I need a specific guide on how to add a SSD to my pc.

[WasiGamer]

So I wanna add an SSD to my refurbed PC. It's a Dell Vostro 260. For specs or more info about my pc check out my other post: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3763332/upgrades-low-level.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=forum_email&utm_campaign=EPR-8809

But an SSD is conclusive. I wanna know if I'll have to buy molex cables or any SATA or data cables. I took some pics of the inside of my pc.
I'm aware that I'll need an additional 3.5 inch bay drive holder with that 2.5 inch converter thing. A link to all of this would be greatly appreciated

I'll try to reply quick

https://gyazo.com/ca0e85346a623d8c5b1cbb6a07fdeac0
https://gyazo.com/a031cca158cefa20c3e66679d5fabf0e
https://gyazo.com/cffbcd1229a0b7748fc811d5e621cfd8
https://gyazo.com/7141912f5c0ead9b7785ec2c2c8a8557

 

[kraelic]

You probably will need a sata data cable and a sata power Y splitter. You do not need the drive tray, double sided tape is capable of securely mounting the SSD. You can use one if you like though.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Are you planning to put the operating system on the new SSD?

 

[jsmithepa]

Your email links are broken.

No matter, the hardware part is really simple. As long as you have an extra SATA attachment, that's what u will use for the SSD. If u don't have an extra drive power connector, well buy a "Y" power cable, take one power out and splits to hook up 2 drives. Yes ideally want an 2.5"/3.5" caddy but this is no big deal, u can duct tape the SSD is u wanted to.

The more complicated stuff comes whether u can simply move your old stuff into SSD, or do u need to re-install OS from scratch.

 

[Darkbreeze]

For that matter, the SSD could sit in the bottom of your case. Being mounted solidly isn't as important as it is with a hard drive as there are no spinning/moving parts to create vibration, which can kill a drive. An SSD doesn't have that issue so how it's mounted is not a big deal unless it's got a need to be visually appealing or you prefer to have a neat and tidy, well managed interior, which is not a bad thing.

For that matter, a 3 dollar pack of industrial velcro with self adhesive backing and the big strong hooks on the velcro, available at any home center or Walmart, is more than enough to solidly mount an SSD practically anywhere in your case.

 

[william p]

Turn off Auto Defragmentation in System Tools if you use a Dell OS image. They turn it on by default and SSDs don't like it.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Windows 10 automatically performs TRIM and not defrag on SSDs. It should not be an issue, however, I normally turn off auto defragmentation anyhow as I like to decide when it can run myself instead of having it start up in the middle of doing something else and siphoning off system resources. Not too sure that this has a lot to do with the question that was asked though.

 

[WasiGamer]

Are you planning to put the operating system on the new SSD?

Yes, as primary boot drive (120 GB) and the current 500 GB, 5200 rpm HDD as secondary.

Assuming I'll be able to go into the BIOS and select the SSD as the primary right?

 

[WasiGamer]

Your email links are broken.

No matter, the hardware part is really simple. As long as you have an extra SATA attachment, that's what u will use for the SSD. If u don't have an extra drive power connector, well buy a "Y" power cable, take one power out and splits to hook up 2 drives. Yes ideally want an 2.5"/3.5" caddy but this is no big deal, u can duct tape the SSD is u wanted to.

The more complicated stuff comes whether u can simply move your old stuff into SSD, or do u need to re-install OS from scratch.

Thanks. are the sata and power cables the same/joined together with the same cable, if you look at the [fixed and viewable] images, then there are two types of cables. I'm not too sure if I have enough ports and cables for the motherboard and the SSD. Also, what do you mean by "extra drive power connector"?

 

[WasiGamer]

https://gyazo.com/cffbcd1229a0b7748fc811d5e621cfd8

https://gyazo.com/7141912f5c0ead9b7785ec2c2c8a8557

https://gyazo.com/ca0e85346a623d8c5b1cbb6a07fdeac0

https://gyazo.com/a031cca158cefa20c3e66679d5fabf0e

 

[jsmithepa]

Your Pic1 shows a SATA DATA cable.
Your Pic3 shows a SATA POWER cable.
Your Pic4 shows your Mobo has 4 SATA DATA Port, and one of which is being used.

"Extra drive power connector"=SATA POWER connector. This comes directly from the PSU. A PSU typically will provide at least 2 of these connectors.

 

[WasiGamer]

Your Pic1 shows a SATA DATA cable.
Your Pic3 shows a SATA POWER cable.
Your Pic4 shows your Mobo has 4 SATA DATA Port, and one of which is being used.

"Extra drive power connector"=SATA POWER connector. This comes directly from the PSU. A PSU typically will provide at least 2 of these connectors.

Thanks, I'll assume my PSU is the typical PSU. It's an OEM one so I hope so and fairly old.

 

[jsmithepa]

I'll assume my PSU is the typical PSU. It's an OEM one so I hope so and fairly old.

Unless you are dealing with 10+ years old parts, everything in a PC is standard. Is like piecing together Legos. It just seems complicated to you on your first time.

 

[WasiGamer]

Ok, so how would I make sure that the SSD boots Windows 10 but the HDD is still useable with Windows?