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Optiplex 7040 Small Form Factor optional HDD
OptiPlex 7040 Small Form Factor
I have a Dell Optiplex 7040 Small Form Factor and want to add a 3.5” HDD in addition to my primary SSD. Contacted Dell support and was told I don’t have the option to add one because “it’s too small” and suggested that I replace the SSD instead. I do intend to replace it, but I also want the optional HDD if possible. I see an empty slot in there which I think is for a 3.5” HDD and a SATA connector but Dell support thinks it’s for an optical drive which I already have (a slim one right by the empty slot). When I ordered this desktop about 5 years ago, I had the option to either go with a SSD or HDD so I’m assuming that empty slot is for a hard drive. Can anyone confirm my assumption (or Dell support's claim)? Is there anyone who was able to do this with their Optiplex 7040 and if so, what kind of hard drive and what size? TIA.
Chino de Oro
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July 9th, 2024 04:12
If your boot drive is SSD on M.2 slot, you can install a 3.5" HDD to your OptiPlex 7040 SFF without any issue.
redxps630
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July 9th, 2024 13:38
(edited)
ejn63
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July 8th, 2024 23:35
You can add a 2.5" drive (notebook type), but a 3.5" desktop drive will not fit.
https://dl.dell.com/topicspdf/optiplex-7040-desktop_owners-manual3_en-us.pdf
redxps630
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July 8th, 2024 23:35
I had added a thin (low height) 3.5 hdd piggy back with 2.5 ssd. the two stacked is not taller than a regular thick 3.5 hdd.
you can also add a regular thick (full height) 3.5 hdd and install the ssd in the optical bay using a optical bay to 2.5 caddy. chino had posted a pic on this recently.
I prefer the first method quick and not elegant but saves cost of buying the caddy. plus you still get to have the dvd.
(edited)