Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Dell doesn't allow 3rd party HDDs in their computers?

Mar 17, 2007 10:58PM PDT

I have a Dell Dimension E510 in need of a new secondary hard drive. I went to the store and bought another internal hard drive to put along with my primary internal drive. I brought it home, opened the computer, and it didn't fit in the hard drive slot! I called Dell to confirm and they said, "Yes, only parts from Dell will fit in your computer." I was shocked! Is this true? Is it like this for all Dells? I know many people who put internal hard drives in their Dells, but it doesn't seem to work in mine. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
That's the party line.
Mar 17, 2007 11:09PM PDT

Other drives do work but you step outside their support to do so.

Too bad you didn't tell the details needed for members to look at your machine and see what it supports.

Bob

- Collapse -
Machine specs were on profile, but...
Mar 17, 2007 11:18PM PDT

Here they are again:

Dell Dimension E510
Windows XP MCE 2005
Pentium D 820 (2.8Ghz)
1 GB DDR2-533 RAM
256MB ATI X600 graphics
80GB HDD (30GB free)
External 250GB HDD (160GB free)

If anything else is needed, please let me know. Thanks.

- Collapse -
Link shows the issue.
Mar 17, 2007 11:34PM PDT
- Collapse -
According to Dell's Owner Manual...
Mar 17, 2007 11:43PM PDT
- Collapse -
So you have the 5150?
Mar 18, 2007 12:04AM PDT

Tell that next time since the model I showed doesn't have the bay noted.

-> Ok here's the deal. See those release tabs? A third party drive won't come with those and the drive will not fit.

These parts are not "required" for those that can craft a solution on their own. If you are not into hardware then you want those release tabs (and rails) or the Dell drive.

"Could this be the same with all other 3rd party hard drives?"

Yes.

Bob

- Collapse -
Ok...
Mar 18, 2007 12:10AM PDT

I do have the Dimension E510. I went to Dell's website and looked up the manual for the E510. It brought up the Owners Manual. The 5150 and the E510 seem to be the same model. Perhaps that's why they use the same manual.

Anyway thanks for your help. I guess others just do their own method of installing the drive? I was fed up so I went and bought an external hard drive Wink

Thanks.

- Collapse -
I've used...
Mar 18, 2007 1:50AM PDT

Tie wraps, antistatic foam blocks, other drive rails and such to craft support for when I run into a machine that I want to place a drive in and we don't have the mounting rails at the moment.

I rechecked and the E510 I looked at differs from your PDF. You may find it annoying to have to supply exact models when discussion your machine but it really helps.

Bob

- Collapse -
Thanks for the helpful info...
Mar 18, 2007 3:01AM PDT

I might try again later with your tips, but for now I'm happy with what I've got.

I thought it was clear in the first line of my original statement that I had a Dimension E510... The first page of the Owner's Maunal I linked you to says, "Dell? Dimension? 5150/E510 Owner?s Manual". I'm guessing you're saying they're not the same machine?

Anyway, thanks. Happy

- Collapse -
Sorry for the typo (passed spellcheck) .
Mar 18, 2007 3:28AM PDT

The 510 I linked to and the picture of the interior doesn't show the second drive bay. I looked at one other site too.

From this I take it that the e510 is a series and 5150 being a model in that series. While it may seem a lot to ask, the make and model numbers are very helpful to those that want to help out. Supplying that PDF would have avoided a few back and forths.

Bob

- Collapse -
I think I see what you are saying...
Mar 18, 2007 3:38AM PDT

However, I believe the E510 and 5150 are the same computer under different names. The 5150 was offered by Dell until they renamed it to the E510. The same was done with the E310. The E510 is not a series, but is in fact a specific model number (i.e. HP Pavilion DV9000T). The DV9000T and E510 are both specific models. Hope this clears up any confusion, and I think this about wraps up the discussion. Thanks again.