Replacing Laptop HDD, Need Advice

[Caveman]

Per conversation below, I'm not sure if I can just choose virtually any HDD with the same physical size and interface ATA-5 (100)...

But, it would seem like I can... No? Yes?


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Thank you for contacting Newegg. My name is Janny. How may I assist you today?

Caveman: I'm looking to replace a laptop HDD which failed with a new one... The failed drive is Toshiba PN: MK4021GAS

Caveman: The specs are as follows:

Caveman: MK4021GAS Toshiba MK4021GAS/MK4025GAS 40GB EIDE ATA-5 4200 RPM, 2MB Cache Buffer Laptop Hard Drive, new pul1 in stock ready to ship for you today...
Tom Smiley: Q: I'd like to upgrade to a better 2.5" drive (more space, faster (5400 instead of 4200,etc) is this ok or will I have compatibility issues?

Caveman: hello?

Janny: Unfortunately, Newegg cannot offer advice on compatibility of items or make any recommendations. Since we are strictly a reseller, we are not in the position to give such advice concerning the compatibility of two items. We suggest you to contact the manufacturer directly for advice.

Caveman: Party line... Please, I won't hold you responsible... See, it's in writing...

Caveman: Just give me your advice based on experience. My gut tells me no prob... Bu not sure; looking for a second opinion...

Caveman: Obviously, the mfg will say keep the standard HDD... But that's because they want more money... What's your gut feel on this?

Janny: I would love to help you with that question, but unfortunately Newegg customer service agents such as myself aren't technically certified, and cannot offer such technical support. I definitely don't want to provide you with wrong information and cause any type of inconvenience.

Caveman: Ok... I'll try anandtech at this hour... Thanks.

Janny: Thank you for contacting Newegg. I hope you have a good night 🙂

 

[sjandrewbsme]

I was in a similar situation. I wanted to upgrade the drive in my Dell. What I did was research the Dell drive I had (it was an IBM drive). I looked up the part number and downloaded the specifications. I looked at stuff like the physical dimensions and interface.

Once I had this, I looked at newegg for something with the same physical dimensions, crossed my fingers, and ordered (they have a return policy). When I took out my old HDD I was relieved that it fit and worked fine. Actually, it was better than before as it had more cache and was noticeably faster.

 

[bacillus]

all modern pata laptop hdds are now 9.5mm high so there should not be any problem with fitting.

if installing a hdd with huge capacity, make sure you have the latest bios.

 

[corkyg]

I have changed/upgraded HDDs in about 5 different laptops. The procedure is generally the same.

Each laptop maker uses a different tray or caddy. Remove it, then remove the drive from the caddy, and put the new one in.

The PITA is having to install everything on a new drive, so I do this:

1. Put the new drive in an external 2.5" case.

2. Boot with Acronis True Image and clone the old drive to the new one.

3. Then swap out the old drive for the new - power up and you are good to go with a new drive. No reinstall needed.

Example - my current laptop (HP dv1000) came with a 60 GB drive. I replaced that with a 100 GB, and now a 160 GB.

As long as you are within the form factor specs, you can use any 2.5" drive. The new Seagate 160s with Perp Rec technology and 5400 RPM are sweet.