Adding 2nd drive to E310 - compatible drives

Question

I can get my hands on one of these two drives to use as a second drive on my E310: 320GB Western Digital Caviar SE EIDE Ultra ATA 100 (WD3200JB) 320GB Western Digital Caviar SE Serial ATA 150 (WD3200JD)   Right now there's a 160GB Western Digital Caviar SE Serial ATA (WD1600JS) drive in there. Is either of the two drives above compatible with my system? There doesn't appear to be an IDE slot available, so I'm guessing the EIDE drive isn't OK. It looks (from the documentation I can find) as though the current drive is Serial ATA 300. Can I mix an ATA 300 drive with a 150? On the same cable?   Thanks!

kartuli · Answer

Thanks for the answer and thanks for the QUICK answer! I guess I'll go with the SATA drive, if that's going to be easier. It looks like I'll need another SATA power cable, but on the main cable there's another drive connector. Anything else I should know?

shesagordie · Answer

kartuli

You will find ti easier to install a SATA second hard drive.Yes, it should be alright to mix the drives.

The E310 motherboard has only one IDE connector for two IDE devices, If you wish to install a IDE hard drive and already have two IDE devices installed and there's a spare PCI slot, then you could buy a IDE PCI controller card [cost $30-$50] that has two IDE ports. Or, you could buy a converter kit to convert IDE drive to SATA, providing there's space for it inside the case.

Personally I would prefer to use the PCI controller card, but if you don't have a spare PCI slot, then you will have use the convertor.

http://www.addonics.com/products/io/ide_sata.asp

Bev

kartuli · Answer

Wow. Thanks again!

shesagordie · Answer

kartuli

Using a SATA hard drive is the wisest move.

After you've physically installed the second SATA drive, then enter the setup and check that the hard drive is set to "Auto" [on].

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/sm/parts0.htm#wp1244168

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/sm/techov0.htm#wp1052309

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/sm/syssetup.htm#wp1057460

In order for windows XP to recognize the second hard drive, it must be partitioned and formatted. These are generic instructions for installing an additional hard drive using Windows XP Disk Management, they are by Seagate, but apply to all brands.

http://www.seagate.com/support/kb/disc/howto/install_xp_disk_mgmt.html

Bev.

shesagordie · Answer

kartuli   You're Welcome and have fun :smileyhappy:   Bev.

joram9 · Answer

I have purchased a 160GB SATA drive to be used as secondary on my E310 system. However, after call sales & parts I was informed that the plastic bracket is not for sale as an individual item. It is bundled with hard drives purchased directly from Dell.

Has anyone else had this problem? How can I get one?

Thanks!

shesagordie · Answer

joram9

You can buy the Hard drive mounting tray Part # U6436 for $4.99 from Dell Original Parts/Chassis Accessories,

http://www.centrix-intl.com/

You could also, try browsing eBay for the plastic tray, the Dimension 5100/E510/9100 bracket will also, fit the E310. [Part # H7283 - U6436 - G8354]

Obtain the second hard drive plastic "Tray" from Dell Spare Parts @ 1-800-357-3355 option 4, M-F 7 to 7 CDT and have the system's "Service Tag" handy.

A SATA [90* x 180* x 24"] data cable, will be required, like the unit shown here,

http://www.ajump.com/ajump/product.asp?dept%5Fid=4719&pf%5Fid=3630048&sku=99%2D99%2D99%2D99%2D99%2D3630048

Bev.

Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

shesagordie · Answer

joram9     You're Welcome.   :)   Bev.         Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

joram9 · Answer

Thanks Bev. I've placed an order with Dell Original Parts/Chassis Accessories. joram9

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Adding 2nd drive to E310 - compatible drives

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