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    Smart bay to m17 and M17x

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by The_Moo?, Jun 13, 2009.

  1. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    The_Moo™, Jun 13, 2009
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  2. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    Not bad but I don't think it can be made hot swappable on the new M17x since it's slot load and the bezel is part of the notebook frame.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 13, 2009
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  3. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    are you meaning you want it to be removable?
     
    ryujin, Jun 13, 2009
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  4. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

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    Well u can... But u will need a saw :eek: :D
     
    BIGX333, Jun 13, 2009
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  5. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    acutally i should take that out but this would work with the m17
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 13, 2009
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  6. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    it would work Moo...but not as a smartbay drive....this is a permanant install...not hot swap.
     
    ryujin, Jun 13, 2009
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  7. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    You'd be able to add a 3rd HDD to the M17x for a combo of 2xSSD in RAID + 1xHDD for storage but you wouldn't be able to easily remove it and add the ODD back.

    Would be stuck using an external ODD and a useless slot in the side of your laptop.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 13, 2009
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  8. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    i am thinking about it

    ill be able to modify it to work hopefully

    just need to know what kind of caddy to get
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 13, 2009
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  9. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    I can confirm that the ODD in the m17x is a solid mount to the chassis of the m17x. Also, if you're not very good at disassembly, I wouldn't recommend attempting to remove it. Both the lower palm rest and the entire magnesium cover have to be removed (following the removal of the keyboard of course). Also, keep in mind that the entire I/O board rests on top of the ODD, and retro fitting a hard drive isn't such a good idea.

    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, Jun 13, 2009
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  10. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    :p good news then


    i am quite good with disassembly its my trade :)
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 13, 2009
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  11. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Be very careful Moo. Performing the proceedure you're suggesting will void the warranty. Also, there's no guarantee that the Bios will distinguish 3 hard drives at a time.

    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, Jun 13, 2009
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  12. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    does the new unit have mini-pci-e Gabe?
     
    ryujin, Jun 13, 2009
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  13. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    .... well i guess i might be the on to find that out.


    BIOS should reconize 3 at one time.....

    ill have to see that whole picture once i get it ill see if i really wanna do it


    @ryujin i believe it said one pcie and 2 half pcie
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 13, 2009
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  14. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Hi Ryujin,
    Here's the specs for the express slot:

    ExpressCard/34 (34 mm)
    ExpressCard/54 (54 mm) 1. 5 V and 3. 3 V

    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, Jun 13, 2009
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  15. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    thanks Moo and Gabe.

    but i am looking at internal slots Gabe.
    like the m15x has 3 half mini slots.
     
    ryujin, Jun 13, 2009
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  16. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Hi ryujin,
    My apologies. Here's the specs:

    WLAN Mini-Card (Half Mini-Card slot)
    FCM card (full card slot)
    WPAN, Bluetooth, Bluetooth/UWB combo card (full card slot)

    However, I can only visibly see two slots.... I don't see a third

    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, Jun 13, 2009
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  17. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    Service manual says one half and one full mini slot.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 13, 2009
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  18. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    ok bluetooth and lan i got, what is the fcm?

    and thanks Gabe... :)
     
    ryujin, Jun 13, 2009
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  19. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Hi Phinagle,
    I actually have the same copy of the service manual. My version is a little more detailed. It looks like there's physically two slots, and you have the option of replacing the WPAN card with a (FCM) turbo memory card.

    FCM stands for Flash Cache Module

    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, Jun 13, 2009
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  20. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    thx Phinagle.
    so if i see what you wrote and Gabe, then the two that are there are taken by bluetooth and WLAN.

    no extras like the m15x has to install more SSD pci cards....
     
    ryujin, Jun 13, 2009
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  21. GabeZ

    GabeZ Information Technology

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    Correct. By default, the two ports are going to be taken up. If you don't mind not having a bluetooth card, you can toss turbo memory in there.

    Gabe
     
    GabeZ, Jun 13, 2009
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  22. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    I was considering swapping the bluetooth with a cheap Mini PCI SSD for the OS to hold me over until I get a real SSD. I'll use the Mini SSD for a netbook/CULV later anyway.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 13, 2009
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  23. ryujin

    ryujin 2B or not 2B

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    okies...thx all...sorry to have hijacked thread Moo...
    be curious to see pics when you get this in.
     
    ryujin, Jun 13, 2009
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  24. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    well ill have my system late and i need to see the NB before i choose to do this
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 13, 2009
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  25. AtolSammeek

    AtolSammeek Tokay Gecko

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    I beleave there a possabilty for the M17. I agree with everyone else it not a sure thing. I do know the M17x frist generation. It can be use. But the New generation there will be voiding the warrintee. due to chassie Cutting.
     
    AtolSammeek, Jun 14, 2009
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