How to replace M.2 2230 SSD with M.2 2280 SSD in SSD slot one on Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5/R6

Learn how to remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive on the Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5/Alienware m15 R6 and install a M.2 2280 solid-state drive.

This video shows how to replace the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with a M.2 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot one on an Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5 or Alienware m15 R6.

Before you begin, power off the computer, and disconnect all the attached peripherals. Ensure that you always use ESD protection when working inside the system.

To begin, first remove the base cover, remove the two screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Then, loosen the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

This creates a gap between the base cover and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Use this gap, pry open the base cover from the middle of the front edge of base cover.

Then pry the base cover from its left and right sides and lift it off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

Then, turn your computer over and open the display. Press the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power. Close the display and turn over the computer over.

Remove the two screws that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board. Then, lift the thermal shield off the SSD. Slide and lift the SSD off the SSD slot on the system board.

You have successfully removed the M.2 2230 SSD from SSD slot one. If you are replacing the M.2 2230 SSD with a M.2 2280 SSD, the SSD screw mount must be shifted to fit the M.2 2280 SSD.

Now, let’s move the SSD screw mount. Slide to remove the screw mount from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Then, slide the screw mount into the other screw mount slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

You have moved the SSD screw mount successfully. Now, let’s install the M.2 2280 SSD. Locate the notch on the SSD. Align the notch on the SSD with the tab on the SSD slot.

Slide the SSD into the SSD slot on the system board. Place the thermal shield on the SSD and align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the SSD and the system board.

Replace the two screws that secure the thermal shield to the SSD and the system board. Now, connect the battery cable to the system board.

To reinstall the base cover, slide the notches on the top of the base cover under the rear IO-cover, and snap the base cover into place on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

Replace the two screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Then, tighten the six captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

The M.2 2280 SSD installation process is now complete. You have replaced the M.2 2230 SSD with an M.2 2280 SSD in SSD slot one on the Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition R5 or Alienware m15 R6.

If you need more information or assistance, go to dell.com/support.