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Guide feedback request - E7440 SATA cable replacement

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Dell+Latitu...

Normally with machines at this advanced age, it’s usually something I do not spend much time fixing, but this cable is the exception due to it’s low purchase cost - oh, and I had this one on hand as I kept a spare around just in case I ever needed to replace it for troubleshooting. Even if I didn't I'd still class this in the see how it fares due to cost.

This guide is still in the early stages, so bear with me while I work out any major errors. In addition to that as I got this as used surplus, I never got the HD bumpers or metal bracket and as I do not need it, I never replaced it. I did note this in the guide, and I have no intention to buy one. If anyone has one with these parts as the bumpers are hard to come by (and E6 bumpers DO NOT FIT), I will quickly accept your edit if you can take one apart which is complete.

I am aware the time I picked is conservative, but that’s so I can wait it out as I get completions and then I can fine tune it - for me, I like to let the users tell me because I’m used to jobs like this. At least for me it's better to let the community determine the real time for the job by averaging it out. No, this is not the first time I let the community find out.

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Hey Nick,

This looks like a good guide in the works! The time estimate you picked is good. One hour is reasonable for non-seasoned DIYers, especially when you consider reassembly into the estimate. I personally think it’s better to veer towards a conservative (and reasonable) estimate. If they finish faster, they’ll feel a bit better!

I took a quick look through the rest of the guide. Here are some thoughts!

  • I’d suggest listing a “Phillips #1” screwdriver as tools instead of the Pro Tech (even though you probably used that!) It’s more helpful for fixers to know the exact driver they’ll need. You added the PH1 in the detail text, but in my experience, people sometimes overlook it.
    • Somewhat-secret pro tip: You can now list tools (like the Pro Tech toolkit) as optional, and they’ll show up in a special way! Just type the word “optional” in the notes section for the tool, and the website will auto-format it.
  • Great job instructing battery disconnect/removal before work. Super helpful and often overlooked.
  • Step 5 bullet 2: “To disconnect the cable” may be more descriptive than “To remove the cable”. I’d also suggest changing the bullet and markup color for the cable disconnect to orange, to separate it from the HDD screw markups.
  • Step 6 and 7 has some markup/bullet color mismatch.
  • Photos look well lit and clean!

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@arthurshi I used my Pro Tech #1 bit. the reason I mentioned the Pro Tech is these Dells sometimes need convincing in regards to the HD cable as it likes to break the pull tab on older blue tab cables. I could probably concede there and go for a cheaper toolkit to account for that issue. But the Pro Tech has more options for fully broken tabs. You literally have to remove the pack on the EXX40/50 series; Dell got smart and "interlocks" these with it installed.

I've made the optional tool change immediately as well as the wording change. The rest of them will have to wait. Yes, I know the missing parts are available but seeing as SOLID STATE means I don't need to worry, I didn't bother chasing rare parts from budget models down. The other problem is the bumpers are harder to come by then the metal bracket. The bumper and caddy are more for the base SSHD setup - that was done so if someone has a complete SSHD parts setup they know why and don't get confused. You wouldn't know I jimmy rigged it unless you open it so yeah.

The reason I opt for community averaging is to do with my experience. I can swap/remove a Dell motherboard in 20-30 minutes (this takes me 5-10) but someone who isn't aware of unique things Dell does is not going to hit that time.

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Thanks for the explanations! Keep writing great guides!

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@arthurshi Yeah I doubt you're surprised I made the drive fit seeing as I can often get a deal on these high end old business class laptops and make them work again.

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Nick will be eternally grateful.