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Del G7 15 2nd hard drive

Discussion in 'New Build and/or New Hardware' started by Shaughn Anderson, Jul 4, 2021.

  1. Shaughn Anderson

    Shaughn Anderson

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    Hey first post here so hello.

    As for my question its a bit broad. I own a del G7 15 and when I bought it I was told there was a space for a 2nd hard drive. I have mostly been ok just using the one built in but its solid state and very small (in particular if I download a video game to the hard drive it will be mostly full till I finish playing that). I wanted to get some expert opinions on what to get for a 2nd hard drive and how to install and connect it. Again mostly all I want from this is to have more storage. Thanks for the help!
     
    Shaughn Anderson, Jul 4, 2021
    #1
  3. Tony D

    Tony D Administrator Administrator

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    Hello and welcome Shaughn, It's pretty rare that you find a laptop that has space for two hard drives or hard drive sized SSDs. I'm not saying they're not out there, just there are not many of them. If your laptop has space for two hard drives or hard drive sized SSDs, you'd remove the back and install the 2nd drive. You'd have to get a cable for the 2nd drive.

    My guess is that your computer came with an M2 SSD and a space for a hard drive to be installed. M2 SSDs fit onto the board like a circuit board. They don't need the same physical space as a hard drive.

    The other option is to get a larger drive, either SSD or old school spinner (mechanical) drive. That however would involve cloning the current drive to the new, larger drive. Most users don't have the equipment to do that.

    If you provide your Dell Service Tag, we can take a closer look.
     
    Tony D, Jul 4, 2021
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  4. Seth Anthony

    Seth Anthony Registered Members

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    That was excellent information and suggestions Tony.

    I'm betting it's a ridiculously low capacity M2. Probably too low for Windows 10 to even function properly, I.E. Windows Updates.

    I'd go for the larger capacity M2 option. A clone or clean install is up in the air right now, but M2 to USB adapters are cheap to buy. Plus, the sata cable wouldn't be needed.

    Also, that M2 interface will probably be a lot faster than the extra SATA interface.
     
    Seth Anthony, Jul 4, 2021
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  5. Shaughn Anderson

    Shaughn Anderson

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    Ok that is correct its a small SSD I am using now. If it helps make a more specific suggestion the service tag is 12DR1W2. My take from what you have said is that I can buy a hard drive for the hard drive space and connect it with a cable.
     
    Shaughn Anderson, Jul 5, 2021
    #4
  6. Shaughn Anderson

    Shaughn Anderson

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    Also thanks for the quick replies!
     
    Shaughn Anderson, Jul 5, 2021
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  7. Tony D

    Tony D Administrator Administrator

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    Check out the service manual on page 24. It shows how to connect a 2.5" hard drive or SSD. The cable may or may not be in the compartment.
    https://dl.dell.com/topicspdf/g-series-15-7588-laptop_service-manual_en-us.pdf

    Note: Dell used to provide a page where you could enter your Service Tag and it would tell you how the machine was configured when it was shipped. I didn't find that link. So, I'm not exactly sure what you have.
     
    Tony D, Jul 5, 2021
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  8. Shaughn Anderson

    Shaughn Anderson

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    Ok thanks that actually helps a lot! Good to know about this manual if I have future hardware troubles.
     
    Shaughn Anderson, Jul 6, 2021
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  9. Tony D

    Tony D Administrator Administrator

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    I'd be interested to know if the cable to connect a hard drive was included with your laptop. Please let us know once you get in there.
    Thanks,
     
    Tony D, Jul 6, 2021
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  10. IJAC

    IJAC Super-Moderator Super Moderators

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    IJAC, Jul 6, 2021
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: Dell, hard drive

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