Install 2.5" SSD drives into PowerEdge 2950

Solution 1:

What you are looking for is an ICY DOCK MB882SP-1S-1B.

http://www.amazon.com/Icy-Dock-EZConvert-2-5-Inch-Converter/dp/B002Z2QDNE/

I've also had recent luck with the StarTech 25SAT35HDD.

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch-Enclosure-25SAT35HDD/dp/B00H91BXJU/

Solution 2:

I've done this kind of thing (only as a trial) and it worked fine...BUT please take into account that when 'driven' hard SSD's can get as hot as 70C, while even 15krpm disks rarely go over about 55C - so ensure you have the airflow.

Solution 3:

I'm in the process of fitting several Intel x25-E drives into the 3.5" bays of 'spare' PowerEdge 2900, itself in the process of becoming a (hopefully) hi-performance iSCSI SAN based on Openfiler.

I located new (empty) Dell drive trays and corresponding Interposer cards for use with SATA drives in Dell servers. I sourced Dell CC852 Tray and PN939 Interposer kit from Discount Technology for US$89.95. These are great for any 3.5" SATA (or SAS) drive (including SSDs) but require some extra holes to mount 2.5" SATA drives. I'm mounting the 2.5" drive using the 4 holes on its flat side (not its edges).

I wouldn't use an MLC SSD like the X25-M in a server application. Server vendors that offer SSDs all offer SLC SSDs such as the Intel X25-E.