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    MSI GT72VR options to increase storage internally.

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by count cookie, Feb 5, 2018.

  1. count cookie

    count cookie Newbie

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    Hi,
    I did get recently a Msi Gt72VR, which has a SSD M2 and a 1 tb regular HD.

    I was planning to upgrade the drive; but the 7200 RPM drives are very expensive, so my only option is to add instead of replacing.

    The issue though; seems that the new VR models did reduce the number of ports, so the motherboard has 1 M2 port, and 2 SATA ports (one for the regular HD and the other for the DVD combo drive).
    Is there any workaround for this, so I can add a second HD ? I was thinking to replace the 256 GB M2 drive with a 1 TB SSD that I have, and use a M2->Sata converter, but it doesn't look like the gain would be that much.

    Another option would be to use a USB drive externally, which is not the best honestly; but I don't see any other solution at this point.

    Any suggestion about some workaround to use 2 HD and the M2 ? Thanks
     
    count cookie, Feb 5, 2018
    #1
  2. count cookie

    count cookie Newbie

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    How hard would it be to remove the dvd drive? It is a brand new laptop; so I don't want to kill the warranty
     
    count cookie, Feb 5, 2018
    #2
  3. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    I would first stay with a 5400rpm drive 7200 the downside would be more thermal effect and most likely not gain much in performance. A SSD in place of the HDD would work better they go up to 2tb which is affordable right now. And I would leave the OD since you will never know when you want a DVD to watch or just burn to DVD. It does have it's use and I for one would keep my OD laptop not having one might appeal to others but not me. Also increase your M.2 drive to at least 500gb so that gives you more space to install running software.
     
    StormJumper, Feb 6, 2018
    #3
  4. exmeaguy

    exmeaguy Notebook Geek

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    Removing the DVD drive is simple, a few screws and the connector. It will be the best upgrade you can do and the caddy is only around $10 - 15.
     
    exmeaguy, Feb 7, 2018
    #4