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illtema

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 23, 2018
4
0
Aside from the 4 hd bays in the 5,1 Mac Pro , What is the easiest & cheapest way to add a new drive that I can use for bootcamp? Currently in HS and can't use boot disk for boot camp.
 
The SATA ports in the optical bay if you want to add 3.5" disks. If you want to add a 2.5" or SSD, get a pcie adapter if you have room.
 
The SATA ports in the optical bay if you want to add 3.5" disks. If you want to add a 2.5" or SSD, get a pcie adapter if you have room.

NO, PCIe adaptor won’t make boot Windows easier. In fact, quit a few PCIe adaptors cannot boot Windows (at least not OOTB).

Also, install 2.5” SSD in optical bay is easier than 3.5” HDD. For 2.5” SSD, simply plug the cable and done, no adaptor required. Because no moving parts inside the SSD, no need to mount it.

For 3.5” HDD, an adaptor is required to mount the HDD properly. You can’t let a 3.5” HDD just sit inside the optical cage without mounting screw. The vibration may cause damage to the disc.
 
What about Mac OS SSD connected to a PCI adapter and bootcamp drive In the standard optical Bay? Is that a a smooth solution?
 
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