How to Install a 2.5" Hard Drive into an External Enclosure

Written By: Arthur Shi (and 2 other contributors)

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How to Install a 2.5" Hard Drive into an External Enclosure

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

2 - 10 minutes

Introduction

This guide shows how to install a 2.5-inch hard drive into the aluminum enclosure sold by iFixit. The enclosure can hold either a SSD or a standard 2.5-inch (platter) hard drive, as long as they have the proper SATA connectors.

If you have a silicone enclosure, follow this guide instead.

Tools

No tools specified.

Parts

Buy these parts

2.5" Hard Drive Enclosure with USB 3.0 Cable

$12.99

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Step 1 Install the drive into the enclosure

Before you begin, look at your hard drive's ports and make sure that it has the right connectors:

Before you begin, look at your hard drive's ports and make sure that it has the right connectors:
Narrow data port
Wide power port

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Step 2 Open the enclosure

Use the included screwdriver to remove the two Phillips screws.

Use the included screwdriver to remove the two Phillips screws.

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Step 3

Slide the plastic tray out of the aluminum housing.

Slide the plastic tray out of the aluminum housing.

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Step 4 Install the SSD

Set the drive in the plastic tray and align the drive ports with the tray socket.

To prevent strain on the enclosure socket, lay the drive as flat against the tray as possible.

Carefully push the drive into the tray socket to seat the ports.

Set the drive in the plastic tray and align the drive ports with the tray socket.
To prevent strain on the enclosure socket, lay the drive as flat against the tray as possible.
Carefully push the drive into the tray socket to seat the ports.
Press the drive's raised edge down into the plastic tray.
If the drive edge catches on the foam block, the drive is not fully seated against the tray socket. Continue pressing the drive into the socket until it clears the foam block.