ssd mounting locations

[makken]

Hi guys.

I currently have a fractal design r4, and I eventually plan to have 5 drives in this build:
2 2.5" SSDs
3 3.5" HDs

Now normally this isn't an issue, but I would also like to remove the middle drive cage for better airflow to the gpu.

This leaves me with 3 3.5" bays on the bottom cage. Perfect for my HDs, but not enough room for the SSDs. Now the case comes with the ability to mount 2.5" drives behind the motherboard tray, but I don't like the thought of having to remove the motherboard to access them or the fact that there's no airflow back there.

Are there better options?

 

[Carson Dyle]

I agree. I'd never put an SSD there. Not only because of how difficult it would be to remove, but I'd be a little concerned about there being no airflow at all behind the motherboard.

If you're not using both 5.25" bays at the top of the case, there's a spot there for a drive. You can also velcro them to the bottom of the case, top of the power supply, side of the drive cage...

 

[WoodButcher]

Remove the motherboard? Doesn't the right side panel screw on?

As far as airflow I was unaware that solid state drives generated heat.
I have mine tucked away in the back of my custom built and never had any problems.

 

[kleinkinstein]

Ssd's don't need air. Stick 'em behind the mobo per design and be glad you have that option.

 

[neilsabo]

just use velcro to stick the SDDs to the back of the motherboard try, rather than actually mounting them

 

[makken]

Remove the motherboard? Doesn't the right side panel screw on?

As far as airflow I was unaware that solid state drives generated heat.
I have mine tucked away in the back of my custom built and never had any problems.

how do you have that mounted? From what I can tell on mine, I have to screw it in from the motherboard side, and when I put the motherboard in, it'll cover the screw heads.

edit: oh nevermind, I see the bracket now. Yeah, I don't have that on mine, the SSD screws directly into the motherboard tray

I guess velcro will work... it just seems so... ghetto 😛

I plan to put a memory card reader in the spare 5" bay, otherwise I would use that for one of the 3.5" HDs

 

[WoodButcher]

Yep, it's a bracket I made from 1/16" thick, 1/2" x 3/4" aluminum angle. Only screwed on the one side so it just hangs. Drill and tap threads on the side that screws to the mobo tray, done deal. I do use foam weatherstip in short pieces as bump stop any place that may bang when moved or vibrate with fans to make noise.

Velcro tape will do the same thing but I find it doesn't last. If in a warm location adhesives for any tape get soft and gummy which tends to happen over time anyway.