SSD in second CD-ROM drive of original Mac Pro 2.66?

[Doc69]

What do I need, in terms of cabling, in order to attach a new SSD drive in the second CD-ROM drive space of an original dual 2.66 dual core Mac Pro?

 

[CaptainChunk]

You can use a bracket like this (fits 2006-08 Mac Pros).

It allows you to mount up to two SSDs under the optical drive. Comes with the appropriate cables, too.

 

[Neodym]

Cabling-wise you should get some with 90-degrees angled connectors to better fit under the front fan assembly, which covers the additional SATA ports on the motherboards.

 

[slughead]

I'm currently booted off an SSD hooked to one of the ODD ports (the 2 extra sata ports under the front fan assembly). It's working great. The only downside is that windows (under bootcamp) doesn't see it due to a driver issue. Someone may have resolved this, not sure if the fix applies to the 1,1 MP though

 

[Doc69]

OK, so I can hook it up with a SATA cable to the port behind the fan assemply, but what about power? Will the existing extra power connector (for ODD 2) fit on the the SSD?

I could easily check this myself, but as my Mac Pro is tucked away, it's quite a hassle to open it. So I'm asking you guys in order to have everything ready when I finally do open it. Thanks for your replies!

Also, as I'm going to sell it when the next Mac pro arrives, I don't want to spend any more money on a new bracket for the optical drive. I'll attach it somehow temporarily.

 

[Neodym]

Sorry - forgot about the power cabling. You need an adapter from 4pol Molex (PATA standard) to SATA standard power connector. Should be available nearly everywhere for very little money.

If you're really afraid of shelling out 5 bucks for a proper adapter, you can also tape the SSD to any spot big enough for the size of the drive.

Edit: Obviously you referred to what CaptainChunk linked. That bundle seems a little pricey for me. I had some old adapters lying around and combined a vanilla 2.5"-in-3.5"-bay adapter with a vanilla 3.5"-in-5.25" bay adapter and added two standard cables. You can literally take the cheapest adapters available for the PC market from a vendor of your choice. A quick scan on Amazon found several offers around 3-7$ for e.g. a 3.5"->5.25" adapter. In total (incl. cabling) you should be able to stay well below 20$.

 

[Doc69]

You need an adapter from 4pol Molex (PATA standard) to SATA standard power connector.

Thank you! I'll get one of those then! And thank you for the suggestion regarding the vanilla bay adapters. I'll look into that.

 

[nanofrog]

Cables:

1. Rt. Angle to straight SATA cable
2. Molex to SATA power cable

Bracket:

• 2.5" to 5.25"

or​

• 2.5" to 3.5" + 3.5" to 5.25" (bit cheaper, but a bit more effort and not as pretty)