Can i solder a NVME header here?

Randall8686 · 12 Jan 2022 at 22:54

Hi All

not sure if this is the right place to answer this. However i have a Dell 5415 (basic laptop) and its only got one SSD slot. However after taking it apart i spotted this

does anyone know if i solder a nvme connector on here if it will work? Im fine with soldering it, but im assuming they populate these pads of higher end machines? In my logic they just did not solder the nvme connector on but the traces are still in place and if i solder the pcb mount socket on it should work?

Donnie Fisher · 13 Jan 2022 at 07:36

It might have been planned as a m.2 Wi-Fi card slot considering there are wires running to that area. Although it does say SSD2 I suppose.

Even if you did fit one, Is the space for the card to fit when installed? It’s hard to see from just that picture

Armageus · 13 Jan 2022 at 09:30

In theory it should work, but it's also possible that support could be actually removed from the BIOS as well (so potentially you'd need to mod or crossflash a different bios)

As above, it's hard to see where an nvme would fit in that picture? presumably there are the required stand offs/retaining mechanism to hold it in place if you did fit it.

Randall8686 · 25 Jan 2022 at 13:20

Just incase anyone reads this. I soldered on the NVME connector and fitted and NVME drive and it works a charm