HDD install on TMP449-G3-M. How to install an additional HDD.

zmile

I have upgraded the NVME SSD. No problem.

Now I want to install an additional HDD. It did not come with brackets or cables for this.

I have got as far as locating the SATA cable connection situated under and by removing the wireless card.

I don't see how the cable connects and latches into this. I believe I need to lift it up, insert the cable and then latch it back down.

Is this correct?

Are there any videos on this for the TMP449-G3-M

[Edited the thread to add issue detail]

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/720986/hdd-install-on-tmp449-g3-m

To install a 2.5" SATA HDD in the Acer TravelMate P4 TMP449-G3-M, follow these steps:

1. Power off the laptop and disconnect all cables.
2. Remove the battery to ensure safety.
3. Open the service cover: Use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws securing the service cover on the bottom of the laptop.
4. Locate the HDD bay: The 2.5" HDD bay is typically on the left side of the laptop.
5. Remove the existing HDD (if present): Unscrew the bracket holding the HDD in place and carefully slide out the drive.
6. Insert the new HDD: Align the new 2.5" SATA HDD with the bay and secure it with the bracket and screws.
7. Reassemble the laptop: Replace the service cover and secure it with screws.
8. Reinstall the battery and reconnect all cables.
9. Power on the laptop and check if the new HDD is recognized.

I can't find any videos on this procedure.

zmile

Thx for the quick reply. Some calrification.

This model came only with a NVME (gumstick) drive. The spot for the HDD is empty and there was no SATA supplied.

So, a SATA cable needs to be installed. This cannot be done by only removing the HDD bay cover. It requires taking the case apart (no problem) and installing the SATA cable to the motherboard connector which is located under the WIFI card. (The wifi card needs to be temporarily removed to access the SATA connctor.

So, my question is specifically about connecting the SATA cable to the SATA connector on the motherboard.

I thought it would be a latch but it doesn't look like it.

It appears to be different than other SATA connectors on Acer models. They all have a SATA cable connection that opens, insert SATA cable and close latch which locks down the cable.

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1326477#Comment_1326477

Hi, yes, remove the wireless card: Unscrew the bracket holding the wireless card in place and carefully slide out the card.

Connect the SATA cable: Plug one end of the SATA data cable into the SATA port on the motherboard. The SATA port is usually an L-shaped connector. Connect the other end of the cable to the SATA port on your storage device.

billsey

I don't see how this is possible on the TravelMate P449-G3-M models. There is no SATA port on the motherboard, though there are two SSD M.2 slots. Here is the layout:

So, I'd add a large SSD into the second M.2 slot for extra storage.

zmile

I appreciate all the replies.

However, the motherboard of my Acer travelmate P449-G3-M is not the one you show, but as in the pic below. This shows the empty spot for the HDD. Also, the cable can be seen to go under the wifi board to it's connector.

The connector just takes a flat cable, not an L-type connector. It's the hinge lockdown of this connector that I am confused about.

https://laptopmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_20170329_144726.jpg

billsey

Hmm, that looks like the P4410-M/P4410MG motherboard, it would have a 6th gen chipset with an i3, i5 or i7. If so there should be a HDD door on the back:

The HDD itself only has a rubber bracket around it:

And that would work fine if left off, as long as you aren't subjecting the system to larger shocks. I don't have an actual part number for the rubber piece…