Alienware M18x R2 broken HDD connector replacement part

Ok I've been making sure this is a good connector and it is. The good, if your connector has a broken retainer ( broken plastic piece), this is a replacement connector for you. It does require that you remove the motherboard to install it and I recommend professional installation.

One thing to note, the retaining clip on this connector DOES NOT fit the oem connector. I tried to modify them, 20 times actually, and failed. It is just too flimsy. Now the retaining clip on this one is cheap also so buy a couple. Pictures to follow.

http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?keywords=609-1213-1-nd

 

The photo of the new connector installed.

 

Awesome. Should be fairly easy to solder on, too. I've done smaller things. Thanks for sharing the link.

 

I'm a prior 2m tech and I had issues removing the connector. Ended up having to get a new mobo because I jacked the removal up so bad. I recommend you use solder melt to remove the connector. The pads lift easy. If I was in practice yes it's an easy removal.

 

One other thing I should mention, this connector holds the cable VERY TIGHT. So tight that if you accidentally pull your cable while its clamped down you will absolutely damage the cable. So lock your cable in and leave it once you install the connector. Its still working great on my system with no hiccups. I wish I could of created a new latch for the OEM one but it just wasn't happening. Either way if someone wanted to search the other major sites you have all the information you need to try out their connectors. Mouser is another site that sells connectors like this.

 

Better yet, leave the two screws out under the HDD caddy. They are totally unnecessary. That way you can take off the palm rest and do almost anything you need to do and never need to disturb the HDD caddy again. You would only need to remove the SATA cable from the socket to replace the mobo or lower chassis.

 

Solid advice Mr. Fox. The new connector is a beast, that is the only way to describe it. The plastic clip is still cheap but you have a limitless supply of replacements. I think digikey has like 49k in stock and they are stupid cheap.

 

Just came across this thread, thank you but I think removing the mobo and soldering on this replacement piece is beyond my purview. I wish dell simply provided the replacement latch as that's all that I need. Apparently this is a widespread issue with the M18x R2.

 

A guy on eBay is selling latches cheap and bulk. I ordered some and post some results.

eBay link is

http://www.ebay.com/itm/232013120325

Also has for r1 and needs testers.

 

Awesome find

 

So the guy shipped me 13pcs of complete HDD sockets with the latch. I have 13pcs now!!! The latch is quite fragile indeed. At least I don't have to worry so much now when I dismantle the latop .

In case someone contacts the guy, please let him know that Gerasimos from Greece pointed you out to him.

 

Thanks for the link @jerryzago, just ordered a pack of 10 from there to replace the one broken on my mates M18X-R2, I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks also to @Mr. Fox I will be removing the 2 screws like you suggested from my M18 and my mates so not to repeat the same thing from happening again in the future.

 

Here is the update all,

Ordered the clips from ebay pack of ten

here is the link for the clips if anyone else is interested - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/232013120325?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I was extremly lucky and got the first clip off without breakage and even got it fitted without it breaking, the instruction he has with the listing is good just go slow and don't rush and good lighting. So now I have 9 back ups for any future probs. but I will be doing what @Mr. Fox suggested for my mates M18X-R2 and I have left the 2 screws out to remove the palm rest to get to the hard drive in the future.
@jerryzago I did mention that you sent me his way.

So happy days now and no worries on the hard drive ribbon coming loose in the future and no replacement motherboard for a 1 cent piece of very important plastic.

Thanks Everyone for your help

 

Do you still have any spare m18x r2 hdd connectors with latch please?

 

Does anyone have a spare m18x r2 hdd ribbon cable in good condition please?

 

I do, 30$ shipped in the USA

 

Hi Raidriar do you have photo? I'm in the UK btw

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May not be cost effective to ship to the UK from here, even the smallest parcel package costs 20usd

 

I don't understand why it costs so much to send from USA to the UK. Not right is it grrr. Well thanks anyway x

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Today when I went to change my hdd I found the hdd interpolate ribbon connector latch broken. Now my last technician did a full guts transfer to another chassis when I had warranty. I had no reason to change my hdd until now and I'm out of warranty

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Does anyone have any spare hdd connectors with the latch like this photo please? For the M18x R2. Thank you

P.S I am based in the UK x

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http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...s-crossfire-cable-hdd-clips-and-parts.798451/

ask the good @jerryzago if has any left

 

I bought a set of 10 from Ebay for what I think is a good price
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-Ali...h-Clip-Hook-/232013120325?hash=item36050f4345

I have attached a picture of the set of 10 I received.

 

Hiya yeah I've managed to wedge the cable in with some plastic and it's holding. Thank you for your help anyway. X

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I had to do that with mine, but it is never a bad idea to have some spare on hand just in case.
I have found that these HDD connectors are rather hard to find as normally you would be looking at replacing the motherboard (according to Dell)

I'm stocking up on parts just on the chance something goes wrong and parts become harder and harder to find.

 

I have a buyer for my laptop so should be ok. The pc technician who I took it to made a wedge and he gave me some yellow electrical tape to make sure it doesn't pop back up lol. The wedge is really tight as he checked and I've lost the buyer know of the fix too. I have spares too from when the last dell technician came over so I might sell them.

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Take a look:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Alien...x-Cable-Connector-QBR10-LF-8323P/131763013318

Computing since -86
Hope to help

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232013120325

 

Sorry, dear lady.
I need both myself.
A tip reg to soldering:
Be carefull, use theese twisted cupper tread to suck up the tinn. Aplied it on the surface and put on the tipp of the solder iron.
Also invest in a soldier pump. Best for larger items. The cupper tread is perfect for ic"s, even dobbel layer.
Always clince the soldier tip on wet spunge then in these sour soldier paste.
I recomend a Welder solder station with var temp. Worth the money, and extra tipp.
I dont like the idea to remove the mb, but mr. FoxRock have neet videos on youtube showing dismantle and reassamble of m18x r2.
Very pedagogic and explaining.
Also an own owerclock tutorial.
Because im good to brake it ;-)
Have fun.

 

Soldier item:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Solder-Suc...m=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty...m=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BAKU-BK-60...m=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-10pcs-Le...m=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Endu...m=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanical...m=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0

 

Why solder when you can just replace the plastic clip?

Just take off the plastic from the new clip and pop it on the motherboard.

No need to be difficult lol.

 

Right, to be specific:
IF you must replace the WHOLE connector.
And yes, no need to complicate it or troublemake it.
RFOL
Have a stunning weekend.

 

I just broke my sata connector and is mad as hell.
Only run on 256gb ssd. Which game?
Have fun.

 

On there way
Price on the sata hdd connector was a bit stiff, regarding to non Dell parts from China.
I checked lots of sites and was up to $100 + shipping.
Its fragile so i will cut out some semi rigid plastic shet and glue it on backside. And some electro tape on the flat cable part.
Reduce movement CAN provide longer lifetime.
Alienware use much old thec connecting. Pin on antenna cables to wifi card in 2K century?
Shall we be open for alternative solution, spesial to hdd conn flexibility?
Have a tech worry free day, folks.

 

PS:
Win 8&10 have a barrier for games called "Games for Windows" Thres a patch on Steam to solve that. Mostly old games.
And remove the Win update "Microsoft program for dangerous software" -ish.
That reports if you have cracks , serial gen even modded games.
Use Latrix latency fix and Google DNS.
In ipv4 set primary to 8.8.8.8, sec to 8.8.4.4, for ipv6 look it up as optianal. Speed up your data speed and reduse ping. Means less lagging.
Have fun.

 

Hay
Anyone who knows where on net i can by a internal grapic card for m18x r2?
Im stucked whit Nvidia Gforce 660m, and wish i have a better, but NOT Gforce 880.
Dell told my laptop handle up to Gforce 1050 but i think its only wishing.
Aint many schooled techs on support.

Please post some links and in return som hw advice if needed.
Thanks.

 

Thanks to all of your help regarding my broken hdd connector. I managed to sell my laptop last year and the wedge that the pc technician created has done its job actually much better than Alienware connector lol. I've built my own pc which I use for vr and I'm super happy now. Take care and thanks again for everything over the years I've been here. Xx

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Where you located ?

I have (2) 660M (2) 860M (1) K4000M (2) 8950M (1) GTX 880M (1) RX480M/WX7100

 

Sorry man
I am to order a gforce gtx 960m.
An expert on Alien, mr Fox(FoxRock) stated that the gtx 880 was a downgrade from gtx 770 who has more ability than 880
Im located in Norway, so please to feel free to send me an offer on the others.
Then i will decide.
Thanks for your time anyway.
Best regards bro.

 

Now its done.
Last friday i replaced the sata hdd connector and the broken little clip on the connector. No soldering needed, good because the conn was smd. Surface mount. Dont like it.
A easy way to solding this is use of hot air pistol. (extreem hair dryer)
Id did strengten the hdd conn by glue on some thin plastic from wrapping of cables, toys eg. ( get mad try to open thingie) on the back and two layer of electric tape each side on the flat cable part. Thiss to reduce movement and braking, i hope.
So my m18x r2 i up and running whit 3 hdd and ssd.
Too bad you cant have 3 9mm in the caddy, dont fit proper.
Ill rather by a 2.5inch ssd, the future is flash parts.
Thanks for the advice everyone here. I would be stucked without, even im a tecch .
But i couldnt remowe the two scews under the caddy, on was unable to get loose.
@mr.Fox: yourr videos on youtube demount/mount the m18x is helpfull, very good explaint and pedagogicc. So easyy that a hairdresser can fix hiss laptopp.
Bestt regards, folk.

 

Hello again.
I am glad to anonce that my replaced hdd cable and mb connector still works.
As mentoned erlier i strenghtened whit glue on hard plastic on back and some layer of el tape on the flat cable part.
This to reduce movent.
But im not happy with the tray, i have tree hdd in it and one of them is aold and thick 1Gb. Only fits in the sata3 conn.
That forcee me tho bend doown conn down a bit.
They should make slide insted of holes on the tray for screws..
Thanks