Stupid question about SSD screws

I’m sorry! I know I’m an idiot.

When mounting 2.5" SSDs, the correct screw size is a m3 with 5mm length (m3-5), what is the correct head shape?
I ordered some flat head screws to mount SSDs in a Athena Power BP-SAC1425AVL12 (4 x 2.5" in 1 5.25" bay.
When I mount the drives in the trays, they stick out from the bottom of the trays and make the trays very difficult to remove.
Am I crazy (I am but you cant tell from the internet) or is there a better screw heat type to fit in these types of applications?

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I’m not sure there’s really a “correct” type of mounting screws for SSDs. It probably varies from one case/enclosure to the next, but I think what you’re looking for are called wafer head screws. The screw head is just a flat disc so it shouldn’t extend out much past the edge of the drive tray.

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I sent an email to the manufacturer but I haven’t heard back from them yet. Those look great. Thank you!

Flat head screws are usually what you use when you want a completely flush mount, but then you’ve got to have tapered screw holes also, and I’m guessing since they stick out this drive cage doesn’t have them. :smiley:

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The correct screw head is whatever fits in the case, the drive doesn’t care :stuck_out_tongue:
That’s why it’s usually the cases that come with the screws, not the drives. Some drives come with general purpose screws just in case, but that doesn’t mean they are “the right ones”, just that they fit when needed.
Don’t overthink it, just take whatever screw fits your case and is an M3-5 :stuck_out_tongue:

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These screws don’t fit flush, but I guess the higher section in the middle must be what is making the drive drag more than the screws are. It’s hard to take a good picture to show that. Thanks for the help @redocbew and @mihawk90 !

It just seems rougher than it should be. I guess cramming 4 - 2.5" drive trays is a pretty big ask for a 5.25" bay.

Response from Athena Power:

Hi Josh,

This is Christina with Athena Power and I am part of the client services team.

Thank you for reaching out to us! After reviewing this with our engineering team, they advised you will be able to use the below screws (see link):

https://www.walmart.com/ip/M3-x-3mm-Phillips-Flat-Head-Screws-Carbon-Steel-Machine-Screws-Black-for-Home-Office-Computer-Case-Appliance-150pcs/865331586

image001

What I have is 5mm, not 3mm, and it seems ok. I swapped for m3 - 4mm screws and no difference on the height.
YMMV but these seem fine for a tight chassis like this.

The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

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It’s the same with drive bays/sleds using 2.5" rust.

Some trays are just too thin to allow for a full sized screw head.

Easiest thing for me was to buy a multi pack from china with a bunch of sizes, then just use the 100 out of 1000 screws that works.

Cost less than the $10 that I would have spent buying calipers to measure.

I am a dirty hack.

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Hell I have calipers, and I get the “has goddamn everything” packs of screws. Because eventually I’m going to run across something they needs something special.

For example, I prefer big fat tall screws for securing the motherboard, however my old taichi x399 had one location where those didn’t work and I needed a more traditional small form.

Over preparation right now saves me $10 and a few days of waiting later.

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that would be CSK screws or Countersink. Flat head sit on top of whatever they are screwed through,

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The screws are countersunk, however the drive trays are not :confused:

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you probably want some pan head screws

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I think pan head screws would have a bit taller head than what I have now. Just going by a google image search…

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