The M.2 port is originally called NGFF port. It is a new-generation port standard which is specially designed for the laptop to supersede the mSATA port. The M.2 port is much better than mSATA with either regard to its smaller size or higher transferring performance.

M.2, as a new port standard that Intel has launched to replace mSATA, is also called NGFF – Next Generation Form Factor that we always mentioned in the past. As a matter of fact, for desktop users, the SATA port can meet most of their demands. But considering to satisfying Ultrabook user’s requirement on storage, Intel desperately has released this new port standard. Although we see this new M.2 port on the new 9 series motherboards launched by Asus, Gigabyte and MSI, this new port means little to the desktop computer. M.2 port’s real meaning can only be reflected on Ultrabook that Intel mainly intends to launch.

Alienware 15 R3: Questions About SSD/HDD Installed So, I got my first Alienware laptop almost 2 weeks ago, it's not new but it is lightly used, I've wanted one for years since before Dell bought them - wish that would have never happened - and I was looking some information up and came across the following site. GPU: GeForce GTX 1060 CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6300HQ CPU @ 2.30GHz Memory: 16 GB RAM (15.88 GB RAM usable) Current resolution: 1920 x 1080, 60Hz Operating.

Compared with mSATA SSD, M.2 SSD has the speed advantages. The M.2 port has two types: Socket 2 and Socket 3. The Socket 2 supports SATA and PCI-E x 2 port standard, But if adopting PCI-E x 2 port standard, its read speed can reach up to 700MB/s while its write speed can reach 550MB/s. Socket 3 can support PCI-E x 4 port, and its theoretical bandwidth can reach 4GB/s.

M.2 SSD’s length is currently available in 30mm (2230), 42mm (2242), 60mm (2260), 80mm (2280), and 110mm (2210) form factors to accommodate assorted motherboard designs.

The Alienware 17 R2 can have up to 5 total drives - ONE slot accepts a 2.5' drive (either HDD or SSD, your choice). The other 4 slots are M.2 'gumstick' drive slots (SSD ONLY). (Look more like RAM chips than what you're used to seeing a SSD look like). Also note that the first 3 M.2 slots on this computer are SATA III (6Gb/s) and the fourth is.

M.2 SSD has three different types of “keys”, they are respectively is B, M and B&M.

You can also contribute to our list by commenting below, including your exact laptop model, the type of M.2 slot (SATA / PCIe x4), the size (2280, 2260 or 2242), the key (B or M), and the SSD model. Also, you can send the Teardown of the laptop via [email protected].

Laptop M.2 SSD Compatibility List

Acer

Alienware

Asus

Dell

HP

Lenovo

MSI

Please tell me about the model of m.2 ssd compatible with hp-bc406tx.

Alienware is a well-known brand in the gaming laptop market, and with each new CPU or GPU update, the company outfits its laptops accordingly. Today, we’re taking apart the Alienware 15 R3, which features the new Intel® Core™ i7-6700HQ and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 with 8GB GDDR5, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD and an FHD display.

For the freshest produce, find us on Facebook for the latest teardown news.

1. Removing the bottom cover

Alienware 15 did put a lot of efforts on heat radiation. It’s using an all-metal body to ensure excellent heat dissipation. The backplane also distributed a lot of air vent.

Remove all screws securing the bottom cover to the laptop.

Pry up the bottom cover with a crowbar. Be careful, do not remove the light bar.

Under the bottom cover, you can get access to the RAM, SSD and hard drive. We also find two spare M.2 2242 SSD slots on the left of the laptop.

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Before touching any hardware, the good idea is to disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard.

2. Removing the RAM

Separate the clips and the RAM will pop up.
The Alienware 15 R3 comes with two Samsung 8GB DDR4 2667MHz RAMs. The model is M471AK43BB1-CTD.

3. Removing the M.2 SSD

Remove one screw and take the SSD out of its slot.
Toshiba 256GB NVMe SSD, Dell P/N: 08D5HT.

4. Removing the hard drive

Remove three screws and disconnect the SATA cable from the motherboard. You can remove the hard drive module.
The laptop comes with an HGST 1TB 7200RPM hard drive, Dell P/N: 0J30643.

5. Removing the wireless Wi-Fi card

Remove one screw securing the wireless card.
Disconnect two antenna cables. You can remove the wireless card.

Killer 1535 802.11ac 2×2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1

6. SSD upgrade option

Here’re two 2242 M.2 slots, which you can add extra M.2 SSD.

7. Removing the back baffle

Remove the screw securing the back baffle.

To remove the back baffle, you need to release four buckles close to the cooling fan module.

8. Removing the middle frame

Remove all screws securing the middle frame.
Pry up it with a pick and remove it.

7. Removing the battery

Remove all screws securing the battery and take it out of its bay.

The Alienware 15 R3 comes with an 11.4V, 99Wh Li-ion battery, Dell P/N: 9NJM1.

Under the battery, you can get access to the touchpad.

9. Removing the motherboard

Remove all screws securing the motherboard and disconnect all cables connected to the motherboard.
You can remove the motherboard from the chassis.

10. Removing the heat sink and cooling fan module

The cooling fan comes from Taiwan SUNON.

Red: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card with 8G GDDR5 video memory
Yellow: Intel® Core™ i7-6700HQ (Quad-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 3.5GHz w/ Turbo Boost)
Green: South Bridge

The back of the motherboard

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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card and Micron 8GB GDDR5 video memory, the model of video memory is 6GA47 D91CB.

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Intel® Core™ i7-6700HQ (Quad-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 3.5GHz w/ Turbo Boost)

South Bridge

ENE KB90220 IO chip

Source: pconline

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I noticed it says “GPU 2 on my motherboard and it’s empty. Does this mean I can install another mobile 1070 GPU? Thanks.