Does my laptop (DV7-4260ca) support a 2nd hard drive?

[JibbsIsMe]

Hi, my laptop (DV7-4260ca) has a slot identical to the current one my hard drive is screwed into, but I can't seem to find where to plug in a second hard drive. There are screw slots and everything like that, except the spot to plug it in. I might not have looked hard enough, though. I want a SSD, but if there's nowhere to plug it in, there is no point. 

Specs:

AMD quad core 1.8ghz

8gb memory (upgraded from 4)

750GB 5600rpm hdd

17" screen

not much else matters

--Jeremy

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Jeremy:

You need the long connector cable and the caddy.

http://www.newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=345&zenid=f72a50d38bb4fc7...

See chapter 4, page 50 of the service manual. The part number listed in the manual for the secondary HDD cable is not for your dv7 model series.  Many buy it only to find that it was the wrong one and too short

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02642701.pdf

Paul

[JibbsIsMe]

Hi, what would I have to search for if I were to buy one of these off another website? Newegg.ca is where I'd like to buy it, since I already have an order that I’m going to place soon.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I would search by the part number listed on the link I posted.

I highly doubt New Egg is going to have that part.

Paul

[JibbsIsMe]

Does this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167051

contain everything I need? I don't look forward to buying what you suggested. Oh and also, does my laptop support SATA III or just SATA II?

--Jeremy

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Jeremy:

The HDD kit you posted does not contain anything you need to mount or connect (wire) it to your PC. Basically, the only thing you will use in the box is the drive. That mounting bracket is used to install it into a desktop's 3.5" drive bay.

Your PC supports SATA II drive speeds only. You can install a SATA III drive, but it will only have up to 3 GBPS transfer speeds.

Paul

[JibbsIsMe]

Last question(s) I think: how could you tell if I had SATA II or SATA III? And are you sure? Could you reference me to where you saw that? Thanks for your help.

--Jeremy

[Paul_Tikkanen]

The only information I have is from the manual and it only states SATA.

The chipset should support SATA III hard drives, but I can only find that referenced in the desktop version of the southbridge chip.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_800_chipset_series

Paul

[JibbsIsMe]

Could I call HP and see what they say about II or III? Or would they just be looking at the same info as us?

Or should I call AMD?

and, if you look at this: http://db.tt/YtFlamuf

what is the unused port in the first picture for? 

also, while following the instructions in the very first post you sent me, it says to plug in the caddy into the port that is occupied, and under the unused port of the first picture. Should I try to unplug that cord? My main hard drive is NOT that cord, it is somewhere else in that album.

Lastly, do you have a paypal account so I can donate some money to you? You've been a great help so far.

tl;dr

who should I call about sata ii or iii

where do I plug in the caddy

do you have paypal

EDIT:

according to page 51 of that manual, the plug goes into the empty port. but why is it not the same size as the port my main hdd is plugged into?

--Jeremy

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, Jeremy:

You can call HP and see what they have to say regarding SATA II/III, but I think that if your notebook isn't under warranty you may get charged for any technical support.

I have never installed a secondary HDD in the notebook, so I don't know which port you connect the other end of the cable into.

The problem is there are 2 dv7 setups which is why there are 2 different HDD cables.

I think this post may answer your question: Read the info from carloprimo. It shows where to connect the other end of the cable on your model.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Hardware-Upgrades-and/dv7-4300el-2nd-hd-caddy-cabel-looking-for-part-nu...

Lastly, it is my pleasure to be able to assist people on the HP forum for free.

I am very glad you appreciate my assistance, and that is thanks enough.

Best regards,

Paul