Can I remove a DVD Drive and use it's SATA for a 2nd Hard Drive?


  1. Posts : 755
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #1

    Can I remove a DVD Drive and use it's SATA for a 2nd Hard Drive?


    I want to run RAID Zero under W7-Pro.

    My PC is a HP Elite 8300 AIO.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 374
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       #2

    If it was possible, Raid will only create a 4.6 GB drive since that is the largest disk you can put into the DVD drive.
    No matter how big your hard drive is. Raid will only use the smallest drive as its total.
    I suggest you buy another hard drive equal in size to the one you have.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 16,163
    7 X64
       #3

    If the dvddrive is connected to a sata connector, I expect you could use it for an ssd instead provided you can find somewhere to fit it in.

    Can't comment on raid because I never use it.
    Last edited by SIW2; 25 Aug 2023 at 19:46.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 31,250
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #4

    You should be able to remove the current DVD or other device that you no longer have a use for, the sata will accept any Hard drive that uses the correct attachment system, both physical hardware connection and software must be compatible and it makes good sense to match the original spec as as stated you will be limited by the smallest drive as to the final raid that is possible, I'm sure that @Brink has a full range of tutorials to cover your hardware on the forum

    I have ran Raid systems for many years for my own systems an also for many clients and employers, I do not see the need for Raid in my current systems and there is a general reduction of it in industry, apart from data centres due to the availability of relatively cheap large drives these days, this does not of course remove the validity of raid as a solution to many users needs

    https://www.sevenforums.com/gtsearch...a.x=12&sa.y=10

    I have not had any form of Removable Optical disk drive in my systems for many years I have a twin 16GB setup in my desktop, for my data I have not set those up in a raid as I find them big enough for my needs as they are, . plus I have several external drive cases for backups and occasional use data. I also have an external Blu Ray RW drive for dealing with the occasional optical discs I need to access My OS is on an NVME drive and my optical disk use is replaced by external sticks or drives
    Last edited by Barman58; 25 Aug 2023 at 18:19.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 724
    Windows 7 Pro 64-bit / Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (dual boot)
       #5

    This is what is shown in the support site for that all-in-one.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Can I remove a DVD Drive and use it's SATA for a 2nd Hard Drive?-capture.jpg  
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #6

    HDD is dead tech.
    RAID 0 was to achieve relative high speed. A SSD is almost 6 times faster than a HDD and will be 3 times faster than RAID 0 on HDDs.
    As SIW2 suggested, install a SSD for OS and programs and use the HDD for data.
    If your ODD is the kind that comes on laptops, remove the ODD and install a HDD caddy with the SSD on it.
    There are two types: 9.5 mm and 12.7mm ODD. Find out witch one you have.

    HDD HD Caddy Case for 12.7mm Universal Laptop CD Bay

    HDD HD Caddy Case for 9.5mm Universal Laptop CD Bay
    Last edited by Megahertz07; 28 Aug 2023 at 09:43.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 16,163
    7 X64
       #7

    I am not sure if the sata port for the dvd is sata2 on that mobo. Looks like there are two blue and one white.

    It might tell you in the service guide

    http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03821564.pdf
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #8

    SIW2 said:
    I am not sure if the sata port for the dvd is sata2 on that mobo. Looks like there are two blue and one white.

    It might tell you in the service guide

    http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03821564.pdf
    From the manual page 57
    "The optical disc drive is located above the hard disc drive on the left side of the computer (when viewed from behind).
    The optical drive data cable connects to the SATA2 and SATA PWR2 system board connectors"

    So the HDD is SATA 3 and the ODD is SATA 2.
    The ideal would be to install the SSD on a SATA 3 but even on a SATA 2 it will be much faster than a HDD.
    This is an old HP laptop that I replaced the ODD with a SSD on a caddy
    Refurbished old HP 450 with small SSD and original HDD
    Boots Win 7 in seconds
      My Computers


 

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