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how to mount 2.5 sata SSD in 3.5 bay?

post #1 of 14
9/10/08 at 11:44pm
Thread Starter 
What is the recommended way to install a 2.5" drive in a 3.5" bay? I am collecting parts to put together a new htpc. Given the SSD price drops, I am going to use a 64GB SSD for my OS drive.

I have the crucial sk01 kit but it seems more involved than it needs to be and I worry about the extraneous usb circuits that aren't really needed for internal installation. I figure there ought to be a kit, if not just a bracket or tray to make a 2.5" sata drive look physically like a 3.5 drive so it will mount cleanly in a pc (for a few bucks.)

Someone else has done this, yes? So how are you folks doing it?
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post #2 of 14
9/11/08 at 12:58am
Here's one example:

StarTech BRACKET25 Adapter Kit to Mount 2.5" HDD in 3.5" Drive Bay

.
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post #3 of 14
9/11/08 at 1:12am
just suspension mount it
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article8-page2.html

SSD won't make vibrations, but it's still a cheap and easy fix
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post #4 of 14
9/11/08 at 6:28am
You could literally double-sided tape the drive to the inside panel of the case. With no vibrations and negligible heat, it opens up a lot of possibilities for mounting options.
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post #5 of 14
9/11/08 at 7:37am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rupert View Post

Here's one example:

StarTech BRACKET25 Adapter Kit to Mount 2.5" HDD in 3.5" Drive Bay

.

Thanks Rupert.

I don't need the IDE cable but I could use the tray -- still, it would be an relatively expensive piece of sheet metal, at $26 shipped. I'll consider it as plan B for now. I need to keep looking for plan A.
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post #6 of 14
9/11/08 at 7:40am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tsb View Post

just suspension mount it
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article8-page2.html

SSD won't make vibrations, but it's still a cheap and easy fix

tsb, thanks for the link. That's a good idea. I saw something like that before but without the detail. It looks pretty secure, too.
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post #7 of 14
9/11/08 at 7:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by James5mith View Post

You could literally double-sided tape the drive to the inside panel of the case. With no vibrations and negligible heat, it opens up a lot of possibilities for mounting options.

That's funny, I never thought of tape. I could mount the drive anywhere! It gives me the idea of attaching the drive with stick-on velcro. An old friend of mine used to attach a car stereo to his motorcycle with velcro, so it should be fine for a drive.
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post #8 of 14
9/11/08 at 11:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tbbenton View Post

That's funny, I never thought of tape. I could mount the drive anywhere! It gives me the idea of attaching the drive with stick-on velcro. An old friend of mine used to attach a car stereo to his motorcycle with velcro, so it should be fine for a drive.

These still generate some heat (although not from friction). So you may want to keep them in a place that gets some airflow.

Fry's sells 2.5->3.5 mounting brackets for $5-6.
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post #9 of 14
9/11/08 at 1:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by butters2006 View Post

Fry's sells 2.5->3.5 mounting brackets for $5-6.

Of course. I was in the store last weekend and it didn't dawn on me to look.

Thanks.
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post #10 of 14
9/11/08 at 1:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by butters2006 View Post

These still generate some heat (although not from friction). So you may want to keep them in a place that gets some airflow.

Fry's sells 2.5->3.5 mounting brackets for $5-6.

They don't generate anything close to a meaningful amount of heat. They are barely even warm to the touch, even after heavy usage.
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post #11 of 14
9/11/08 at 1:48pm
You can suspend the drive with several pieces of shock cord.
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post #12 of 14
9/11/08 at 8:21pm
Thread Starter 
I didn't actually use any of them, though. At least not yet. I am installing into an antec sonata III case and there are several bays with 3.5" trays that slide in to place. I drilled holes in the tray using a paper template of the 2.5" drive's bottom screw holes. It worked great.

BTW, I put the machine together this afternoon. I am always relieved when a new build powers up with fans spinning and the bios screen is alive (from onboard hdmi no less.) I am waiting for my os (vista prem) to arrive on Monday.
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post #13 of 14
11/27/09 at 10:55pm
Since SSD drives are very light, it would be sufficient to use two screws in a 3.5" or 5.5" bay on one side of the drive only, preferably on the side that faces the cover, of course. They weigh only about two to four ounces and screws on one side will easily support their weight. Make sure that both screws are securely tightened but don't overtighten them until the point they break or get stripped. Use two or three fingers on the screwdriver and apply a secure torque.

But, no matter how you install it, don't let it loose in the chassis. Chances are that it will mechanically damage or electrically short your motherboard, resulting in its immediate death.
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post #14 of 14
11/28/09 at 6:04am
I used one of these:

http://www.icydock.com/product/mb882sp-1s-1.html

Works great!
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