Thread: Adding SSD to Dell R210

Shouldn't be, if it's a SATA compatible SDD (assuming the r210's use SATA) then it should simply be a case of plugging it in.

I'm sure a Dell fanboi will be along shortly to confirm.

Which SSDs are you buying? Dell with their servers give you enterprise grade SLC drives. The drives you're buying are more than likely consumer grade MLC. Just something to be aware of, especially if you're going to be doing lots of I/O.

You can just plug them in though, no problem.

Do the R210s come with both sleds if you only fit one drive (I know the R200s did, but we've only ever bought R210s with both drives pre-fitted)

If so, then you can just slam whatever SATA drive you want in. You'll need a different controller fitted if you want a SAS SSD.

Do take what Darren said into consideration though; as with hard drives, Dell will be using enterprise grade SSDs designed for use 24x7 with a much higher MTBF.

Being SSDs you don't really have to worry about putting them in drive caddies etc

Well I'd still rather not have it rattling around loose inside the server!

Well no, you don't have to have it rattling around - you need to do something custom since R210s don't take 2.5" drives anyway.

Use a 3.5" SSD

They're very low power systems so coupled with an SSD the power draw should be very nice. Good performance/watt.

Originally Posted by Larry David

If Ed-F is right and that they don't put a sled in for single drive setups then I guess I could purchase 2 x 250Gb standard disks and swap one of them with the SSD.

With the R200, both of the sleds were included as they were internal and rather simple affairs. I've not had a look what the sleds for the R210 are like, but judging by http://i.dell.com/images/global/prod...overview10.jpg I'd say they're a fairly similar arrangement.

If you definitely want it mounted in some degree, you can do what I did and get hot swap caddies to replace the (slimline, if applicable) CD and floppy drive. I've managed to fit six drives into a case originally designed for four this way. LinITX sells some for about £30 each and I highly recommend them.