Hard Drive Mount 1

[tsupersonic2005]

I have an old compaq computer and I have a question on mounting the hard drive.

This computer is so old it's not even a tower. So my hd i want to install is 3.5'' and I don't have any open 3.5'' bays, but I do have 5.25'' bay.

My question is do I have to mount the 3.5'' hd into the 5.25'' bay or can i just lay it on the 5.25'' bay without mounting it? It's not a tower, so the open bay would be at the bottom of the computer.

 

[ski]

This should help:

http://www.harddrive.com/search.do?searchItemNo=BRP+CID+014034

 

[tsupersonic2005]

thanks but I was wondering if I could do without the mounting kit?

 

[ski]

I would not recommend installing it without a mounting bracket as it can overheat due to inadequate airflow, and also be easily damaged if the computer is accidently jarred.

 

[pintail]

I agree with Ski. I have hooked up a 2nd HD to test on a temp basis,(a few minutes)but would never leave one just sitting on a long-term basis without being mounted. Sooner or later, you will need to move the machine or it will get bumped. A HD sitting on a solid surface can get pretty warm!

 

[edfair]

I left one unmounted for 4 years without problems until I forgot one day and tipped the system and splattered it on the floor.
A mounting kit will secure it and provide better air flow for cooling, providing you have compaq rails.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[paparazi]

tsupersonic2005
There are proper metal brackets available so that 3.5" devices can be mouted in 5.24" bays but they are hard to find.
Have you ever seen a HDD mounted in a clear perspex case?
They use what look like motherboard brass stand off posts! but extra long!
I don't see why you couldn't use 2/3 normal brass standoff's screwed together for each of the 4 mounting points on the hard drive, with normal fine or course srews
(depending on internal thread) to fasten to the case. note* you would require course thread posts to actually screw into the hard drive.
Martin

Start by questioning and soon you will be answering.
So please take but remember to return and give when you can.