Possible to swap dvd for hdd on this laptop?

bonsai_73

I have a new laptop with a 256gb ssd, and after installing some programs and adding some files that I need available on it, I'm already down to 90gb remaining. The laptop has a dvd drive that I'll never use, so I was wondering if it would be worth swapping it out with a hdd. However, I've never done something like this, and I don't want to screw up the laptop.


Can anyone tell me if it will be possible to do this on this laptop. And if so, can you point me in the direction of the type of drive I should be looking for? I had a look on Amazon and I'm honestly confused at all the different types available. Thanks.

Alanstrainor

I *think* this will fit. I can't be 100% sure on the dimensions but I would be willing to take a punt:

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/SATA-CD-DVD-ROM-Drive-to-SSD-HDD-Hard-Driver-Adapter-Converter-For-12-7mm/352018453349?hash=item51f5ef5365:g:bScAAOSwsW9Y3Xhj:rk:1:pf:0

bonsai_73

Thanks very much, I appreciate your help. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind posting a link to the type of drive I should be putting into it? I had a look, but there are so many available I was a bit lost

Alanstrainor

It all depends on what you want to use this drive for and how much space you need. You could just put a standard spinning SATA drive in there:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seagate-BarraCuda-Internal-Drive-Factor/dp/B01LXRWWB6/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1544707789&sr=1-6&keywords=2.5+inch+hard+drive

And use that to store all your files, and install your programs on your SSD.

You could also buy another larger SSD and either just add that to the DVD caddy, or replace your 256GB with a 512. They are cheap these days:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-MZ-76E500B-EU-Solid-State/dp/B078WQT6S6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544707863&sr=8-3&keywords=512gb+ssd

bonsai_73

Thanks Alan, I really appreciate your help. It would just be for file storage, so I'll probably just go with the standard drive and put it in the caddy.

bonzodog2

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I *think* this will fit. I can't be 100% sure on the dimensions but I would be willing to take a punt:

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/SATA-CD-DVD-ROM-Drive-to-SSD-HDD-Hard-Driver-Adapter-Converter-For-12-7mm/352018453349?hash=item51f5ef5365:g:bScAAOSwsW9Y3Xhj:rk:1:pf:0

These adapters, and indeed the optical drives, also come in a thinner version, 9.5mm (IIRC). Since its quite a recent machine I'd be guessing this size. Best thing is to pull the DVD drive out and measure (1 screw). With a bit of care you should be able maybe to fit the original bezel onto the adapter.

wally79

bonsai_73 wrote: »

I have a new laptop with a 256gb ssd, and after installing some programs and adding some files that I need available on it, I'm already down to 90gb remaining. The laptop has a dvd drive that I'll never use, so I was wondering if it would be worth swapping it out with a hdd. However, I've never done something like this, and I don't want to screw up the laptop.


Can anyone tell me if it will be possible to do this on this laptop. And if so, can you point me in the direction of the type of drive I should be looking for? I had a look on Amazon and I'm honestly confused at all the different types available. Thanks.

Maybe others will tell me I am wrong but be careful as you might not want to void your warranty if you have one

wally79

wally79 wrote: »

Maybe others will tell me I am wrong but be careful as you might not want to void your warranty if you have one

you won't because you don't have to open the laptop.

the dvd drive will just clip out.

newmember2

bonsai_73 wrote: »

Thanks Alan, I really appreciate your help. It would just be for file storage, so I'll probably just go with the standard drive and put it in the caddy.

With SSDs having gotten so cheap, I think it's worth considering one for the caddy. A solid state drive would be more desirable in a mobile device like this where the hard drive is often not getting an easy life. Added to this is the silent operation.

bonsai_73

bonzodog2 wrote: »

These adapters, and indeed the optical drives, also come in a thinner version, 9.5mm (IIRC). Since its quite a recent machine I'd be guessing this size. Best thing is to pull the DVD drive out and measure (1 screw). With a bit of care you should be able maybe to fit the original bezel onto the adapter.

Thanks, I did actually take it out the other day after I posted, as I wanted to be sure I could remove it before I went and ordered anything. And it was actually a 9.5mm, so it's just as well I checked!


Thanks everyone for the help and advice, I appreciate it.