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I'm a little out of touch with modern desktop builds, but I recently built a new machine anyway. I want to pick up a SSD for my I/O intensive apps (EverQuest 2 and Flash CS4 mostly), but I'm having trouble finding any in the 3.5" form factor.

Is this expected, or do I fail at product search? And, if it is expected, do 2.5" SSDs come with an adapter to fit them in my desktop machine, or will I need to purchase one separately? And, finally, if I do need to purchase an adapter, are they pretty standard or are some better than others. General advice is most welcomed, though specific product recommendations in addition would be helpful!

quack quixote
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Cory Petosky
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4 Answers4

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I would just buy a 2.5" drive and use a mounting kit:

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Now that they all use the same SATA ports, you just use the same standard connectors as any other hard drive.

HaydnWVN
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William Hilsum
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Most SSDs tend to fit a 2.5" form factor, although there are some exceptions such as the OCZ Colossus. Adapters/brackets/mounting kits can be bought from most online computer stores. A Toshiba/Kingston SSD is one of the few drives that comes with a 3.5" adapter, but I wouldn't recommend the drive in terms of performance. I can't advise on the pros and cons of the different adaptors, as personally my SSD just "rests" in a 3.5" slot - there are no moving parts so I'm not that concerned about it.

sblair
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Check out the ICY DOCK MB882SP-1S-1B 2.5" to 3.5" drive adapter.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817994064

Joseph
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From what I know, you can use any laptop hard drives in a desktop, provided they are new enough that they use the SATA interface. No adapters should be needed, and it should rest nicely in your A: drive, floppy drive port.

It will also save you a little bit of power. but at the expense of a bit of speed. However, the 3.5 inch ssd's tend to cost a little more to buy. So, to recap

2.5 pros

  1. lower power consumption
  2. will fit the desktop, but won't sit tight unless you get a bracket to hold it in place
  3. lower price

3.5 pros

  1. faster speed
  2. will fit nicely and screw in place
John Bensin
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kieren biggs from plymouth
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