for my media.

Those 256GB SSDs are still ridiculously priced, ill wait another year to see if they drop in price before buying one.

I think the drive is a SATA connector so my hdd to dvd connector bracket should fit.

Is there a way that Alienware (Dell) would tell that you have been into the laptop to make the mod if I ever need to return it for repairs? (after replacing the DVD back in of course)

 

Probably not if your careful not to damage any of the screws.. and check if there is any colored/paint markings on the screws (these tell them its been tampered with) but im not sure it has them...