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8066
August 6th, 2018 16:00
5040, adapt to use two SSD
Hi. My Dell 5040 has only one SATA feed and I'd like to know how to adapt it so I have two.
I'd like to be able to use the Bios to boot into one drive or the other, and the will boot to a USB, but it doesn't seem to work every time. I've read about adding a SATA card, and other options, but would feel a little more comfortable using advice from this site.
I have 3 SATA 120G Crucial SSDs, one loaded with Win 10 and one with Linux, the other will be a secondary backup (another external drive is my primary backup partitioned for NTSF and Linux).
Any suggestions would be great.
Mic
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Tesla1856
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August 7th, 2018 10:00
The manual for the OptiPlex 5040 SFF is here:
https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/optiplex-5040-desktop/manuals
There are THREE SATA Ports on the unique SFF model. There even appears to be a M.2 slot (for a 2280 form-factor SSD).
Da_Vinman
2 Intern
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205 Posts
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August 6th, 2018 17:00
What exact Optiplex model is this?
mikrose
6 Posts
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August 6th, 2018 19:00
Tesla1856
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August 6th, 2018 19:00
You might want to get the PDF manuals
Serial ATA - Four 7-pin connectors
So, that's the optical and 3 other SATA HDD/SSD. Maybe you just need some extra SATA cables?
Da_Vinman
2 Intern
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205 Posts
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August 6th, 2018 20:00
It would be really helpful to know the EXACT system you are referring to, as "Optiplex XXXX" is a family model that may include a wide range of other sub-types such as Tower, SFF, USFF, or even Micro.
An Optiplex Tower could have 4+ SATA ports while a Micro (if available) would probably only have 1.
mikrose
6 Posts
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August 6th, 2018 20:00
There is only one SATA connect on the circuit board. There are two pci slots that are empty:
mikrose
6 Posts
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August 7th, 2018 00:00
It is a small form factor, and the only Model information I can find on the unit and in the results of the DELL Diagnostic utility. I did find this also:
http://www.dell.com/ae/business/p/optiplex-5040-desktop/pd
I have explored a little deeper after finding more chassis information and removed the frame for the SSD bracket. I can now see the MB and a second SATA socket on the MB!
I'm attaching a picture of the MB, the 2nd SATA is directly above the one with the blue cable. I cannot see another attachment for the power cable on the MB. Would I just get a power splitter?
mikrose
6 Posts
1
August 7th, 2018 11:00
I sent a reply on the board, but it is the small form factor. I was just now able to talk to a support person at Dell and they had a refurbished power cord splitter for this unit for $2.10 (incl shipping)! I will wait for it and post my results after 8-21. Thank you all so much for the "semi-newbie" patience!
mikrose
6 Posts
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August 18th, 2018 15:00
HI, Dell told me for my Service Tag I have only two SATA hookups, I ordered a power splitter for one of them and now have two SSDs installed on the machine and can opt for either on on Boot through Bios. Thanks a lot.