Mini-PCIe expansion slot - Evaluating the possibility of USB 3.0, eSATA or Gigabit Ethernet on the m11x

Alienware m11x data transfer blunder:
No gigabit ethernet port.
No USB 3.0.
No eSATA.
Stock Wi-Fi limited to 130Mbps.​

For all the brilliance Dell fit into this rig, which you can only appreciate after you've torn down and rebuilt your m11x, they made a big mistake not giving us the option to speedily transfer data to and from our laptops.

But desire inspires action. While the common solution to this problem is to install an Intel 6200 or 6300 half mini pci-e Wi-Fi card, I'm not about to settle for a Wi-Fi adapter whose theoretical max of 300Mbps will likely amount to well under than 200Mbit when I'm transferring large volumes (>30GB) of data.

Introducing Taiwan Commate Computer Inc: Taiwan Commate Computer Inc.(COMMELL)-Industrial PC,Surveillance,OEM/ODM Service

More specifically, allow me to introduce to you their series of mini pci-e cards: COMMELL PCI Express mini card

Research:
1) Can the cards be ordered individually? Answer: Most likely
2) Will the card fit the m11x mini PCI-e slot? What are the dimensions of this slot? (HxWxD) Answer: Yes
3) Where can I order an extremely low profile female or male adapter for the card's pins? Answer: Included with card
4) Where can I find a extremely low profile ribbon type cable to splice into the low profile adapter? Answer: Included with card
5) Will a small slot need to be drilled in the metal baseplate to create an external connection or can one of the m11x ports be repurposed?
6) Is the mini PCI-e connection on the m11x a standard mini PCI-e connection?
7) Will I go with a Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, or eSATA connection? Answer: eSATA
8) Will the pci-e connection provide sufficient power. I don't believe I can provide additional power to the card without "serious" (ie warranty voiding) modification involving a soldering iron. Answer: Yes

Requirements:
1) I will not void the warranty of my laptop. I purchased the four year warranty. I don't believe making a small incision in the metal base plate will void the warranty of the whole laptop... I might even order an extra base plate just in case my laptop requires service.
2) I don't want to spend much money on the project. My target is under $50.

I will start my research tonight and update the post with information once I come across it. Please chime in if you're interested in any of these expansions or have any knowledge installing these kinds of expansions on your own.

Details for each card and connection type:
1 x Gigabit LAN:


2 x Gigabit LAN:


2 x USB 3.0:


2 x SATA II: (WITH PORT MULTIPLIER for multi-bay enclosures)


Touch screen controller:

 

This forum deleted a topic on this subject, but they did not arrive at any conclusions:
M11x WWAN Slot - PCI-E Compatible?

The question appears to be: Is the WWAN slot a real pci-e slot or is it crippled to use Dell's WWAN card only?

Also, it appears the USB 3.0 pci-e card requires additonal power. If I cannot piggyback the required power off an existing USB port, that will rule out the USB 3.0 card.

Gigabit LAN would be lovely to have, but I believe I would get more use out of an eSATA port with a MediaSonic HF2-series enclosure:

USB 2.0 / eSATA for $138 @ brick and mortar MicroCenter: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0337545

USB 2.0 / eSATA for $109 @ NewEgg.com: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817576001

USB 3.0 / eSATA for $134 @ MicroCenter: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817576009

 

Holy sufficient, bundled SATA cable, Batman!


And I have dimensions for the card:


Now if only I could find that tape measure... I need those m11x pci-e slot dimensions.

 

I found the tape measure. Not an accurate measurement, but it will get me in the ballpark. Processing images, now:
Index of /forums/MiniPCIe

Oops, forgot to get depth. I'll have to look into that tomorrow.

Anyhow, it looks like the card will fit. I may have to Dremel / file down that little plastic lip at the end of the socket, but I don't think I'll have any difficulty fitting the card in this slot.

UPDATE: I am now looking for vendors, a difficult task for this piece.

I've tracked down one, so far: http://www.globalamericaninc.com/p1..._Serial_ATA_RAID_Controller/product_info.html

The card appears to cost $61.63 including shipping. I have emailed the company, requesting a quote.

I found this information in a guide drawn up two months ago for a Mac Mini mod: http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/mini_esata_card_mod/macmini_estatacard_mod.html

UPDATE: They have many PCI-e cards. It's like a candy store for my laptop: http://www.globalamericaninc.com/index.php?cPath=526

 

isn't the WWAN port a fake mini PCI-e that's actually connected to USB controller?

 

Did you read that somewhere? Could you link it for me?

My heart would break a little if that were confirmed.

 

ye, i also heard bout pci e >> usual usb port

 

Yes it is, I read it on another thread on here actually when I find it again I will link it. There have also been quite a few other people try various things in there(ssd, gps, etc) and not one of them worked correctly.

 

The thread has been moved to the 11x subforum. It was an old thread and was listed in the old Side Topics forum. Thread is now available here for reference:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...n-slot-pci-e-compatible-reference-closed.html