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- Replacing Optical Drive with SSD in Slimline 260-A129

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12-20-2020 01:26 PM
Hello. Attempting to replace an optical drive, which I never use, with an SSD Drive in my HP Slimline 260-A129. I read this post: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/How-to-add-a-ssd-to-slimline-26... but I have two questions, as I explain in this video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kv2cNdvME9ohSfQE7
1) can you provide me with a link to the adapter I need or a new cable or splitter?
2) can I setup the SSD as the boot-up drive?
Many thanks for your help.
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Accepted Solutions
12-21-2020 05:36 AM
Assuming there is not an extra power connection on the power supply, that splitter will allow the use of the SSD, since the optical drive might have a different power connection.
If you wish to make the new SSD the boot drive, it might need to be connected to the HHD port instead of the optical SATA port.
Since the SSD is significantly smaller that the 1TB boot drive, do you plan on fresh install of Windows on the SSD or cloning the 1TB drive to the SSD?
I'm not an HP employee.
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12-20-2020 01:52 PM - edited 12-20-2020 02:09 PM
After further investigation, I see know that the SATA connector connects to the SSD. The issue now is simply the power connection. Is the following what I need?: https://www.amazon.ca/Duttek-Power-Splitter-Cable-Drive/dp/B079DNGP8B/ref=sr_1_9?crid=98OQT3PHS4EI&d...
12-21-2020 05:36 AM
Assuming there is not an extra power connection on the power supply, that splitter will allow the use of the SSD, since the optical drive might have a different power connection.
If you wish to make the new SSD the boot drive, it might need to be connected to the HHD port instead of the optical SATA port.
Since the SSD is significantly smaller that the 1TB boot drive, do you plan on fresh install of Windows on the SSD or cloning the 1TB drive to the SSD?
I'm not an HP employee.
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12-21-2020 01:08 PM
OK. Some cloning software will allow that, so be sure to verify cloning to a smaller drive, before going too far.
I'm not an HP employee.
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12-23-2020 10:17 AM
Success with installation of the new SSD and cloning of the Windows files. (I found "Macrium Reflect " free software after some research - very easy to use). Disk Management now displays SSD as new drive, ready to use, with mirror of Windows Files.
Running into an issue however with setting SSD as boot drive: I could be mistaken, but it appears that HP's custom BIOS on my desktop doesn't provide an option to change boot drive or boot order. After searching other articles in this community and other sources, I haven't found an answer. Finally stumbled on this YouTube video which may help solve the problem: Adding a SSD as Boot Drive on HP. Attempting this method and hoping it will provide a solution.
12-23-2020 03:18 PM
Before you complete what that video shows, keep in mind that all the data on the existing hard drive was not saved. When you cloned the hard drive to the SSD, all data was moved over.
In the video, she shows how to make the SSD the boot drive. Assuming the SSD is connected to the old HHD SATA port. With the SSD connected to the HDD SATA port and the old drive disconnected for now, is the Set up Menu (F10) allowing the SSD to be the boot drive?
BTW: I have heard of other uses not getting the SSD to be the boot drive, but could not verify if they do what I am telling you to do now. I do have some other tricks to try.
I'm not an HP employee.
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