Upgraded to SSD, and size is smaller than old Harddrive

[scb175]

Hey quick question. I upgraded my dell laptop with a samsung ssd and when I sealed everything back up, I notice the SSD is loose inside because it doesn't have screw holes like the original hard drive did. When I shake the laptop, it's flapping back and forth. This can't be good. What options do I have? I don't see where they make a caddy with the exact same screw holes. I do see where they make a spacer to make up from the 7mm to the 9.5mm. Is this my only option?

Thanks

 

[whm1974]

Sounds like that would work if done properly. Dell may have a caddy available that will fit.

 

[Markfw]

As far as I can see, older laptops won't support installing SSDs. However, according to my experience and those of friends who upgrade, you can use the heat sink to fix the hard drive of your SSD. The cost is low and you don't need to work on your body.

I have multiple older laptops that I have installed an SSD in. Sometimes I cloned the hard drive, other times from scratch.

 

[UsandThem]

As far as I can see, older laptops won't support installing SSDs. However, according to my experience and those of friends who upgrade, you can use the heat sink to fix the hard drive of your SSD. The cost is low and you don't need to work on your body.

Something like this?

 

[Markfw]

That is exactly what I want to talk about. When you physically impact the body, it will be difficult to avoid scratches. However, in my way, it will avoid the worst effects to the machine. But I have also tried capturing screws for SSDs. Another drawback is that the SSD will not be as shockproof as a flexible adhesive

I use the original mounting hardware, it works perfect for the SSD. Just like replacing the hard drive.

 

[scb175]

Not sure why I can't see some of these older posts. I'm not advanced enough to use a heatsink like that.

Also, there was no original mounting hardware. The original hard drive that I removed had screw holes on the back side that are lined up with the bottom of the laptop shell.

I'll figure something out to keep it in tact. Just strange how there is no other "Correct" option

 

[VirtualLarry]

Something like this?

What exactly am I supposed to be seeing there? I don't see a HDD or a SSD...?

I assume that some sort of joke-post meme thing...

 

[corkyg]

SSD screw holes are on the sides, and they are designed to fit the laptop's drive caddy - same for HDD - same caddy in my "old" T-510. And the caddy has soft rubber side rails as well. The only difference in size that I see is drive thickness.

 

[daveybrat]

Not sure why I can't see some of these older posts. I'm not advanced enough to use a heatsink like that.

Also, there was no original mounting hardware. The original hard drive that I removed had screw holes on the back side that are lined up with the bottom of the laptop shell.

I'll figure something out to keep it in tact. Just strange how there is no other "Correct" option

We might have a better chance of helping you if we had the exact model of Dell you're working on. Kind of hard to give someone the 'correct' answer when we're just making educated guesses.

 

[rsutoratosu]

thick foam pads like the insulation type at home depot would solve the issue. but usually dell has some sort of drive cage mechanism for laptops. On mine, I use a double side tape

 

[fire400]

back to topic;

double sided foam tape to hold it into place and mod it with extra plastic parts to keep it from moving around.
it doesn't have to be super standard, but it does have to be impact-durable.

 

[Oyeve]

back to topic;

double sided foam tape to hold it into place and mod it with extra plastic parts to keep it from moving around.
it doesn't have to be super standard, but it does have to be impact-durable.

This. I did this for my sons friends laptop. Some 17.3' acer garbage. Gave him an ssd as a secondary drive, but no caddy for it. double sided sticky foam tape worked wonders.