How can I install a 2.5' HDD into a NUC9V7QNX

[kofchina]

Hi Dear,

I've got a NUC9V7QNX, and I want to install my 2TB 2.5' HDD into the kit. I found a manual for hardware installation, as below:

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/intel-nuc/nuc-kits/NUC9xyQNX_UserGuide.pdf

In Charpter 5, it says that NUC9V7QNX supports 2.5' HDD or SSD, however there's no any instruction or pictures to show how to install it. 

BTW, I need to install a 2-slot video card in the PCI-e 16x slot, and my friend told me that I cannot insatll both a 2.5' HDD and a 2-slot card, because there's no enough room to hold both components. Is that correct?

Looking forward to your reply, thank you very much! 

[Alberto_R_Intel]

kofchina, Thank you for posting in the Intel® Communities Support.

In reference to your question, "my friend told me that I cannot insatll both a 2.5' HDD and a 2-slot card, because there's no enough room to hold both components. Is that correct?", we will do further research on this matter to try to provide the most accurate response to your inquiry, as soon as I get any updates, I will post all the details on this thread.

Any questions, please let me know.

Regards,

Albert R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[n_scott_pearson · Accepted solution]

There is room to include a 2.5" HDD/SSD/SSHD, though there is no bracket or adapter into which to mount it (but you could use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798KR8MF. 

Once you install a 2-slot-wide graphics card, however, there is no room anywhere in the chassis where a 2.5" drive can be located (I have tried). 

Sorry,

...S

[kofchina]

Thank you very much!

[powerarmour]

As an alternative/macgyver suggestion, you 'might' be able to fit a 2.5" SSD instead if you remove the actual PCB from the 2.5" casing (especially if it's a short PCB) and then connect that directly via an internal SATA cable, securing it with a zip/cable tie somewhere etc.

I've built a lot of SFF systems over the years and this little trick can often maximise the internal storage space.

[Ronny_G_Intel]

Hi @kofchina 

What @n_scott_pearson mentioned before is absolutely correct, we don't provide any bracket or accessory to accommodate a 2.5' SSD or hard drive, this part has to be sourced externally.
I have not done this, but just by looking at the available room inside the system, I would say that if you add a PCI bracket to hold the SSD, there won't be enough room to accommodate a Graphics PCI Card at the same time, so the system will be limited to either use the onboard Graphics or go with an eGPU solution.

As you mentioned at the beginning of the post, refer to the User Guide for further information.

Regards,
Ronny G