Member Avatar for aVar++

I need to add two more HDD's to my PC, My case says it has the following:

External Bays:  2 x 5.25” External
2 x 3.5” External
Internal Bays:  2 x 3.5” Internal

However the hard drives only fit in the internal bays due the screw holes not being in the correct place on the external bays. (This is all in the case).

How could I get the hard drives to fit in the external bays?

My case is here: http://www.aone.co.uk/LI.asp?ProductID=3369&ProductImag...

The bottom two of the hard drive slots are the internal ones which I am currently using. The ones I want to use are the two above the internal ones but below the 5.25 ones.

Mat

Edited by pritaeas because: Moved to Hardware.
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Short diagnosis: those two 3.5" front/external slots on many low-cost cases (your CIT Templar micro‑ATX) are usually meant for shallow front devices like floppy drives or card readers, not full-height hard disks. The internal 3.5" cage you’re already using is the proper place for standard HDDs; the front slots often use a different plastic/rail mounting pattern so the HDD screw holes won’t line up.

Practical options (pros/cons) tied to the thread:

  • Use a 5.25" → 3.5" mounting bracket or bay adapter (what was pointing toward). It’s neat, reversible and keeps the drive secured and ventilated. Look for ones that support bottom and side mounting or come as an internal caddy/hot‑swap if you want front access.
  • Put a 2.5" drive (HDD or SSD) into a 3.5" adapter you already own (as you mentioned). That works fine—SSDs are best for speed and low heat; 2.5" spinning laptop drives are usually slower (5400 rpm) but will fit and use the same SATA interface if the model matches.
  • External enclosure/dock or USB/eSATA docking station. Good if you want removable drives or don’t want to modify the case.
  • Case modification as last resort: flipping the drive sometimes lines up mounting holes, but drilling new holes or cutting metal is permanent and voids warranties. If you do modify, remove the motherboard first, mark and pilot‑drill slowly with a step bit, deburr, vacuum metal filings, wear eye protection and use proper screws/washers or rubber grommets to reduce vibration.

Final tips: confirm the drive interface (SATA vs IDE) and available power connectors before buying; avoid blocking intake airflow with tightly packed front drives; use rubber mounts or grommets for vibration and check BIOS/OS drive detection and temps after installation.

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Member Avatar for aVar++

Thank you, but what about the 3.5" external bays, are they used for card readers and things like that?

Member Avatar for caperjack

yes the bottom 2 are for floppy drives or card readers ,
it been awhile but ise to put harddrive in those slots,try them upside down[the data wont fall off .lol] and see if the holes line up , drill some new holes maybe ,of course remove the motherboard first as not to get metal chips on the board

Member Avatar for caperjack

where ever they fit is where i put harddrives
the ssd hdd has no moving parts so you could put that anywhere you want

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