New Hard Disk

[beatzkrieg]

I have a first generation macbook (september 2007), and am now running out of space on the machine. Can i change the internal hard disk as opposed to buying an external for backup?

If it can be done, are there any restrictions in terms of compatibility, capacity or any other factor that might be important?

I was specifically looking at 'Western Digital Scorpio Black WD3200BJKT 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive'. Ideally, I want to buy 1TB space and put it in the laptop, but wasn't able to find any.

I would appreciate all suggestions and comments.

 

[corkyg]

Looks like your 1TB goal is reachable provided you can afford it. 320GB is a bargain, and can be had @7200 RPM.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Western%20Digital/WD10TPVT/

 

[FishAk]

Have you considered Seagate's Momentus XT Hybrid? It's only half the space you're looking for, but it's faster than a WD Velociraptor, and less than $130.

 

[alkemyst]

There are a few 2.5" laptop 1TB drives out. Problem with most is they are most than 9mm tall which won't work for many newer macbooks.

The older ones, esp with removable battery can take 12.5mm drives.

 

[beatzkrieg]

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning towards the SSD Hybrid, but wondering how much of an advantage it is over a regular SATA with the same capacity and speed.

The applications i'll be running are Maya and 3ds on OSX, and Ansys on Windows. All of them being memory hogs, will the SSD Hybrid serve as any advantage? Does it justify the extra $30 - $40...?

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Looks like your 1TB goal is reachable provided you can afford it. 320GB is a bargain, and can be had @7200 RPM.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Western Digital/WD10TPVT/

Just make sure to read the fine print:

*750GB and 1TB models are 12.5 mm high and may not be compatible with all notebook systems. Consult system specifications for maximum allowable drive height before attempting to install.

The largest laptop drives use two platters and are larger than normal.

 

[FishAk]

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning towards the SSD Hybrid, but wondering how much of an advantage it is over a regular SATA with the same capacity and speed.

The applications i'll be running are Maya and 3ds on OSX, and Ansys on Windows. All of them being memory hogs, will the SSD Hybrid serve as any advantage? Does it justify the extra $30 - $40...?

System memory is separate from your storage memory, but yes, faster access to the storage will make your system respond faster.


Part of your trouble is cost and part is your operating system. Apple doesn't support TRIM, so an SSD will loose performance over a short time without excessive maintenance. An SSD with adequate capacity is very expensive right now.


$30 or $40 more compared to what?


AnandTech did an excellent review of the hybrid drive. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it.