How to add 2nd HDD to L701x with pictures

Here is a simple how to 'guide' for those that are not completely comfortable adding a second HDD (or SSD) to the XPS 17 / L701x.

As you can see in the pictures below, the steps are quite simple, and everyone can do them.

Begin by removing the battery and power cable. Once the laptop is free from all sources of power, you should press the power and keep it pressed fpr about ten seconds to be sure all residual power is drained. Then turn your laptop over, and place it on a soft surface. I used the cover it came in, to protect the lid from scratches. Then locate the single screw and unscrew it. Next you can gently pry the cover off.



You can find the bracket for the extra HDD in the lower right corner. It is held in place by four small screws. Take these screws out and you can remove the bracket.



At the end of the bracket there are four screws which you will need to secure the drive to the bracket.



Place the drive in the bracket with the label up, and use the four screws you took out of the bracket.



Now turn the bracket over, and place it in the laptop. You can slide it to the left to make the SATA connection, and use the four remaining screws to secure the bracket.



As you can see there is not much too it, but this visual guide might help you if you're uncomfortable with this kind of work.

 

Man that is cool, I would love to have dual HDDs in a 15" lappy without losing the optical drive.
I'm probably one of the rare people that would miss the ODD.

 

Would an external (USB or even eSata) ODD would be an option?

 

Wow, did it come with that second caddy? Even though you bought it with a single HDD? I'd fine that quite surprising...

 

Same here...

 

I was surprised to find it there, but it really was there.

 

The guide is extremely helpful. Just a question since I am planning to put in an additional HDD in the extra slot, which HDD type should I purchase? I would like to get something bigger than 500GB if there is any available. I tried to look at DELL website but most of DELL's ones are specified to a certain laptop and non shown compatibality with L701X.

Btw where can I get an extra adapter for L701X? Sorry to ask these silly question since I am a newbie in laptop upgrading.

Thankk you for any reply.
__________________________________________________
XPS L701X - i7 840QM, 4GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, 3GB GT445M.

 

Any 9mm 2.5" SATA2 drive should fit.

Adapters can be found on eBay usually. You might look for a 150W Dell adapter that fits any recent Dell laptops as Dell uses a standard plug for all its laptops.

 

Thanks for the tips. Really helps narrow down my search. Btw is SATA 3 compatible with the laptop as sold by WD? The height is slightly bigger 9.5mm hopefully would fit.
http://store.westerndigital.com/sto...goryID.13841600/parid.13832000/catid.13832700

 

Very nice guide.

One little point I might make is the fact that the battery should be taken out before any upgrade on the computer (especially memory). Else you keep a current flowing through the motherboard and it could create a problem.

 

You're right, thanks for the tip. I have changed the first post to reflect your advice.

 

So you had no issues with not removing the RAM? I followed the guide when I installed my SSD, and it stated to remove the RAM. It was a major pain to get the modules back into the bottom slots where they had to go, since it wouldn't POST with them in the top slots. The clips for the top two modules kept getting in the way. I really didn't understand why they would tell you to remove the RAM since it didn't look like it would even be in the way.

 

No, I didn't remove the RAM (at least not to install the HDD). There is really no need to do so.

I did take out all the RAM once, and didn't have any trouble getting it back in though. Are you still using Dell's modules?

 

Really helpful, Thanks

 

Also, once the laptop is free from all sources of power, you should press the power button a few times to be sure all residual power is drained.

 

When I tried to get them back into the bottom slots, the clips for the top modules kept getting in my way. Maybe my fingers are just too big They were easy to get into the top slots, but the laptop won't POST unless they are in the bottom slots or the side slots, but they only work on one side. Yes, I am still using the modules that came with the laptop.

 

You're right, I updated the first post - even though I never do the power drain myself, I really should

strange, maybe the tolerance on your memory slots are on the other side of the allowed range and the modules fit just that much tighter.

 

Does any one have the part number for the HDD bracket. You know just in case Dell forgets to include the second bracket.


Thanks

Zin

 

I managed to install the 2nd HDD Seagate 500 GB. Still my Window experience index is 5.9.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

I think the WEI is only for the primary disc.

 

Correct, and the highest a non solid state drive will get you is 5.9

 

Hello,

Whats the best cheapest second drive to use which only before os

as my first drives gets clog up alot with the amount of downloading i do and often needs to be re-formated.

so any advice would be a great help,

Kindest Regards,

Ste

 

You could have opened a new thread..

Are u talking about a normal HDD drive or a SSD drive?

 

Hello welll it was you i wanted to talk too, what upgrades have you done to the xps ???

see am in too minds wheather to upgrade or just sell and get new 02 version but then i would properly after upgrade that aswell lol

anyway on to my point i never had sdd before and i would like my programs and os to start quicker i must say as they are a little slugish these days

so what would you say is the best value for £ sdd drive around same size as yours ??

Kindest Regards,

Ste