Can't find a Dell part

Dava

I bought a new Dell computer, and it had an empty 3.5 inch bay, so I decided to install a media card reader. I got the drive from Dell, only to find it did not come with the necessary bracket to install it. Worse yet, Dell does not sell the bracket I need to install the drive, even though this is a new model.

So I've called a dozen local repair centers, trying to find the part in some Dell graveyard, but none of them have any newer Dells. I really, really want this part, dang it. At this point, it more about the principle than my wish for a media card reader.

The part is a FlexBay drive cage, part #WN324, and it is used in newer Inspiron and Vostro models. I've found two on eBay, but both are $25 used, even though it is normally a $5 part when Dell has it. So that's a last resort. Does anyone know of any other sites I can check with?

The Crowing One

Parts People has come through for me in the past. I can't seem to find exactly what you're looking for, though.

This may be close.

Dava

The Crowing One wrote: »

Parts People has come through for me in the past. I can't seem to find exactly what you're looking for, though.

This may be close.

The part looks like this:



I've seen some similar ones with green clips on the side, but they don't quite match up.

Veevee

Have you tried calling dell and asking them to send you one? If it was supposed to be packaged with the unit and it wasn't then they should send it out free because it was their fuck up.

embrik

Dell is funny (and incredibly irritating) when it comes to spare parts. Some of their people don't know what they carry/sell. Their actual parts department has this stuff, and can probably get it to you. The tricky part is getting a hold of them. When I get to work, I'll look to see if I can find their direct number.

Dava

No, they flat-out do not have it in stock. It isn't supposed to be packaged with the drive, either, because they like to nickel and dime you. I've checked on the Dell forums, and it seems no one has ever successfully ordered this part from Dell. Believe me, they've tried everything in the book. So I'm pretty sure the secondary market is my only option.

Interestingly, I discovered if you call the Parts Department and claim to be a small business, you get a knowledgeable, non-outsourced technician. They still can't get you the part, though.

Just_Bri_Thanks

Ask for a supervisor first. Tell them that they can either sell or send you the part you need or they can refund you for the drive. When companies have to give money back they tend to start paying more attention. As a last resort before refund, ask them for the contact information for the subcontractor who stamps out the case for that model.

Dava

I have exhausted every option with Dell. I need to find this on the secondary market. That's what I need help with. Finding a secondary dealer.

Just_Bri_Thanks

So who stamped out the case?

Dava

Just_Bri_Thanks wrote: »

So who stamped out the case?

What case? The chassis? The drive cage? Or the shell of the drive itself? From what I understand, the part I'm looking for is proprietary. It is strictly a Dell part.

Dava

Okay, I called Dell Parts again... this time the guy asked how I even knew the part number, like I'm not supposed to have that information. o_O He said he couldn't tell me who manufactured the bracket. "I'm sorry, ma'am, they don't provide me with that information." He said it's "in production," and they might have some next week, but that's what they've been telling me for three weeks now. The more I call Dell, the more surreal this gets.

I can see why this thing is marked up 500% on eBay.

Just_Bri_Thanks

I have a dell as well, but I am thankful that my case doesn't use any non standard proprietary bullshit.

Dava

Just_Bri_Thanks wrote: »

I have a dell as well, but I am thankful that my case doesn't use any non standard proprietary bullshit.

Would you believe the drive cage in this thing is riveted into place? Seriously! It's too bad most stores won't let you pop open a computer before buying it.