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[Solved] DELL OptiPlex 7010: Adding 2nd 3.5 HDD - Technical Solutions, Mounting 3.5 & 2.5 Inch SSD

MarekOtt 7350 14
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  • #1 17223672
    MarekOtt
    Level 10  
    Posts: 60
    Rate: 4
    Hello.

    I recently bought a post-lease DELL 7010 computer. I received one 3.5 HDD as standard. I would now like to add a second 3.5 HDD. Has anyone found a technical opportunity to do this. Unfortunately, the original drawer (blue) to which a standard 3.5 HDD is mounted, on the other hand, it can only mount a 2.5 inch SDD disk.

    Thanks in advance for your help
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  • #2 17223716
    dt1
    Admin of Computers group  
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    Welcome. Which housing version do you have?

    DELL OptiPlex 7010: Adding 2nd 3.5 HDD - Technical Solutions, Mounting 3.5 & 2.5 Inch SSD
  • #3 17223958
    MarekOtt
    Level 10  
    Posts: 60
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    The second one from the left, I think 7010DT
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  • #4 17223972
    ak6
    Level 31  
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    Well, only 2.5 will come.
  • #5 17223974
    MarekOtt
    Level 10  
    Posts: 60
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    ak6 wrote:
    Well, only 2.5 will come.


    I was sorry to make sure but I have 3 from the left
  • #6 17223979
    ak6
    Level 31  
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    For this case, from what I remember, also only 2.5 inches
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    #7 17224113
    dt1
    Admin of Computers group  
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    Of the more decent mounting methods, you can replace the optical drive with a 3.5 "drive (there are 3.5" drive mounting kits in 5.25 "bays). The only downside is getting rid of the optical drive, but not everyone needs it.
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  • #8 17224153
    MarekOtt
    Level 10  
    Posts: 60
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    There is also an option to buy an external case for PLN 50 already on USB 3.0 and place the disk somewhere on the back on the floor. But how about the performance of this USB drive vs the same SATA drive
  • #9 17224174
    dt1
    Admin of Computers group  
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    HDD performance via USB will be worse (although with USB 3.0 it is no longer tragic). But it is probably better to connect the USB optical drive - used less often, the bandwidth of the interface does not have to be particularly high.
  • #10 17224554
    ak6
    Level 31  
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    dt1 wrote:
    But it is probably better to connect the USB optical drive - used less frequently, the bandwidth of the interface does not have to be particularly high either

    Exactly.
    Or carving and blowing a bare HDD outside by plugging it directly into the board. You may need to extend the power cord.
  • #11 17224963
    MarekOtt
    Level 10  
    Posts: 60
    Rate: 4
    Thank you very much for the information. But I think I will try to buy a pocket for 3.5 from 5.25, so as to get a CD-DVD that I hardly use at all.
    I have to look on the allegro if I can find something for this Dell.

    One more thing puzzles me. Due to the fact that my computer will stand vertically, the HDDs will also be placed vertically (perpendicular to the ground). Is this location of the disks not harmful to them? Because somehow I was always told that the disks should be placed horizontally (or in other words - parallel to the ground)
  • #12 17225002
    ak6
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    It will absolutely not be harmful. Otherwise, all AIOs would have serious HDD problems ;)
    You can confidently put it vertically.

    As for the pocket, it is a universal element that fits all computers.
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  • #13 17225355
    dt1
    Admin of Computers group  
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    Not in Dell, but in other equipment I used such a solution - it was better than plastic pockets covering the drive:

    DELL OptiPlex 7010: Adding 2nd 3.5 HDD - Technical Solutions, Mounting 3.5 & 2.5 Inch SSD

    Of course, Dell should use this solution exactly like any other equipment :)
  • #14 17225411
    ak6
    Level 31  
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    All in all, it's a nice and inexpensive solution. It will also pick up some heat from the disk. You only need a dummy plug afterwards if someone is struck by the vent in the front panel. :wink:
  • #15 17252092
    MarekOtt
    Level 10  
    Posts: 60
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    Problem solved. I bought a 5.25 bay with the possibility of mounting a 3.5 disk.

    Thanks for the information.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around adding a second 3.5-inch HDD to a DELL OptiPlex 7010, specifically the 7010DT model. Users confirm that the original mounting drawer only accommodates 2.5-inch SSDs. A suggested solution involves replacing the optical drive with a 3.5-inch HDD using a mounting kit designed for 5.25-inch bays. An alternative is to use an external USB 3.0 case for the HDD, although performance may be inferior compared to a direct SATA connection. Concerns about mounting HDDs vertically are addressed, confirming that it does not harm the drives. Ultimately, the author resolves the issue by purchasing a 5.25-inch bay adapter for the 3.5-inch HDD.
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FAQ

TL;DR: On OptiPlex 7010 DT/SFF, a 5.25-inch bay adapter lets a 3.5-inch HDD fit; "replace the optical drive with a 3.5" drive." [Elektroda, dt1, post #17224113]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps Dell OptiPlex 7010 DT/SFF owners add storage when the second 3.5-inch bay isn’t available.

Quick Facts

Can I add a second 3.5-inch HDD inside a Dell OptiPlex 7010 DT or SFF?

The DT/SFF chassis lacks a second native 3.5-inch bay. Use a 5.25-inch bay adapter. This replaces the optical drive and mounts the 3.5-inch HDD. It is the neatest internal solution. "replace the optical drive with a 3.5" drive." [Elektroda, dt1, post #17224113]

How do I confirm which 7010 case I have before buying brackets?

Identify DT, SFF, or MT, because bay layouts differ. In the thread, users first confirmed the housing version. If unsure, compare your chassis to Dell references and note front panel shape. Share the model type when seeking fit guidance. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17223716]

How do I mount a 3.5-inch HDD in the 5.25-inch optical bay?

Use a metal 5.25-to-3.5-inch bracket, not a plastic pocket. It improves stability and airflow.
  1. Remove the optical drive from the 5.25-inch bay.
  2. Install a 5.25-to-3.5-inch bracket and secure the HDD.
  3. Connect SATA data and power, then close the case. "it was better than plastic pockets covering the drive." [Elektroda, dt1, post #17225355]

Is a USB 3.0 external HDD much slower than internal SATA?

Yes, expect lower throughput from a USB-connected HDD. USB 3.0 works well for backups and media libraries. For frequent reads/writes, internal SATA is preferable. "HDD performance via USB will be worse." [Elektroda, dt1, post #17224174]

Is it safe to mount HDDs vertically in the OptiPlex 7010?

Yes, vertical orientation is fine when the drive is mounted securely. Systems like AIOs operate drives vertically without issue. Avoid shocks while powered to protect the mechanism. "It will absolutely not be harmful." [Elektroda, ak6, post #17225002]

Does the stock blue Dell caddy accept a second 3.5-inch drive?

No. In these compact cases, the secondary slot only fits 2.5-inch drives. For a second 3.5-inch HDD, use the 5.25-inch optical bay with an adapter, or choose a 2.5-inch SSD. [Elektroda, ak6, post #17223979]

What parts and cables do I need for the 5.25-inch adapter method?

Get a 5.25-to-3.5-inch bracket, one SATA data cable, and a SATA power lead. The power cable may require an extension for reach. Route cables cleanly to prevent strain or pinching. "You may need to extend the power cord." [Elektroda, ak6, post #17224554]

Should I keep the optical drive internal or move it to USB?

If you rarely use discs, move the optical drive to USB. Free the internal 5.25-inch bay for a 3.5-inch HDD. Disc drives do not need high bandwidth. "better to connect the USB optical drive." [Elektroda, dt1, post #17224174]

Can I run a bare HDD outside the case on cables?

Yes, as a stopgap. Connect it straight to the motherboard and PSU. Secure the drive to avoid vibration and cable stress. You might need a power extension for reach. "You may need to extend the power cord." [Elektroda, ak6, post #17224554]

How much does a USB 3.0 3.5-inch enclosure cost?

About PLN 50, according to user experience in this thread. Place it close to the PC to keep cables tidy. Use it for bulk storage and backups rather than an OS drive. [Elektroda, MarekOtt, post #17224153]

What solution did someone confirm works on the 7010 DT?

A 5.25-inch bay adapter that mounts a 3.5-inch HDD solved the upgrade cleanly. The user removed the internal optical drive and connected the HDD via SATA. The system worked normally after the change. [Elektroda, MarekOtt, post #17252092]

Any airflow or front-panel tips after using a 5.25-inch adapter?

Use a solid metal adapter to help conduct heat from the HDD. Install a front dummy blank to maintain airflow and dust control. This keeps the front panel neat after removing the optical drive. "You only need a dummy plug afterwards." [Elektroda, ak6, post #17225411]
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