EliteDesk Wifi (M.2 A+E Key Slot) to NVME. G4/G5 solution

[@Yandarval]

Small bits of Picture & Frame Hanging Strips can be used to hold your adapter in place. None destructive, no residue left behind.

[@butterbagboy]

These are great experiment videos, awesome stuff

[@handmedowntech]

Thanks for watching and the compliment.

[@Xedhadeaus]

I have a few M2 2230 drives from old steam decks and it looks like those would fit without too much drama. It is definitely nice that it works, but it does seem like a very niche case if you need a little more ssd storage at the better speeds.

[@handmedowntech]

Also shows what is possible with these small units. I like those 2230s. Use them in several videos.

[@Imaninternetuser]

Firstly I'd like to say thanks for your G3 G4 videos, I am also a fan and owner. Worst case scenario for this particular model is not using the cage for the SSD, As SSDs aren't made of metal you can have it sitting kinda loose on the MB. 4 x slots for hard drives is a such a good feat for such a small footprint! That's unheard of for a 1 litre mini.

[@handmedowntech]

Thank you for watching. That drive cage is the source of joy and frustration. Just big enough to get in the way but small enough to also get in the way 😉

[@bapibarman7484]

can we expect any improvements over sata ssd if the slot has may be PCIe 2.0 x1 or x2 ?

[@handmedowntech]

Definitely. Just using the wifi slot on the EliteDesk was faster than SATA but of course slower that a typical m.2. Hopefully I understood the question right.

[@featherpony]

You could drill out the hole on the right angle bracket to align with the motherboard screw.

[@handmedowntech]

I had thought about that too. The hole though is kind of half in, half in out. Almost could use a file maybe. Others have pushed for the wifi adapter that has a ribbon cable but that has its challenges too.

[@clubx1000]

24y5y Northern lights light the sky This video good

[@azbesthu]

You may want to put some tape around to the end of antenna cables. Just to be sure those metal connectors are not shorting out anything.

[@handmedowntech]

Good suggestion, thanks.

[@GundamExia88]

Nice video! I might try this with double sided tape to tape down the nvme.

[@handmedowntech]

Pretty smart - I was so hoping that one hole would line up - arggg

[@handmedowntech]

One viewer suggested trying to punch a hole in the card so it matches to the standoff. Also to put tape on the antennas.

[@GundamExia88]

That is possible too. I don't think there are any circuit around that area of the card. Good idea!

[@andygardiner6526]

Excellent video. I thought I'd already posted this but YT says I haven't ... doh! Perhaps an alternative, and to reduce the size and thickness of the double-adapter arrangement is to use an adapter with a flexi cable ( Ali item 1005005069183192 for instance but Amazon do them too). I'm aware from reviews that long cable versions are unreliable but these are small cases and even a short cable should allow you to securely mount the 2030 sized e-adapter, fold the cable back towards the processor side of the case then a 90degree fold will lay the m-key adapter parallel to the existing m.2s. There is no obvious fixing point but on the other hand will possibly allow a full 2280 sized device but, as someone else says, tape may work or even a rubber band to secure it to the underside of the drive tray may work. I would hope the assembly would fit under the drive tray but I don't currently have a g4 or g5 so can't experiment!

[@handmedowntech]

I was debating on the cable idea too. Especially since the head fits into the same wifi space. Maybe an idea for a future video.

[@ben_jammin242]

Are the trace lengths the same? Does it matter for SSDs?

[@handmedowntech]

Sorry - my brain is not catching on - trace lengths?

[@ben_jammin242]

@@handmedowntech I'm familiar with modern motherboards having "squiggly" or otherwise variable length PCB traces to either accommodate for, or to achieve a desired speed for the bus spec. A way to test this might be to fix the antenna down and perform some tests with each module configuration, possibly using pings. I'd be interesting to know if the trace lengths, to accommodate for a 90° angle have any noticeable impact on performance.

[@handmedowntech]

If it helps any. The wifi slot only gives 1 PCIe lane so the speed is 1 fourth the normal m.2. I know I'm probably mixing pineapples and race cars with that statement 😉

[@akurenda1985]

Check out the Sintech M.2 (NGFF) NVME SSD to M2 A/E Key WiFi Port with 20cm Cable(M.2 Only Provide PCIe 1X Lane). I ordered one for mini's without much room for the other adapters you were using.

[@handmedowntech]

I've been tempted to get one of those. Should work better than the right angle one I used. Let us know how it works and if you could fit it under the caddy.

[@danielmpr]

Howabout G3? same?

[@handmedowntech]

Correct, check out my other video that shows G2/G3. Actually a little easier with the G3

[@okeach]

I think this was made to work in the g2 and g3 version

[@handmedowntech]

Check out my other video where I setup the G2 and G3. It's easier to do since you don't need the extra adapter.

[@therealchristomato1594]

i dont really get the point of it removing your wifi card to have a ssd instead seems stupid but for advice you can put another hole into the right angle adapter since there is no electronics on the bit going over to the right also put electrical tape over the antennas then you are safe to tuck them behind it all

[@andygardiner6526]

This allows boot (eg with a diag system or OMV) from a fully internal boot device. If you don't need wifi, the e-key is just another slot ...

[@handmedowntech]

I had some viewers asking how they could use the wifi slot for an additional drive. For the earlier generation units you get an actual increase. A G1 could have 3 drives, etc. For the G4 you get the increase only in cases where you don't mind not having the SATA drive. I like the suggestion of punching a hole to matchup with the standoff on the board.

[@GundamExia88]

For me, I don't use BT/WIFI, the slot will give me another slot for running boot drives and the other 2 NVME slots for RAID in Proxmox. Otherwise, I would need to convert one of the NVMIE to 5 SATA and hook up drives and external powersupply to run what I need. Now, this handmedowntech suggestions, I can keep it all in one box.

[@antoine0569]

Just came across this video i have a g4 with 2 nvme s and a sata ssd (i removed the cage so just the connector ) but can you have 2 nvme + 1 sata + 1 m.2 wifi to nvme drive i have a 65 w moddel

[@handmedowntech]

I played with that once and the issue was the cage. But if you are willing to go cageless you could do it using 2230s. One for the wifi, one for the m.2 along the side and you could also do one in the center or use a 2280. I'd love to hear if it works. 4 drives!

[@antoine0569]

@@handmedowntech ok will look into it