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KanesInferno
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February 18th, 2021 18:00
m15 R3, Storage Upgrade Question
I have a quick question about what storage to buy for the m15 R3. I got a deal on one from Best Buy, it came with 512GB of storage, I'm wanting to add additional storage but I want to make sure whatever I buy fits, is the right class, etc etc. I'm used to upgraded desktops or older laptops, haven't messed with any of these newer ones. I'm wanting to keep the storage it comes with and use one of the empty slots to add more to it.
If someone could either break down exactly what storage I need to buy to ensure it fits and/or link me to some that will fit that would be great.
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Posted February 18th, 2021 21:00
Hi @KanesInferno this user to user discussion forum and not Dell Support.
Dell expects users to upgrade drives and RAM, removing the base cover does not invalidate the Dell Warranty. To discover what your model provides, remove the base cover and have a look.
The M.2 interface is PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe with storage capacity up to 2TB. The system board accommodates Two M.2 2230/2280 slots and One M.2 2230 slot for solid-state drives.
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[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]1255
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Posted February 18th, 2021 20:00
How do I tell which type of drive mine came with? Trying to figure out so I know which type to buy for the second drive..
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Posted February 18th, 2021 21:00
Thank you very much, between your and the other person's response I got the answers I needed. I appreciate it!
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Posted February 18th, 2021 22:00
Hi @KanesInferno your disaster recovery plan should include a clone of the OS(C:) drive so that if your original drive cannot be recovered, just swap in the clone and you are up and running within minutes. Generally, the 1TB and 2TB drives have improved read/write performance, and there are fast and ultrafast M.2 drives. It pays to research what you want to use the system for, for high performance gaming, users get the ultrafast drives.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]1186
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Posted February 19th, 2021 19:00
Thanks to you both for the help, I was able to successfully install a new drive tonight. I used THIS drive. I now have one 2230 space open.
One last question, I noticed the drive that was pre installed had a gold plate over it, will it matter that my newly installed one won't? If so am I able to get one of those?
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Posted February 19th, 2021 20:00
Hi @KanesInferno have a look on your existing item for part number. Should be Dell M.2 2280 SSD Thermal Shield RT4G1 0RT4G1. This item is sold on eBay and an internet search on "Shield RT4G1" will reveal sellers [Example]. Dell seems to think that SSD Thermal Shield is required, but only provides it with their 'as delivered' system.
The M.2 2230 slot can be used for more storage. Windows 10 has the option to use virtual RAM. If system has the maximum physical RAM installed, slower virtual RAM offers expansion option with ultrafast M.2 2230 card.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]1168
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Posted February 19th, 2021 22:00
Thank you! I may be ordering that part, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Another question then.. if my system came with the 512GB storage and I added the 1TB storage, if I decided to use my last storage spot later how much could I add? I honestly doubt I'll end up using it but would like to know in case I come across a deal and decide to. Also, if I did that would that one need a plate over it also, or just the two that always do in the pictures?
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Posted February 19th, 2021 23:00
Hi @KanesInferno finding the fast or ultrafast M.2 2230 NVMe Gen3 x4 card will be the first hurdle, and this will dictate your selection of storage capacity, usually maximum of 1TB. The Dell M.2 2230 SSD Thermal Shield 8856F is available. This item is sold on eBay and an internet search on "Shield 8856F" will reveal sellers [Example]. Dell seems to think that SSD Thermal Shield is required, but only provides it with their 'as delivered' three drive system option.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]467
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Posted February 20th, 2021 03:00
@DELL-Chris M @Alienware-Eimy @Alienware-Joe @JOcean
The m15 R3 Dell Support Storage says that there is a three drive storage option (SSD-1, SSD-2 & SSD-3). But the SSD-3 storage is not included in the Dell Support M.2 solid-state drive installation and removal instructions.
If any user has the m15 R3 three drive storage option, please post an image of how the system board's absence of the SSD-3 single securing screw in the white spot, allows the M.2 2230 SSD + heat sink to be installed. Thank you.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]
JOcean
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Posted February 18th, 2021 19:00
This support page has compatible configurations and there are a number of possibilities. Basically your choices are:
Your Alienware m15 R3 supports one of the following storage configurations:
And the Crucial site lists a number of compatible drives here. Though any quality drives from WD, Samsung, Adata, just to name a few would be fine.
I am not a Dell employee...I am forum volunteer
Serious work on an E5430 and constantly building and working on an i5-6500 Desktop