Optiplex 7050 Tower - Server Setup & Dual 3.5' Raid Drives Possible?

Question

Hi, I have a 7050 optiplex I am trying to setup as a server. Space wise it doesn't look like I can fit in x2 3.5" drives into the tower. Has anyone been able to setup one of these optiplex's with 2 drives. I was thinking perhaps having one of the drives externally with extension cables for the power and sata connections on the motherboard.

I plan on using this as a media server (jellyfin/plex) and photo/video phone backup in addition to some windows gaming in the living room. Going to try and run dual boot for windows/ubuntu.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Either do dual-boot with Windows-Ubuntu v25 or try RAID, but not both.

You will end-up with Grub Boot-Loader for Windows-Ubuntu v25, but should be to two separate SSDs. Install Windows first, to C-Drive (and get that all working).

Then, connect Drive-D and install Ubuntu there. Setup Grub Boot-Loader (actually, it goes on same drive as Ubuntu). Drive-E could be a separate "shared" data-drive. Just keep it "backed up" normally ... without a RAID-1.

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 7050 Tower - Server Setup & Dual 3.5" Raid Drives Possible?

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