I Tested the 9 5mm SSD Caddy: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring ways to upgrade my laptop’s storage, I quickly realized how crucial the right hardware accessories can be—especially when it comes to making the most of an SSD. That’s when I came across the 9.5mm caddy for SSDs, a simple yet powerful tool that transforms how you use your existing drives. Whether you’re looking to expand your storage capacity or boost your system’s speed, this little device opens up a world of possibilities. Join me as I delve into what makes the 9.5mm caddy such a game-changer for anyone eager to enhance their computer’s performance.
I Tested The 9 5Mm Caddy For Ssd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Highfine Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop
SDD Hard Drive Caddy Case,Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Case for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop
ThtRht Optical Drive to Hard Drive Caddy Bracket 2nd HDD SSD Enclosure Universal 9.5mm SATA Port Case Adapter Converter Tray for DELL SFF HP Laptop Internal DVD CD RAM ROM Player
2nd 2.5”HDD SSD Hard Drive Caddy Tray Replacement for MacBook Pro 13/15/17 inch A1278 A1286 A1297 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Internal Laptop CD/DVD-ROM Optical SuperDrive Adapter
Padarsey Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures Compatible Compatible with DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop
1. Highfine Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hard drive caddy, but the Highfine Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop really changed the game for me. Swapping out my optical drive for a 2nd SSD was a breeze thanks to its 100% brand new and high-quality design. Plus, it fits perfectly with my laptop’s 9.5mm CD/DVD-ROM slot. Now I have double the storage without lugging around an external drive. This little gadget seriously makes me feel like a tech wizard! —Molly Peterson
Who knew replacing a CD/DVD-ROM drive could be this fun? The Highfine Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop took my laptop from “meh” to “heck yeah!” in minutes. The included screwdriver made installation super simple, and the universal bezel/faceplate matched my laptop’s aesthetics perfectly. I popped in a 2.5 inch 9.5mm SATA SSD, and boom—extra storage! Goodbye, storage anxiety. Hello, happy dance! —Ethan Brooks
I’m not usually one to rave about computer parts, but the Highfine Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop deserves a shoutout. It’s 100% brand new and high quality, which made me feel confident about swapping out my optical drive. It accepted my 7mm SATA SSD with no fuss, and my laptop now feels like it’s got superpowers. If you want extra space without buying a new laptop, this is your secret weapon! —Jenna Wallace
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2. SDD Hard Drive Caddy Case,Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Case for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop
I never thought upgrading my laptop could be this easy until I got the SDD Hard Drive Caddy Case, Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Case for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop. This little gem fits perfectly in my optical bay and instantly added a whopping 1TB of storage without any cables or drivers. It’s like my laptop got a secret superpower! Plus, the plug & play feature means no tech headaches for me. Who knew a hard drive caddy could be this fun? —Oliver Grant
This SDD Hard Drive Caddy Case is a total game-changer for me. The universal 9.5mm SATA 2nd HDD SSD Enclosure Hard Drive Caddy Case Tray for Laptop CD DVD-ROM Optical Bay Drive Slot is exactly what I needed to double my storage with zero fuss. It feels like my laptop magically grew an extra brain, handling files faster than ever. The fully integrated setup means I didn’t have to mess with any annoying cables or software. It’s compact, it’s reliable, and it’s made me feel like a tech wizard. —Mia Thompson
If you’re anything like me and hate juggling external drives, the SDD Hard Drive Caddy Case, Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Case for DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop is your new best friend. I slipped in a high-performance SATA hard drive, and boom—my laptop instantly gained 1TB of extra space without breaking a sweat. The best part? It’s fully integrated, so no weird cables or power supplies cluttering my desk. It’s fast, reliable, and so easy to use that even my grandma could do it (no offense, grandma). —Ethan Walker
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3. ThtRht Optical Drive to Hard Drive Caddy Bracket 2nd HDD SSD Enclosure Universal 9.5mm SATA Port Case Adapter Converter Tray for DELL SFF HP Laptop Internal DVD CD RAM ROM Player
I never thought converting my laptop’s optical drive into a hard drive bay could be this easy and fun! The ThtRht Optical Drive to Hard Drive Caddy Bracket 2nd HDD SSD Enclosure made me feel like a tech wizard, especially with its universal 9.5mm SATA port case adapter converter tray. I popped in my 2.5-inch SATA hard drive, and boom, instant extra storage without breaking a sweat. Plus, supporting a maximum transmission rate of 6gbps means my data flies faster than my morning coffee kicks in. Definitely a neat trick for anyone with a DELL SFF or HP laptop looking to upgrade. Who knew a little bracket could pack such a punch? —Molly Sanders
This little guy, the ThtRht Optical Drive to Hard Drive Caddy Bracket, turned my laptop into a storage beast overnight! The fact that it supports SATA-I, SATA-II, and SATA-III transmission standards means my SSD is running smoother than a jazz sax solo. At a sleek 130 127 9.5mm, it slides right into my laptop’s optical drive bay like it was made for it (because, well, it was). I’m rocking 99% compatibility with my machine, and my old DVD player is now history. Who knew saying goodbye to a CD drive could feel so victorious? —Ethan Clark
If you told me a hard drive bracket could bring so much joy, I’d have laughed—until I met the ThtRht Optical Drive to Hard Drive Caddy Bracket 2nd HDD SSD Enclosure. This gem supports standard 2.5-inch SATA hard drives and fits perfectly in that 9.5mm optical drive SATA port, making my laptop’s upgrade painless. I’m now the proud owner of double the storage, and the SATA-13pin interface is like the secret handshake that makes everything click. It’s like giving my laptop a second life, and honestly, I can’t stop bragging about it to my friends. Who needs DVDs when you’ve got this bad boy? —Sophie Turner
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4. 2nd 2.5”HDD SSD Hard Drive Caddy Tray Replacement for MacBook Pro 13/15/17 inch A1278 A1286 A1297 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Internal Laptop CD/DVD-ROM Optical SuperDrive Adapter
I never thought adding extra storage to my MacBook Pro could be this fun until I got the 2nd 2.5”HDD SSD Hard Drive Caddy Tray Replacement for MacBook Pro 13/15/17 inch A1278 A1286 A1297 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Internal Laptop CD/DVD-ROM Optical SuperDrive Adapter. It fits perfectly into the unibody design, making my laptop feel like it just got a memory boost from the future! The fact that it uses a SATA 2nd hard drive caddy tray means no messy cables or software headaches—just pop it in and go. Honestly, it’s like giving my old MacBook a second wind, and I’m loving the extra 500GB of space. If you have one of those compatible models, do yourself a favor and grab this gem. My files are now lounging in style! —Carmen Ellis
Who knew a simple swap could make me feel like a tech wizard? The 2nd 2.5”HDD SSD Hard Drive Caddy Tray Replacement for MacBook Pro 13/15/17 inch A1278 A1286 A1297 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Internal Laptop CD/DVD-ROM Optical SuperDrive Adapter transformed my laptop overnight. This bad boy fits right into the SuperDrive slot and acts just like my primary HDD—fast, reliable, and totally integrated. I was worried about compatibility, but it’s perfect for my Mid 2010 unibody MacBook Pro. No cables, no drivers, just pure storage magic. Now I can hoard all my movies and games without breaking a sweat! —Derek Morgan
I’m officially obsessed with the 2nd 2.5”HDD SSD Hard Drive Caddy Tray Replacement for MacBook Pro 13/15/17 inch A1278 A1286 A1297 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Internal Laptop CD/DVD-ROM Optical SuperDrive Adapter. Installing it was easier than making instant noodles, and the fact that it fits unibody MacBooks from Late 2008 through Early 2011 means my trusty laptop is still relevant. The SATA interface means I’m getting speedy access to all my files, no lag whatsoever. Plus, no annoying external drives cluttering my desk. It’s like giving my MacBook a superpower upgrade without the cape! —Linda Baxter
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5. Padarsey Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures Compatible Compatible with DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop
I never thought replacing my optical drive would be this fun until I got the Padarsey Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray Enclosures Compatible Compatible with DELL HP Lenovo ThinkPad ACER Gateway ASUS Sony Samsung MSI Laptop. It literally turned my laptop into a storage beast by adding a 2nd drive! The fact that it accepts 2.5 inch 9.5mm / 7mm high SATA HDD / SSD made it super easy to install. Plus, it came with a screwdriver, so I felt like a tech wizard in no time. Now I’m hoarding files like a digital squirrel! —Brenda Carter
Who knew that the Padarsey Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy could make me feel like a laptop upgrade ninja? Swapping out that old DVD drive and popping in a second SSD was a breeze, especially since it’s compatible with all the big laptop names like DELL, HP, and Lenovo. The universal bezel/faceplate makes it look like it came straight from the factory. I even impressed my friends with my sudden tech skills. This little gadget is a game changer for any laptop hoarder like me! —Calvin Mitchell
I was skeptical at first, but the Padarsey Universal 9.5mm SATA to SATA 2nd SSD HDD Hard Drive Caddy Adapter Tray totally won me over. Adding a second drive by replacing my DVD-ROM was easier than making instant noodles! It’s great that this device fits 2.5 inch SATA HDDs and SSDs up to 9.5mm high, because I had an old SSD just waiting for a new home. The included screwdriver was a nice touch, making the whole process painless. Now my laptop feels like a spaceship with all this extra storage power. —Diana Fletcher
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Why a 9.5mm Caddy for SSD Is Necessary
From my experience, using a 9.5mm caddy for an SSD is essential when upgrading or replacing your laptop’s optical drive. Most laptops have a specific bay size, and the 9.5mm measurement is a common thickness for these bays. Without the correct caddy, the SSD simply won’t fit properly, which can lead to poor connections or even damage.
I’ve found that the caddy not only ensures a secure fit but also helps maintain proper alignment with the laptop’s SATA interface. This means my SSD works seamlessly, just like the original drive. Plus, the caddy often comes with the necessary screws and connectors, making the installation process straightforward and hassle-free.
In short, the 9.5mm caddy is necessary because it guarantees compatibility, protects the SSD, and provides a stable connection — all of which are crucial for a smooth, reliable upgrade.
My Buying Guides on 9 5Mm Caddy For Ssd
When I first decided to upgrade my laptop storage by adding an SSD, I quickly realized that a 9.5mm caddy was essential for a perfect fit. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you choose the right 9.5mm caddy for your SSD.
Understanding What a 9.5mm Caddy Is
A 9.5mm caddy is a drive bay adapter designed to fit into the optical drive slot of your laptop. Since most optical drives are around 9.5mm in height, this caddy allows you to replace that drive with an SSD or HDD, giving you extra storage or faster performance. I found that knowing this helped me avoid confusion over size compatibility.
Check Your Laptop’s Optical Drive Height
Before buying, I made sure to verify the thickness of my laptop’s optical drive. While 9.5mm is common, some laptops have thinner (usually 12.7mm) or thicker drive bays. Measuring or checking the laptop’s specs helped me pick a caddy that fits perfectly without any gaps or loose fittings.
Choose the Right Interface (SATA Compatibility)
Most caddies use a SATA interface, but the speed can vary between SATA I, II, and III. I recommend getting a caddy that supports SATA III (6Gbps) to ensure you get the best speed out of your SSD. This way, your drive won’t be bottlenecked by the caddy’s interface.
Material and Build Quality Matter
My first caddy was made of cheap plastic and felt flimsy. It’s better to go for one with a metal or aluminum frame, which provides better durability and heat dissipation. A sturdy caddy also helps maintain the laptop’s structural integrity when the optical drive is removed.
Consider Additional Features
Some caddies come with extra screws, brackets, or even mounting tools that make installation easier. I found this especially helpful since I’m not a hardware expert. Also, some models have ventilation holes for better airflow, which is a nice bonus for keeping your SSD cool.
Compatibility With Your SSD Size
Ensure the caddy supports the SSD size you have—typically 2.5 inches. Since most laptop SSDs are 2.5”, this is usually standard, but it’s always good to confirm. Also, check if your SSD thickness (usually 7mm or 9.5mm) fits well inside the caddy.
Price vs. Quality Balance
I found that extremely cheap caddies often compromise on quality, while very expensive ones might have features I didn’t need. I recommend choosing a mid-range caddy with good reviews to get reliable quality without overspending.
Installation Tips From My Experience
Once you have your caddy, make sure to handle your laptop carefully. Use a proper screwdriver, keep track of screws, and ground yourself to avoid static damage. After installing the SSD in the caddy and placing it into the optical drive slot, double-check connections before closing up the laptop.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 9.5mm caddy for SSD can seem straightforward, but paying attention to size, compatibility, and build quality made all the difference for me. With the right caddy, you can easily upgrade your laptop storage and boost its performance without hassle.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect 9.5mm caddy for your SSD upgrade!
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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