The M710s has room for a second drive without opening the case fully
The Lenovo M710s is a small-form-factor desktop, which means it has less space than a tower but more than a laptop. You can add a second drive — either a 2.5-inch solid-state drive (SSD) or a 3.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD) — by using the internal bracket that Lenovo built in for this purpose. The drive connects to the same power supply and motherboard as your existing drive, so you do not need new cables or a separate power adapter.
The process takes about 20 minutes if you have the right tools and know where to look. The hardest part is not the installation itself but finding the bracket and making sure your new drive is the right size for the space available.
Key Takeaways
- The M710s can hold a second 2.5-inch SSD or 3.5-inch HDD in a bracket mounted inside the case, without removing the motherboard.
- You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver, a SATA data cable (if not already installed), and a SATA power connector (usually available from the power supply).
- The second drive connects to the same motherboard and power supply as your first drive, so no additional hardware beyond the drive itself is required.
- After installation, you must initialize the new drive in Windows Disk Management before you can use it to store files.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you open the case. A Phillips-head screwdriver (size #2) is essential — the case and drive bracket use Phillips screws. A SATA data cable connects the drive to the motherboard; if your M710s came with only one drive, you may already have a spare cable coiled inside the case, but if not, you will need to buy one (they cost $5 to $10). A SATA power connector comes from the power supply; most M710s power supplies have at least one unused connector, but if yours does not, you will need a SATA power splitter ($5 to $15).
Before you buy anything, power off the machine completely, unplug it, and open the side panel to see what cables are already inside. Press the power button once after unplugging to discharge any remaining power. Look for coiled cables near the existing drive — if you see a spare SATA data cable and a spare SATA power connector, you have everything you need.
Locating the second drive bracket inside the case
The M710s has a bracket mounted on the right side of the case (when you are looking at the open side panel). It is a metal frame about the size of a paperback book, positioned vertically. On some models it holds a 2.5-inch drive; on others it is designed for a 3.5-inch drive. Check your model number on the back of the machine (it starts with 10KW or 10KX) and look up the specifications online, or straightforward measure the bracket opening to see which size it accepts.
The bracket may already have a drive installed, or it may be empty. If it is empty, you will see four screw holes arranged in a rectangle. If the bracket is occupied, you will need to decide whether to replace that drive or use a different storage solution.
Installing the new drive in the bracket
Slide the new drive into the bracket from the front of the case, aligning the screw holes on the drive with the holes in the bracket. The drive should sit flush against the bracket frame. Use the Phillips screwdriver to insert four screws through the bracket holes into the threaded holes on the side of the drive. Tighten them firmly but do not over-tighten — you want them snug, not stripped.
Once the drive is mounted, you will see two connectors on the back of the drive: one flat rectangular connector (the SATA data port) and one L-shaped connector (the SATA power port). Leave these disconnected for now; you will attach the cables next.
Connecting the data and power cables
Take the SATA data cable and plug one end into the SATA data port on the back of your new drive. The other end goes into an available SATA port on the motherboard. Most M710s motherboards have four SATA ports lined up in a row; if your first drive is already using one, plug the new cable into any of the remaining three. The connector is keyed so it only fits one way — if it does not slide in easily, flip it around.
Next, take the SATA power connector from the power supply and plug it into the power port on the back of the new drive. This connector is also keyed and will only fit one way. If you do not see a spare SATA power connector hanging loose inside the case, you will need to trace the power supply cables to find one, or install a SATA power splitter on an existing connector.
Powering on and initializing the drive in Windows
Close the case, plug the machine back in, and power it on. Windows will detect the new drive, but it will not appear in File Explorer yet because it has not been initialized. Open the Start menu and type "Disk Management" — click the result that says "Create and format hard disk partitions." You will see a list of all drives connected to the machine, including your new one, which will be labeled as "Unknown" or "Not Initialized."
Right-click on the new drive in the Disk Management window and select "Initialize Disk." A dialog will ask whether to use MBR or GPT; for a new drive on a modern Windows system, choose GPT. After initialization, right-click the drive again and select "New straightforward Volume." Follow the wizard to assign a drive letter (like D: or E:) and choose a file system (NTFS is standard for Windows). Once the wizard finishes, the drive will appear in File Explorer and you can begin using it.
Troubleshooting if the drive does not appear
If the new drive does not show up in Disk Management after you power on, the most common cause is a loose cable connection. Power off the machine, unplug it, and press the power button to discharge. Open the case and reseat both the SATA data cable and the SATA power connector — pull them out and push them back in firmly until you hear or feel a click.
If the drive still does not appear, check the BIOS to see whether the motherboard detects it. Restart the machine and press Delete or F2 during the boot screen (the key is usually shown on the splash screen). Look for a menu item called "Storage" or "SATA" and verify that the new drive is listed there. If it is not listed in the BIOS, the cable or drive itself may be faulty. If it is listed in the BIOS but not in Windows, the drive may need a firmware update or the cable may need reseating again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an NVMe drive instead of a SATA drive?
The M710s motherboard has an M.2 slot for NVMe drives, but the internal bracket is designed for SATA drives only. If you want to add an NVMe drive, you would install it directly into the M.2 slot on the motherboard rather than in the bracket. This is actually faster than a SATA drive and requires no cables.
What if both SATA power connectors on my power supply are already in use?
You can buy a SATA power splitter (also called a SATA power adapter) that plugs into one existing connector and provides two new connectors. They cost $10 to $20 and are available from any computer parts retailer. Make sure your power supply has enough total wattage to support both drives — most M710s power supplies do.
Do I need to back up my existing drive before adding a second one?
No. Adding a second drive does not touch your existing drive or any files on it. The new drive is completely separate. However, it is always good practice to maintain a backup of important files, whether you are adding hardware or not.
Can I move my existing drive to the bracket and put a new drive in the original location?
Yes, but it is not necessary. Both locations connect to the same motherboard and power supply, so performance will be identical. It is easier to leave your existing drive where it is and use the bracket for the new one.
How do I know if my M710s bracket is designed for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives?
Measure the width of the bracket opening — a 2.5-inch bracket is about 2.75 inches wide, and a 3.5-inch bracket is about 4 inches wide. Alternatively, check your machine's service manual online using your model number, which is printed on the back of the case.