HDD mounting hole dimensions?

[Talcite]

Building a computer case, need the specs for mounting holes for the HDD. what kind of specification are they defined in? it'd be even better if someone could just link me to a list of the numbers... i'll post pics and guides after i finish building if anyone wants to see. Here's a preview: 6x120mm fans, 8 HDDs, no optical drive, plexiglass case.

 

[SparkyJJO]

An easy way to get the mesurements between mounting holes is just take a HD and use a tape measure. Then drill the holes large enough for the screw to go through at least, that is the way I'd do it

Why no optical drive?

 

[Talcite]

Well this system is going to be a FreeNAS file server. It's rarely even going to be used directly. optical drive is only for the install. All other things are through web interface. Well the problem with just measuring holes is that I'm machining the system with CNC. I need the exact locations, cause i'm drawing it in CAD. measuring is sort of a last resort.

Anyone else have any idea where the specs are?

 

[Zepper]

Most HDD mfr's sites have engineering diagrams showing the physical dimensions and the mounting hole spacings on-center. Mounting screws for HDDs are standard US 6-32 that can fit thru a minimum 1/8" hole (9/64 or 5/32" is better or consult your chart for the suggested number or metric drill size). Most case mfr's cut slots rather than drill holes to allow for variaton or drill one pair of holes and cut one pair of slots.

In Seagate's case, you find the diagram in each drive's manual - Here's One and probably elsewhere on the site.

I believe that the front and rear holes on the sides are standardized (at least as far as the 4" spacing), but the relative position of the middle hole is not - that may not be the case any longer but I remember back in the day that the 5" adapters that came in the retail packages of WD wouldn't necessarily work with Seagate or other brands and vice-versa. I'm fairly sure the bottom mounting holes have always been standardized (at least as far as the 3.75x1.75" spacings).

Mounting screw holes in 3.5" FDDs, opticals and most other drives besides HDDs are for M3 (3mm) screws so would need appropriately sized holes and/or slots in the case or drive brackets/cages.

.bh.