HDD motherboard connection snapped

[Rummers]

Hi all

While changing my hard drive, the plastic clamp which holds the connector in place to the connection on the motherboard snapped.  

Does anyone know if this can be repaired? Or if I can connect a hard drive to the motherboard a different way?

I can't believe the laptop can be ruined over such a tiny piece of plastic holding this in place?

Thanks

James

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, James:

I don't know if it can be fixed, but isn't there a M.2 slot on your notebook's motherboard that you can install a M.2 SATA SSD in?

Chapter 1 of the service manual indicates there is.

HP Pavilion Gaming Notebook Maintenance and Service Guide

[Rummers]

Thanks so much

I've just had a look and yes it seems there is.

Is it simply a case of replacing with HDD with SSD or will there be settings I need to change? 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

Nope, just plug in the M.2 SATA SSD in a storage capacity that fits your needs and budget, and you should be all set.

You may need to purchase the M.2 hold down screw if there isn't one there.

If you don't need a 2 TB drive, you can install a M.2 SSD having a smaller storage capacity.

WD Blue SA510 1TB M.2 SATA SSD with up to 560MB/s read speed : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

As far as repairing the broken piece, would it be possible to super glue the connector back in place if you placed the ribbon cable in first?   Might be tricky to do, but perhaps it is possible. 

Only you would know since you can see how it broke.

[Rummers]

Yes, it is frustrating since I bought a new HDD that the clamp snapped. I have tried taping it down, and using cardboard to hold it down, but it's very fiddly and I'm not too sure of how to get the cable into the correct position on the connector. So far the laptop hasn't been able to detect the hard drive.  I guess the copper on the ribbon cable has to precisely lined up and be in contact with the connector on the motherboard? 

However, I didn't think of SSD solution, and as it is an upgrade, I'm not so annoyed.

What does the number 2280 correspond to in the SSD description? 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes, that is unfortunate, and yes you have to insert the ribbon cable just so inside the ZIF (Zero insertion force) connector.

The 2280 spec for the M.2 SSD is the size of the drive.

M.2 SSDs come in three sizes...2242, 2260, and 2280.

The 22 is the width of 22 mm.

The 80 is the length of 80 mm which is the length of the SSD your notebook supports.

[Rummers]

Yeah I think it might be too fiddly to get it aligned and stuck down right. Annoying that they've designed it with such fragile parts that can't be replaced. I would have been annoyed if that tiny piece rendered the whole laptop useless.

Anyway, thanks for your solution idea.  Very helpful, I'm going to give that a go.  

All the best 

James 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, James. 

Glad to have been of assistance. 

Cheers,

Paul