Aspire A515-44 Missing a connector on my motherboard. What do I do?

FunktaviousRex
FunktaviousRex Member Posts: 2 New User
edited February 2022 in Aspire Laptops
I ordered an Aspire A515-44 last year cause it was good enough for me at the time and it's upgradable. Jump to now, I decided to order another stick of ram and an internal 2.5" SSD since I figured its time to upgrade. Got the package, opened the computer up, installed the ram just fine, no problems there. But once I got to the SSD I realized the connector that the SATA cable is supposed to plug into the motherboard with, is missing. It didn't break off or anything cause there's still clean solder points. It's like it was never put on. Didn't get a warranty cause the one offered wasn't worth it in my opinion, wouldn't cover this anyway as far as I'm aware of. My question is... What do I do?

Thread was edited to add model name to the title


Answers

  • Hi,
    It's hidden under the WiFi card, please watch this video and pay attention @10:15
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuHtBAM5BDw
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    Please  check your full model number again. The budget A515-44  S model does not have a 2.5" SATA connector on the mainboard. You can however replace the m.2 card with a much bigger card up to 2TB. The WesternDigital Blue series 1TB m.2 NVME card is about the best deal right now and would be fine in the S model.

      

    Jack E/NJ

  • FunktaviousRex
    FunktaviousRex Member Posts: 2 New User
    Hi,
    It's hidden under the WiFi card, please watch this video and pay attention @10:15
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuHtBAM5BDw
    That was the original video I watched to find out exactly how to do it. As Jack said in another reply to my question, it might just be that this particular model doesn't come with the connector. Kinda sucky that they say it has a 2.5" bay/comes with the mounting hardware but doesn't say you can't use it. Thanks though.
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @FunktaviousRex

    There should be no connector for the cable. It is just a flat ribbon cable.

    Be sure to disconnect the battery.
    To use the ribbon cable, remove the Wi-Fi card first.
    Flip the small flap/clip up before inserting the cable. 
    Make sure it is fully inserted and then close the clip again.
    Put back the Wi-Fi card.

    Connect the battery back.
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    Let's see if the OP has the S model. :)

    Jack E/NJ