Replacing the hard disk to SSD

Hello! Are you asking about replacing a Hard Drive with a Solid State Drive? Or are you saying that an SSD is already installed and you want to upgrade to a bigger capacity?

Also, about the M.2 slot, I am unaware of it's functionality being SATA, NVME, or both depending on what drive is placed in it. That will take someone else with expertise to chime in.

But finally, yes the Optiplex should function fine with a SATA SSD and M.2 Drive installed. You will have to select which drive will be the boot drive and install/migrate your existing drive accordingly.

An interesting read that may also help:  https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General-Read-Only/Optiplex-3050-5050-7050-and-M-2-NVME-drives/td-p/5162827 

After reading some articles on ssd cards I decided to settle for replacing the existing hard disk with a DDS fast disk.
My question is about the physical possibility of replacement. The existing disk size is 3.5 inches while the SSD drive is 2.5 inches in size, is there an adapter so that the SSD drive can be inserted and also sit well without fear of being shaken and damaged when moving the computer.
Thank you

Use an adapter for the ssd.

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

M2 comes in 2 types SATA and PCI-E

1x DHR6X - Spacer (between the motherboard and M.2 drive) is required for this model

The spacer does not use a screw.

The phone number to spare parts is 1-800-372-3355

Round Rock, TX

M2 Drive install with Spacer

M2 install instructions for 7050 here

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/us/en/19/optiplex-7050-desktop/optiplex-7050-desktop-tower-owners-manual/removing-optional-m2-pcie-ssd?guid=guid-f7018538-73cb-4866-b391-0e0fd6b607c0&lang=en-us

https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln308295/m-2-nvme-device-specifications-and-upgrade-requirements-for-precision-optiplex-latitude-and-xps-systems?lang=en

I'd also like to suggest a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter I've used myself.  Remember, besides the SSD going into the adapter, the adapter goes inside the original 3.5" caddy.  https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-Adapter-Mounting-Bracket-Interface/dp/B01LZWX6PD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=orico+ssd+adapter&qid=1600889233&sr=8-3 

"Accept as Solution"

Hello

Regarding the Optiplex 7050 Mini Tower: Is there an option to install a conventional FULL Sized HD as the MAIN Mother Drive, (getting away from the chip-style SSD)? Call me a bit old fashioned but I'd rather BOOT into a Full Sized 2TB Mechanical Drive. Am I to understand 'Yes' I can simply 'CHANGE' the Boot Sequence in the Bios? To Clarify: I'd like to DO AWAY with the M2 tiny drive board and Boot from a Full Sized Mechanical HD situated/cradled in the Caddy. Is this possible?

Thank You!

Indeed, the 7050 MT can take a full sized 3.5" HDD.  Shouldn't have to change anything in BIOS.  Anytime a PC is turned on, BIOS goes on the hunt for a bootable drive.

You'll need a blue HDD caddy if you don't have one already.

By the way, seen as you like HDD's, the WD VelociRaptor HDD works almost as fast for me as an SSD.

Optiplex 7050 Spec Sheet.pdf 

Thank you Brad (sorry I just noticed your reply). Sorry for any double posts (I'll try to clean them up).

Meanwhile, for clarification: Before I remove the M.2 SSD, are there any physical changes/connections that need to be made? The Full Sized HD (replacement drive) would have to be formatted first with an OS? In what sequence should I perform these tasks?

Thank you so much .... 

Format the new drive to NTFS in Disk Management.  If it asks for a partition scheme when doing that, choose GPT and not MBR.

Power plug should already be there for an HDD.  But you will need a sata data cable.  Here's an example of one.  MICRO CONNECTORS F03-03MSSB 12" Sata III 6 GB/S Straight Cable with Locking Latch - Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GN46C3J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_i_Z4V8277KQH7DEYTWH4X0

Thanks Big Time Brad!

Yes,

Brad is a wizard i kudo him and i like to say this is solved ^^

@WWII Researcher - You're welcome.  : )

@EdCo64 - Ha ha I like it.  Thanks.  : )

@WWII Researcher 

Upon further thought, because of the way the the 7050 opens up with SSD's/HDD's in a swing open enclosure, you may want 18" data cable and not 12".

Hi again Brad (one last thought)

Since I already have a blank WD 2TB HD fully connected in the Caddy, I'm thinking I might be able to Boot Off an Installation Disc?

Sequence:

Boot up - Insert the disc

Boot Down - Disconnect and remove the M.2 SSD (which is currently assigned the Boot Drive)

Boot Back Up - As I understand it, the system will 'automatically' search for a Boot Device and choose the Disc in the DVD Drive?

(OR)

Should I first somewhere Select/Choose/Assign the Optical Drive (as a Boot Device) in the Bios, then Boot into it?

Thanks Brad

(You're a Gentleman)

Mike