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February 28, 2016

Dell Inspiron 3050 SATA cable #HTPCGeek

By far the most popular ATXGeek post of the past year has been "Dell Inspiron 3050 Micro Teardown" which kicked off an active comments-based dialog concerning upgrade and modification options for Dell's nicely-priced, micro-sized system.  The comments for that post now exceed 350 entries so it's time I waded through all the great contributions to summarize some things we've learned in the 9 months following the 3050's launch.

I won't attempt to include all new info in one post.  Instead, I'll begin with the top item of conversation these past 9 months: that elusive SATA cable.

What new thing do we know?  We know that Dell *does* offer a SATA cable that works for the 3050 and we now have photos and the Dell part number for that very special cable...

Let's review our Inspiron 3050 internal storage options:

  1. Replace the supplied 32MB SSD module with a larger module -- up to 128GB confirmed to work but keep the length down to 42mm (OEM size) or 60mm.
     
  2. Scrap the supplied SSD module and instead use an internal 2.5 inch SATA drive.
     
  3. Use BOTH an internal SATA drive and an SSD module as a second drive (yes, that is confirmed to work).
If you want to add an internal SATA drive you *must* get your hands on the required SATA cable (a.k.a. "interposer").  In the early days following the 3050's release much was made of this cable with various bits of misinformation given by Dell support staff attempting to be helpful but ultimately being (apparently) uninformed with regards to what the 3050 needed.  Many people reported success in making slight modifications (trimming) to a similar HP cable while others reported frustration with the HP cable (cable hard to modify and/or won't stay in place).

Finally it seems that Dell has an unadvertised cable (more on that, below) that appears to be just what everyone has been waiting for.  Fellow geek Ken Olson shared the first photo (and part number!) of this cable and comment-contributor Belt Way confirmed the cable works (he ordered two cables) and provided additional installation photos.  Thanks Ken and Belt Way!

Dell Part number HM06J is the magic interposer cable
needed to connect an internal hard drive to the 3050.
(Photo credit:  Ken Olson)
And the cable is...
Dell part number "HM06J".  

But... you still can't order it from Dell parts.  The part is not listed on the Dell parts website (www.dell.com/parts).  Instead, you must call Dell support and ask very nicely to have the part shipped.  I say "ask nicely" since the part is not officially a 3050 part (e.g., not offered in any new 3050 system either stock or as an option).  Ken was able to order his cable for only $2.  You *may* also be able to have a cable shipped for free if the Dell support person treats it as a replacement/repair part.

NOTE:  Although the part number pictured above is "0HM06J", more than one ATXGeek comment-contributor relayed that Dell Parts could not find that part but *could* find part number "HM06J" (without the leading "0").  If your Dell Parts rep isn't able to find the part number, be sure to ask for both numbers to be checked.

Thanks once more to ATXGeek comment-contributors Ken Olson and Belt Way for our first solid confirmation and photos on this Dell part.  Additional photos from Belt Way are included, below. 

-- Click on a photo to see larger version --








106 comments:

  1. Hi Marlon.. just a quick comment on the onboard SSD size limits for the 42mm drive.. Dell says 128GB, but myself and others are running 256GB units from "MyDigital"(SuperBootDrive)with success.. also using a 2.5" 1TB HDD as a secondary storage..
    Thanks for the writeup.. the entire group on the original blog deserve heaps of praise.. and many thanks to you for starting it all..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Any word about the max size for the 2.5 sata drives?

      Delete
    2. By the time you fill up a 1TB SATA drive.. it will be out dated and worn out.. don't imagine a bigger capacity drive will last any longer.. unless you were to spend big bucks on a large capacity Solid State Drive to fit that 2.5 bay..

      FIXSTAR has a 6TB SSD in the 2.5 form factor, but sell the 1TB's for close to a grand..
      3 Yrs warranty

      Review at "TheSSDReview.com" here:
      http://www.thessdreview.com/daily-news/latest-buzz/fixstars-announces-ssd-6000m-6tb-ssd-worlds-largest-capacity-2-5-sata-ssd/

      Delete
    3. Think I could wear out a few 60.00 spinning discs before spending that kind of dough.. got to wonder how much they will go for though..

      Delete
    4. I was asking being I currently have an Argosy media player with a 2 tb and was going to upgrade. The drive I have is 3.5 and it's almost full.I have ide drives that still work fine btw, they just don't get much use anymore. It's only a matter of time until this Argosy breaks, hence the reason why I bought this. I don't want to buy a 4tb drive that is only good for this unit (I have no need for 2.5 drives besides this) if it's not compatible.

      Delete
  2. Just ordered 2 from Dell (just in case I mess 1 up)with free shipping. Not a problem, just hit the chat button for technical support and ask for that replacement part (HM06J). Downside, pay with cc, not paypal, they don't except paypal in chat purchases. Their payment is secured though. $1.99 a piece plus tax.

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  3. Thanks so much. Just called and ordered 2. They were very nice about it.

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  5. Bit of bad news here people, I spoke to Adam from Dell UK (upgrades and parts), sent him the pictures (just of the cable)from here, yet never actually mentioned what computer it was for. He then emailed me back with this:

    "Is this for the inspiron micro 3050 ?
    If so my advice is buy the hp cable mentioned on atxgeek from ebay/amazon – it will be cheaper and quicker to get.

    This is what my colleague did when I upgraded his 3050 to 2.5 ssd.

    Kind Regards
    http://www.atxgeek.me/2015/05/dell-inspiron-3050-micro-teardown.html"

    As you can see, he didn't seem too enthusiastic about looking for the HM06J cable.

    His next email states that the HP cable definitely works, and that he's used it 'himself'. Which itself, seems to contradict his 'colleague' using one previously.

    After I asked politely for him to actually look for the HM06J cable, he took 24 hours, then got back to me this morning with:

    "I am unable to supply this cable we have access to the dell warranty stock but they do not have this item in stock."

    So, long story short, it does not seem as though you can get the HM06J cable in the UK. If anyone in the UK has managed to get one, please let me know!

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  6. Tried to order a few cables today via online chat and they are out of stock. They say the warehouse request could take 5-7 days. I guess you guys bought them all up

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  7. I tried too and the rep first said they were not available, then told me she found something and proceeded to order me an incorrect part. I guess I'll try again in another week or so.

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  9. Did you order via technical chat? I was told that I need to contact regular Dell sales in the US.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, through Tech Support Chat.. gave them the service tag number and was treated as a replacement part.. as it was pinched when I was re assembling the case..

      Delete
  10. The two folks I have talked to in Technical Support chat have both referred me to the Spare Parts department at 800-357-3355, which I assume will be a dead end. What's the "trick" to getting them to help you? They seem dead set against taking any other action.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wow, this is unbelievably frustrating. As expected, a call to the Spare Parts number was a dead end. So I tried calling regular Technical Support voice...and they passed me off to two allegedly-separate parts departments, both of which were dead ends. (One guy told me I could buy the part through Amazon. Um, yeah.)

      I really need some help here: for the people who were successful, what number did you call, and what did you say, and were you passed off along the way or did it all happen through the support person? If you did it through chat, how did you do it? I really need to know when I have hit another dead end so I don't waste my breath.

      The frustrating thing is that in making this such a difficult operation, Dell is in fact creating a black market for this cable where the price of a $1.99 part is going to go through the roof, and that just makes me absolutely sick.

      Delete
    2. I think a more frustrating aspect is realizing that Dell is losing money fielding support calls because this $2 part isn't available through the PARTS website. The company should mark it up to $10 or $12, stick it on the PARTS site and be happy with the bit of extra revenue. I have to imagine the reluctance to do this is based on Dell not wanting to field support calls on a no-profit-margin machine from people trying to add/install/boot from 2.5" drives.

      Delete
    3. Well, apparently it's just a matter of getting the right support agent...I tried Chat again just now and a "replacement" is on the way at no charge to me. (I didn't even ask for it for free, would have been more than happy to pay for it, and in fact asked if I COULD pay so I could order a spare, but was told he could only order the replacement.) My only concern is if they want the old (nonexistent) one back, but in past experience they tend not to want the cheap parts (and, again, if I have to contact them and say "um, it's a broken part so I tossed it" and they say "well, then we'll have to charge you $1.99!", then they can happily have my credit card number. :)

      But yes, Dell could be making bank selling these at $10-$12, AND charging shipping on top of it. Going rate on Ebay seems to be around that for the used HP needs-modification version, so I would imagine people would be THRILLED to pay that for a new known-good one.

      Delete
  11. The cable arrived today (and specificaly said I did not need to send back the "faulty cable", so, good) and now a spare 640 GB notebook drive I had kicking around (as a result of upgrading an older laptop to an SSD) is back in service. I note I had to take it out of Secure Boot in the BIOS to get Windows 10 to recognize the drive (even though the BIOS saw it the whole time) but once it did and it was repartitioned and reformatted I was able to turn Secure Boot back on and everything has been humming along since.

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  12. I tried calling the parts dept. and was told they are out of stock on this item. Anyone having any luck elsewhere?

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  13. What type of SSD can I install in this Inspiron Micro?

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  14. You can either upgrade the default SSD M.2 "drive on a stick" or add a standard laptop SSD (2.5-inch form factor) as long as you manage to order the SATA cable.

    ***
    Please be aware that upgrading the stock M.2 drive or adding a 2.5-inch drive is not a simple task.
    ***

    Read through the most recent comments on the original ATXGeek 3050 post for tips on upgrading/adding drives:

    http://www.atxgeek.me/2015/05/dell-inspiron-3050-micro-teardown.html


    If upgrading the stock 32 GB M.2 form-factor drive, note that Ken Olson reports he is able to run a 256 GB M.2 SSD stick. Some previous reports suggested that the size limit for M.2 drives was 128 GB.

    We have not yet confirmed a size limit for SATA-connected drives.

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  15. So I can install the SATA on top of the SSD that it already uses?

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  16. Absolutely.. besides running a 256GB SSD, I also have installed a 1TB SATA drive for backup/storage.. also upgraded the ram to 8GB, a great little Micro now..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How did you upgrade the stock 32 gb m.2 drive to the 256 gb m.2 drive? Is there a special usb 3.0 adapter to attach the new drive to copy files over? Thanks.

      Delete
  17. You can also run 2 monitors(extended desktop)by using the Display Port and HDMI at the same time..

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  18. Currently running it through an older "Integra" A/V preamp to a Projector @ 1080P, streaming and using the SATA drive for movie storage.. 100" screen and 8000W Audio system with 5 Crown amps and Klipsch speakers.. the 18" subs really round out the system.. you can "FEEL" the movies, like you were there.. then unhook it and put it in your coat pocket, set it up at a friends place..

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  19. I had a difficult time ordering 4 of these cables. The first chat session was told could order but out of stock and he was putting in a warehouse request. And I never heard back from the agent again.
    Chatted parts again and was able to get 4 at $1.99 free shipping. I just seems very hit or miss on getting Dell Parts ordered. Kinda frustrating.
    I did say in my chat session that I would need to return the 4 Inspiron 3050's I bought if I couldn't add a hd.

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  20. Good luck getting cable...
    I ordered 2 on Feb. 29th and was assured in stock to arrive March 8th. Still no cables, and getting all kinds of different stories. Not available - back ordered - waiting on vendor to ship - no such part - delivery date keeps updating - got an email to cancel - I declined and kept Oder active. Very frustrating to say the least. Everyone I talk to has a different story or a different Dept. To transfer me to.

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  21. Dealing with Dell customer reps has been frustrating. I talked to almost 8 reps now, and no one knows how to order a part, they keep forwarding me to some parts department, and no one answers there.

    Who are you guys talking to? Tech support? Sales ?
    Without the cable, this machine is sort of useless for me.

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  23. Benjamin Vijay = _HYDBenjamin_254892(Tech Support Specialist)is who helped me on the last cable.. going through "Chat" or "Sales" is hit and miss.. this is the standard "reply to" email address when they confirm delivery is scheduled.. and all the Techs use this addy.. maybe it is possible to contact him this way..
    Try: Dell_Support_NAE498@dell.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Put _HYDBenjamin_254892 in the subject field

      Delete
  24. I finally received the two I ordered. My online order status went from pre-production to showing up at my door.I had the HP cable working but feel better with the original Dell cable.

    Now I need to find great buy on another i3050 to use cable on second HTPC. Thanks Ken and to all on here for all the great information.

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  25. Don't mention it was "Pinched", got told that was not covered under warranty and ended up back at Spare Parts where they are out of stock.

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  27. It really is a hit or miss with dell chat for this part. I was told 3 times they are out of stock and check amazon/bestbuy. Then 5 minutes after the last guy said they were out of stock. I tried again this time I didn't say anything about the Inspiron 3050. Just asked for the part and said mine got ripped when I was trying to replace the hard drive. Please help :(. Next thing you know I have one ordered & shipped! I just got it today and it works great! :0)

    Thanks KEN!

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  28. Tried service chat 3 times. Total dead end getting shuffled to different departments and given different (useless) telephone numbers. Tried sales chat. Worked first time without a problem.

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  29. Im talking to support right now through chat and the sales department, both are saying the part is out of stock :(

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    Replies
    1. I stand corrected. After I hung up on the phone with the sales department, they called me back and said they did have some in stock but it would take 10-15 days to get it to me. It has now been ordered for $2.18 and should be arriving sometime in April

      Delete
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  32. So you can leave the existing drive in place, add a Sata SSD, clone OS to Sata, format 32gb m.2 and use as extra storage booting from Sata?

    Also, is there an advantage between replacing the m.2 with the 256gb MyDigital vs installing a 256gb 2.5 SSD provided one has the cable. I also have the HP cable that was never used but rather than mod it I am guessing best bet is to just spend the $2 for the actual one if I could get it .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Advantage of the M.2 SATA drive is that you can still install a 2.5" HDD/SSD. As far as the interface goes, they are both SATA 3 (6Gbps). A 2.5" Drive is generally cheaper and more compatible with other things should you decide to move it in the future.

      Delete
  33. Just ordered mine. Tech Support Chat kicked me over to Sales (800-289-3355).

    Switchboard operator asked if it was personal of business, I selected personal.

    Once the agent was on the line, I asked to order Dell Replacement Part Number HM06J. He came back almost immediately and asked if it was a SATA/HDD cable. I verified, he processed the order, took my CC, and sent me a verification email with the order.

    The part is listed on the order as "Assembly,Cable,Serial Ata,HDD,SAKURA." $1.99+tax, Free Shipping. We'll see if it is the right cable in a week.

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  34. They keep updating my order and moving the estimated delivery date out. They must not have the cable in stock yet. I don't mind as I am still waiting for a deal on a 480/500gb SSD drive by a reputable brand like Samsung.

    - Jeff

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  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  36. After another 30mins phone call, Dell sales claimed HM06J has been replaced by $2.99 91HDF Assembly,Cable,Serial Ata,Straight,80MM,Black,Halogen Free

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  37. I still have the order on my account for original part number but once again delivery date got pushed back until 4/25 - it forever gets pushed back

    Whoever just posted about 91HDF please post back and let us know when you get that part and if it works.

    -Jeff

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    Replies
    1. I got 91HDF and it is a fucking regular SATA cable....Fuck Dell

      Delete
    2. So tired of Dell telling me to go to a computer repair store for the cable. Moral of the story, avoid Dell at all possible. Only idiots pay for Dell services.

      Dell technical support has absolutely no training on these micro desktops. Don't expect anything useful from them.

      Delete
    3. Every time I ask to speak to a support/sales supervisor, I was told no supervisor available. Gave them my number to call back, never got a callback.

      Delete
  38. I am in the same boat as you. I have an order in the system from a month ago and they keep updating it pushing out the date. Bottom late, I do not think they have the part in stock nor can get it - its backordered probably from China.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just ordered 2 for $4.22 which included shipping. Was told they are out of stock, but expecting inventory within 30 Days. I purchased the HP cable on ebay and it worked after clipping the wings on the side. I would rather have the dell cable though.

      Delete
    2. When I ordered it from dell I did not ask for anything other than the part number
      ASSY,CBL,SATA,HDD,SAKURA - HM06J
      Copy and paste the above into the chat window and it will make it easier for them to find.
      I will post back if I actually receive them.

      Delete
    3. I just received both cables today 6/9/2016
      Both are correct and work!!!!

      Delete
  39. I was able to get the dell part but it doesn't seem to work. Does it need a separate power cable?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Still waiting for the SATA cable part name HM06J , Have been asked to speak to Alia Sharef. DELL PARTS didn't have it so eventually got confirmation from 'expired warranty' department and have paid 31 pounds for it.This was ordered the same time as desktop, which arrived on the 4th of May.When am I likely to get the cable?

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  41. On the atxgeek site about the 3050, it said you need to switch from AHCI to ATA mode to use this cable. Does that also apply if you're using it for secondary storage? Another way to ask is, do you only need to switch to ATA from AHCI if you want to use the cable for your boot drive?

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  42. After 45 days of waiting, Dell has finally shipped my HDD cable as of a few hours ago!

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  43. Me too, for me almost two months. Ship must have finally arrived from China

    -Jeff

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  44. My cables finally came in from Dell ordered on May 12th received on june 9th
    Called dell support and asked for the following
    ASSY,CBL,SATA,HDD,SAKURA - HM06J
    I did not metion anything other than I need the following replacement parts.
    Ordered with no problem. Initially it was backordered 3 times and I got robo calls from dell saying that I had to approve the delay since it was back ordered.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. use the following link and select chat now. Tell them you need replacement part HM06J ASSY,CBL,SATA,HDD,SAKURA

      http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/19/campaigns/chat-splitter-us?~ck=pn

      Delete
  45. I am using a 480 gig SAN Disk SSD drive with no issues as a secondary drive. with the cable part # HM06J from dell

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  46. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work that went into this thread. I picked up one of these as an open box buy to use as a HTPC and a "Bastion" ssh host for my home network. Unfortunately it didn't come with a power cable/supply and after searching for a while on Amazon and other sites, I haven't been able to find a generic replacement power supply that I was 100% positive would fit the unit. I was wondering if anyone here had links to where I could find a generic or used power supply (hopefully for less than $30-$40 US). Thanks in advance!

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  47. this one will work http://www.ebay.com/itm/65W-AC-Power-Adapter-Charger-Cord-For-Dell-Inspiron-3050-3059-3252-3655-17-5759-/231940961450?hash=item3600c234aa:g:34cAAOSwfZhXMwF0

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  48. Hope someone can help.... I finally got the correct HM06J cable to install the Samsung SSD 950 PRO. I first installed it and connected a USB cd drive and ran the Samsung Migration program and cloned the M.2 drive with our issue. I then shut it down and removed the M.2 drive and it would not but... would just load to the Dell logo and and that is it. Tried some settings in the BIOS with no luck. I place the M.2 drive back and it would boot. So I create a USB recovery drive. removed the M.2 drive and ran the the recovery from the USB drive to the 950 and it ran through the recovery process successfully and still will not boot up. I placed the M.2 drive back in and it boots. I ran disk manager and the one thing
    I noticed is the partition with windows on the M.2 is showing Boot Drive where the partition on the 950 where windows is simply shows 'Primary partition'. Do i need to somehow change the partition status on the 950 to get it to work? I am starting to think I just need to use it for storage and continue to boot from the M.2. I have spent all day messing with this thing. I have never had this issue with other systems where I have switched drives before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used Symantec Ghost and it worked, I used the method you described and it fails like yours did.
      Ghost will image the whole hard drive with any partition included.

      Delete
    2. You may have to turn off AHCI.

      Delete
  49. I got on the phone with dell support. They were not able to provide with the original HM06J cable but they mention refurbished 1M9GY cable, have any one had any experience with this one?

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  50. I was able to get the HM06J cable from dell, but was not able to connect it to the 3050 motherboard. I found the right slot, but it kept sliding out.

    Is there a trick to attaching the cable to the motherboard? ThX!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you go to the Dell support page for the computer you will see a drop down arrow listing the various manuals. The service manual gives you the information you need. I also think it was mentioned further up this thread that there is a slider you have to pull out before inserting the cable

      Delete
  51. am online with Dell right now and they are shipping me the cable for 1.99

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  52. I'm in Connecticut, USA and I purchased the 3050 for $99 during Dell's recent sale. After some back and forth with support, I was finally able to order the cable thanks to the specifics provided in this thread and just received it yesterday.

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  53. Just ordered 4 tonight. They quoted me the $1.99 + tax + $6.99 shipping. I asked if I could order 4 to save on shipping and they sold me 4 and waived the shipping fee. Sweet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ASSY,CBL,SATA,HDD,SAKURA - HM06J is the actual part number. I had to submit a support request and then deal with the fact that the person responding to my email was basically clueless. After I told them the exact part number, they sent it to me. I'm in the USA>

      Delete
  54. Thanks for posting all this great information. I'm sure it save me untold hours of grief and aggravation! I was able to order mine today. For such an insignificant cost you'd think Dell would have included it already connected or in the box.

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  56. I purchased to HP cable originally but it didn't seem like it was recognizing the 2.5 256GB SSD I am trying to upgrade to

    (maybe because I kept plugging it in and out and ended up ruining the ribbon, that plus it just seemed so long and outta place!)

    So I ended up purchasing the Dell OEM cable and tried doing the cloning process all over again but kept running into the issue were the System wouldn't boot with just the 2.5 256 GB SSD installed.

    I think spent two whole work days trying to clone my current OS and trying a clean install only to end up with the same problem, it won't boot pass the dell icon. The bios shows that it sees the new SSD, but not sure why it wont recognize the boot files and start windows 10.

    I even tried manually configuring the Bios to point to the boot file on the new HD and still got no where.

    No where in any of these write ups does it specify how to correctly upgrade from the m2 32 GB SSD to a SATA SSD.

    I know it's not my windows installation because I can get the system to boot from it when I have it plugged in via my USB external hard drive setup. I am left to believe there is a setting I am overlooking in the bios.

    Someone please help!

    Also, I noticed that this write up has an edit where it mentions that it's now possible to utilize the M2 SSD and the 2.5 SATA SSD at the same time? Anyone know how to configure this?

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  57. OK, here we go again, I'm petty sure this will work too Dell Inspiron 5558 5559 SATA Hard Drive Adapter Interposer Connector Cable H5G06 you guys may find it here:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Inspiron-5558-5559-SATA-Hard-Drive-Adapter-Interposer-Connector-Cable-H5G06-/262709350245?hash=item3d2ab28f65:g:LgMAAOSwXeJYIL5s as I said it before Dell will not make of a cable something special.

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  58. ebay it's plagued with this connector using different codes but if you look at the pictures they are all the same.
    http://i.imgur.com/OpvWnUa.jpg
    http://i.imgur.com/M0OY4PH.jpg

    Funny to me that Dell refer to this place for support, hey Marlon perhaps Dell will cut you a big fat check for your website's support lol!

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  59. i bought one of these with the qaud core cpu that they wont manufacture anymore refereed a buddy to dell for same unit and they only sell dual core kinda lame

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  60. I purchased a 3050 several weeks ago when Slick Deals offered a rebate which I never got. Now, I've got a 3050 I'd like to upgrade with a 128 SSD I have laying around. But I must have a cable that is extremely hard to find! Making parts hard to find seems ludicrous to me. What does Dell gain by making upgrade parts hard to come by? It just makes folks like me mad! Some of the things these companies do is just crazy. I called Dell and the part is unavailable but the rep. said he would be glad to call me when it becomes available. Something is available on ebay but I don't trust it is the correct part. And where do you plug in the interposer cable when you get it? I could use some help (and some antacid)!

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  62. Just chat with Dell rep and give then p/n HM06J. It should cost you $1.99+tax

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  63. Part is unavailable and they don't know when it will be. I ordered the other one from ebay so I hope it works.

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  64. Well, this afternoon I received the HP Envy interposer cable that was said to work in place of the HM06J that our friends at Dell don't have available. Needless to say, the install did not go well at all. I suppose I need to get a new hobby. I just can't believe that business like Dell would make it so difficult to upgrade one of their devices!!!!

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  65. Dropping a note to let people know that Dell has the SATA cable in stock again. I followed Nathan Williams' post from above and was able to order the part in less than 5 minutes:

    "Use the following link and select chat now. Tell them you need replacement part HM06J ASSY,CBL,SATA,HDD,SAKURA

    http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/19/campaigns/chat-splitter-us?~ck=pn "

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  66. Can someone please recommend a 2.5 SATA Hard Drive? I am okay with just 500G or 1TB. I just want to make sure it is compatible with the unit.

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  67. I just ordered ten to Tennessee at $1.99 free shipping from sales chat, didn't give a Service Tag, only had to request part HM06J. The invoice says "Assembly,Cable,Serial Ata,HDD, SAKURA QTY 10". Expected to arrive within a week.

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    1. Any chance you would be willing to part with one or two? happy to offset your costs through...

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    2. Any chance you would be willing to part with a couple? I have a PayPal account to help offset your costs...

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  68. Ordered 4 cables, if anyone needs one please gimme a shout

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    1. Oh, to think of the chorus of shouts you would have received 12 months ago...

      (Thanks for posting the offer. Plenty of people still report troubles trying to get this cable.)

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    2. I am looking to get this cable. Please let me know where to get it online. Appreciate your reply.

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  69. Thank you so much for your post and the community feedback. This was a life saver. I upgraded the m.2 drive to 128 GB, but that hasn't been very much room overall. I had looked around when I first bought my Inspiron 3050 about this cable, but I guess I gave up too quickly.
    Anyway, I found you post and read about chatting with Dell about getting the part and I was able to buy two for $1.99/each plus state sales tax. I got two since they said the parts may be refurbished. The parts will have a 90 day warranty, but I'm still skeptical. I expect the order to arrive on the 22nd, so I'll report back with how it goes.
    Thanks again for your post.

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  70. Anyone know if the part(interposer cable) is still available? Thanks.

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  71. Just tried to order from Dell and it's not a listed part according to their service rep.

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  72. Just ordered 5 of them via support chat. They still them

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  73. Hello from 2020, year of the plague... I was able to order the cable from Dell Parts department (I know because the guy was a sales rep, not a support tech). Still $1.99 plus tax. When installing the 2.5" SSD (WD Blue 3D NAND 500GB), I had to toggle SecureBoot ON in the BIOS settings. I had it off previously for some reason (probably trying to boot to a USB stick or something). Good luck geeks!

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  74. I found the trick for this one. You have to give them the number as HM06J and not 0HM06J, even thought that is the part number in the picture. Dell was out of stock today, but they expect to have more in 4 days and they set up an alert to email me when they are back in stock. Fingers crossed.

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  75. Keeping an old post alive. Just wanted to confirm that you need to give "HM06J" and not "0HM06J". I just ordered two cables via chat. Know that it was a bit of a lengthy process (maybe an hour or so) but was very easy.

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    1. Update: My order got cancelled. =(

      I will try again later.

      Question: I also bought a 128GB M.2 HD chip. How do I go about transferring what is on the existing 32GB chip to perform the swap out? Initially, I thought I would have a 2.5inch SSD that I could make the primary but its looking like it may be awhile until I can get my hands on a SATA cable. TIA for the help.

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    2. Although I've not done it specifically on an Inspiron 3050, the answer is to clone the M2 to a new externally-connected M2 using a USB-to-M2 adapter and cloning software such as Acronis True Image or similar. Some drive manufacturers will make cloning software available for free if you're cloning to one of their drives (Crucial and Samsung are two drive makers I know have offered this in the past).

      The following M2->USB adapter can be had from Amazon for only $10 (be sure to plug it into the one USB 3.0 port on your 3050):
      https://www.amazon.com/QNINE-Adapter-Needed-Converter-Reader/dp/B074GQTSBR

      If you have no plans for the M2 that's coming out of your 3050, consider instead an external drive case for $15 so you can keep using the old M2:
      https://www.amazon.com/M-2-External-Converter-Adapter-Enclosure/dp/B076DCNZM3

      Good luck!

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