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Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme 7204
I am researching on how to install a M.2 SATA SSD in the WWAN slot and would like to know if someone can provide a step by step guide. I am looking to have the M.2 boot either to Linux or Windows as well. Any information is greatly appreciated.
randyjt2009
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December 27th, 2021 12:00
Thank you ejn63!
ejn63
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December 27th, 2021 11:00
These use mSATA interfaces - not M.2, so you'll first need an M.2 (drive) to mSATA (socket) adapter.
It may or may not be possible for the system to recognize the drive for storage, but it will not be possible to boot from a drive installed in the WWAN card slot.
randyjt2009
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December 27th, 2021 12:00
Interesting. I saw this before but never paid too much attention to it. Do you know if they are hard to install?
ejn63
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December 27th, 2021 12:00
I think this is what you're looking for:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/124213465232?hash=item1cebb31090:g:6FIAAOSw4rte2kaz
And mSATA SSDs are still widely sold.
ejn63
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December 27th, 2021 12:00
Service manual has the details.
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/latitude-7204-laptop/docs
randyjt2009
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December 27th, 2021 12:00
Hi ejn63. The problem I face is not having a HDD Caddy and it is very hard to find one for my 7204. Even if I do find a caddy sellers are charging an extraordinary amount. That said I am trying to find another method to run windows or Linux from. Thought about a thumb drive with Linux on it but its too slow. Tried to find an adaptor for the drive bay but only could find a 1.8 Inch Micro SATA to 2.5" SATA Adapter but I don't think this will work. Any suggestion other than getting an OEM caddy? Thanks.
randyjt2009
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December 27th, 2021 15:00
Hi Again. So I reviewed the caddy you suggested and determined I already have one installed in the laptop. The problem I face is connecting a HDD to the interface below (7pin+7pin+2pin)...
The card that holds the HDD has a female Micro SATA...
My question how if anything can I bypass this proprietary product? I searched the web for a similar card but cannot find anything close. There are no connectors as well. Any suggestions? Sorry for all the questions.
ejn63
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December 27th, 2021 16:00
I think this is what you're looking for:
https://www.amazon.com/mSATA-to-Micro-SATA-Adapter/dp/B006ZW1DZS
(along with a standard mSATA SSD).
randyjt2009
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January 7th, 2022 13:00
Hi ejn63. Just a quick message. Unfortunately the card you recommended did not work with my Dell 7204. The motherboard connection is male configuration while the card is male configuration as well (the card needs to be female config). In the end I set the unit up with Linux Mint on a SD card. Anyway, thanks for all your help. Randy