01/15/2015
Here we have a how to on increasing your storage space without losing your CD/DVD/BD drive if you don't have all four of your M.2 SSD slots filled, by using one of said M.2 slots to provide a SATA3 port for another SATA hard drive. All versions of the MSI GT72 Dominator (Pro, Dragon Edition, 2PC, 2PE, 2QD, 2QE, etc) come with two 2.5" disk drive bays, but only one SATA port built-in for use with a 2.5" disk drive. This modification is not difficult, but could possibly require some chassis modification as well (I did, but you might use different cables), and you WILL void the manufacturer warranty. As such, following my instruction in this video is to be done AT YOUR OWN RISK and I assume no responsibility in case of damages resulting from the usage of this video. Use an antistatic wrist strap and a good working surface (aka don't be me). All of the screws can be removed with a #1 Philips screwdriver.
All links are current as of the date this video was posted - If they change and I become aware of the changes, I'll fix the links here accordingly.
Power Splitter/Data passthrough cable - I have the 2 inch version, I believe they sell a 4 or 6 inch version as well: http://www.microsatacables.com/sata-22-pin-male-to-sata-7-pin-and-2-x-15-pin-sata-female-connectors-2
SATA to M.2 NGFF 2280 adapter - get an inline version like the one shown, not one with a port that sticks straight up off the board: http://eshop.sintech.cn/sata-hdd-to-m2-ngff-socket-adapter-converter-card-p-951.html -- Sintech sends you an extra cable, but it's useless in this application. Count on waiting about two weeks to get it all from China.
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Not mentioned in the video (however I meant to): The M.2 slots in this laptop are of the 2280 variety. Keep this in mind if you find another adapter you think might work.
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Short SATA cable: I had one, but you can browse MicroSataCables.com - They're relatively cheap and they ship QUICK.
As mentioned, the two on-board SATA ports are both SATA2 spec. All four M.2 slots are SATA3 spec (and don't ask me about PCI-E M.2 spec stuff because I don't know :p ).
All research on my little project can be narrowed down to this very helpful thread on NotebookReview.com, specifically the page the link will take you to: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/the-official-msi-gt72-dominator-pro-gtx-980m-owner%C2%92s-lounge.762800/page-20#post-9809673
Cameras used in the making of this video: Canon PowerShot SX20-IS
