3020 SFF, hard drive adapter

Something like the following?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5-to-2-5-SSD-Hard-Drive-Caddy-Adapter-For-Dell-Optiplex-3010-3020-7010-9020-/252807939653

Thanks for the additional information, always appreciated!

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@bradthetechnut wrote:

Sorry @JOcean, but there's a problem with those adapters.  They center the SSD.  They still have to sit in the original HDD caddy.  Not really a true independent adapter.  For the above reasons, a tab on the front of original caddy might be in the way of connecting to the SSD.

That can be fixed one of 2 ways.  1. Dremel  2. An SSD caddy that has connectors where they would be as if it were an HDD.  Orico Adapter

Nothing wrong with JOcean, the suggested adapter looks good, but I've already tried it myself and it didn't work out.

 

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I am not sure what you mean.

Are you saying that JOcean's linked adapter + my SSD won't fit into Dell's caddy that currently holds the 3.5" hard drive?   It is a shame since the seller claims that the adapter is a Dell product. Yikes.

. 

This time I'm attaching a photo.  So when it shows up after approved by a moderator...

You see the blue tab hanging down in the front of my caddy?  With the adapter that's in question, the SSD's connectors will be partially obscured behind the tab.  The tab will then be in the way of making a connection.

Unless your original caddy doesn't have that tab, the adapter in question won't work.  Besides trying it, I tried it different ways.

If I missed something though, please let me know.  I learn from these forums as well.  I Googled the original caddy for the 3020 SFF to see if it was the same as mine.

SORRY, but this can equate to 'waay' too much work! 

Please forget about specialized 'frames', ordering adapters and other (expensive) SSD Drive Holders...

I use the 'original' hard drive 'frame' and double-backed tape!  Simple and quite secure... also one can position the new SSD 'as needed'  within the frame!

Honestly... I also have a new SSD Drive I secured into place with a LARGE rubber band.  Of course this won't be my final mount, but it does keep the SSD secured as I test!  Save TIME and money...

Anthony

One OP used zip ties.  You probably won't be able to tell from my photo (whenever it shows up) my SSD just floats there, held in place by wires.  The same wires (power cable) is also plugged into an HDD (storage) which keeps things in place.

WOW!

'i' would not use the 'float' approach because even though most SSD Drives have a plastic case, 'i' would not want to chance my SSD falling into the fan or going elsewhere...

While 'testing/installing' a new SSDs try a 'fat' rubber band to keep your Drive very close to where you want it... After installation you can take more care in mounding... again.. "double-back tape" is awesome.

Also, sometimes the excitement of a 'fresh install' can make the installer forget about shortcuts taken...

Anthony

I didn't think that would work in a 3020 SFF, so I didn't mention it before.  An SSD barely weighs more than a credit card and mine isn't going anywhere.  It's in a 755 MT, not hovering above any fans.

Back to your basic question... "Are there any gotchas?"

Because SSDs are so reasonable in cost, please do select a 'quality' drive now... Don't settle for off brands, saving $10 (fill in that number yourself) or minor companies that fold in months...

I personally depend on Crucial's... MX500 250GB "SATA III 3D NAND" 2.5 Inch Internal SSD - CT250MX500SSD1 (Z) for price and performance. 

It's amazing to see so many other 'standard SATA drives' kicking around now after SSD 'upgrades'... but they still serve as great backups.

Anthony

I wanted to give an update.

I bought an Icy Dock dual 2.5" to 3.5" bracket (https://www.amazon.com/ICY-DOCK-Tool-Less-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00GMGZBP0) before I read Brad's post about the Orico.

I put the Icy Dock in the light blue plastic Dell caddy tray frame though Icy Dock came with screws and could probably have been secured directly into the Dell metal drive bay with the screws leaving out the plastic caddy tray frame.

I wasn't able to push my new hard drive all the way into Icy Dock, because the SATA cables in the 3020 were too short.

Below is the light blue Dell caddy tray frame that I have.

how about 91 cents./

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-5-to-3-5inch-SSD-to-HDD-Screw-less-Mounting-Adapter-Bracket-Hard-Drive-Holder/162887423590?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

fits my 3020 like a glove , I buy them in bundles.... so next time, its on the shelf. 

the SATA cable may need changing, too , depends on system.  we keep longer ones and 90deg version at the ready, and the open tricky part is the dell power cable, so made sure only the end used for SSD.

hope this helps,  there are endless makers of adaptors.. no lack of  them.

even some 3D printed.

DP/N  R494D F767D J132D works in most. SPLITTER CABLE 0N701D N701D is usually also used because the 494D supports 2 drives where one sat before.

https://www.amazon.com/Sparepart-Drive-Caddy-R494D-F767D/dp/B007Y8JI4U/

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Dell-FOXCONN-SPLITTER-Desktop/dp/B00T74H5OE/

SILVERSTONE SDP09 works as well but only holds 1 drive.

https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-SDP09-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch-Hot-Swappable/dp/B0049MPQDG/

Depending on preferences, tap on $4 options to see which ones come from U.S. locations (though I'm sure they're all made in China).

Hi @savvy2 - I take it no tabs get in the way of making connections?  That's good.  (This doesn't take the place of nyc10036 wondering if the adpater you recommended still goes inside the blue caddy though.)