Solved: Installing 3,5" disks in 5,25" slots in HP Z420 - HP Support Community

dnilgreb · ‎06-03-2019

I am trying to install a total of 6 HDDs into my Z420 in an attempt to turn it into a FreeNAS server. I´ve tried several carriers / converters for the 5,25 " slots, but the same problem persists. The screw holes do not line up between the case and the carrier.

I´ve tried an IcyDock that they said should be compatible with the Z420, but no go.

The latest attempt was bying the 3,5 - 5,25 " carrier directly from HP (part no 683870-001), but even that has the very same problem.

Here´s a picture of the side of the Z420

and here is one from the front.

It seems something is missing, but I have not been able to solve this. Does anyone have any experience with this, and can point me in the right diretion?

Much apprecieated...

dnilgreb · ‎06-05-2019

Ok, I figured it out.

My problem was that whatever I slide into the 5,25 bay, it doesn´t attach to anything, and i couldn´t get screw holes to line up. But the solution was really simple. I simply attached screws to the 3,5 - 5,25 converter, and they hooked onto a rail as I inserted them, All the way in they even clicked into place.

Having solved the issue, I´m sticking with my HP converters, even though they were crazy expensive in my opinion. But any generic device, like the on you suggested, Wb2001, should work the same way.

Thanks for helping me.

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wb2001 · ‎06-03-2019

@dnilgreb,

How about replacing the entire existing racks with these 3 x 3.5" enclosures mounted side by side?

Could be attached vertical or horizontal.

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dnilgreb · ‎06-03-2019

Well that certainly looks interesting! But how can I be sure I will be able to attach it to my case? Nothing else has worked.

Do you know how it´s installed?

wb2001 · ‎06-04-2019

@dnilgreb,

Here is the info from SilverStone Tech

It is supposed to slide into existing 5.25" bays.

BTW, you flipped the pictures sideways. WHY?

This system is feedback driven thru Solution and Kudo flags. It's the only means of knowing if you have been served. Please click Accept as Solution, if your problem is solved. To say THANK YOU, press the "thumbs up symbol" to render a KUDO. You can render both Solution and KUDO..

HP Envy 8 5010 Tablet
(2) HP DV7t i7 3160QM 2.3Ghz 8GB
Printer -- HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 Legal
Custom Asus Z97D, I7-4790k, 16GB RAM, WIN10 Pro 64bit, ZOTAC GTX1080 AMP Extreme 3 fan 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD, Asus PB287 4k monitor, Rosewill Blackhawk case and 750W OCZ PSU.

dnilgreb · ‎06-05-2019

Ok, I figured it out.

My problem was that whatever I slide into the 5,25 bay, it doesn´t attach to anything, and i couldn´t get screw holes to line up. But the solution was really simple. I simply attached screws to the 3,5 - 5,25 converter, and they hooked onto a rail as I inserted them, All the way in they even clicked into place.

Having solved the issue, I´m sticking with my HP converters, even though they were crazy expensive in my opinion. But any generic device, like the on you suggested, Wb2001, should work the same way.

Thanks for helping me.

Installing 3,5" disks in 5,25" slots in HP Z420

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