Hardware Question

[Deleted User]

Can I switch a 640GB HDD with a 480GB SSD? I got it today and I was wondering if my laptop would accept it. (They are both 2.5’’)

 

[Hayato213]

Yes, they are same form factor , but you either need to reinstall os or clone the hdd.

 

[ThoD]

As long as the hardware versions are the same generation (meaning same power cord and SATA cord), then HDDs are interchangeable, no need to worry about it. Like stated above though, you'll need to reinstall the OS or use a second computer that can use multiple HDDs to copy everything (or at least OS/driver installations) from the old to the new HDD.

 

[Deleted User]

As long as the hardware versions are the same generation (meaning same power cord and SATA cord), then HDDs are interchangeable, no need to worry about it. Like stated above though, you'll need to reinstall the OS or use a second computer that can use multiple HDDs to copy everything (or at least OS/driver installations) from the old to the new HDD.

How can I know if it is the same generation?

 

[ThoD]

How can I know if it is the same generation?

Simply look at the power cord and SATA cord, if the slots are the same, it can be swapped out, simple. SATA is backwards compatible so it's not an issue unless it's a much earlier-gen HDD (SATA I had thicker connector so you might need a different cable as otherwise it might be VERY slightly loose), while power can be flat, 4-pin, etc.. If both cables fit nicely, it means it works fine.

 

[migles]

How can I know if it is the same generation?

he means that they both have the same plugs (in the same positions. i am not aware if there are brands who shit and don't place the connectors in the standard position)
(your computer could be old enough to have a IDE hdd)

 

[ThoD]

he means that they both have the same plugs
(your computer could be old enough to have a IDE hdd)

From the picture it's not IDE for sure It's just that after IDEs when SATAs became the norm, the power cord has changed a LOT throughout the years, from small flat, to 4-pin (like older drives), to large flat.

 

[Hayato213]

He can use it as both are SATA.

 

[Deleted_413010]

He can use it as both are SATA.

How can you tell from the picture?

 

[Hayato213]

How can you tell from the picture?

Drive model

 

[Deleted User]

Drive model

So how do I pick up only the OS from the other drive? (The rest of the information is unnecessary since it’s backed up already). Do I need to dump specific files from the other drive?

 

[Deleted_413010]

So how do I pick up only the OS from the other drive? (The rest of the information is unnecessary since it’s backed up already). Do I need to dump specific files from the other drive?

If I were you i'd just take Norton's Ghost application and create a .GHO file then burn that and the Ghost application to a disk and then image it to the new hard drive. Now...since i'm not you I would do it in a different fashion that only tech experts would be able to comprehend.

 

[Deleted User]

This is what I got when I turned them upside down

 

[Deleted_413010]

View attachment 167336
This is what I got when I turned them upside down

What does that have to do with this question? Turning it upside down wont really help you

 

[orangy57]

Literally just put it into the spot where the hard drive was and install windows or linux via USB. I don't know what people are talking about with connector sizes, the SATA power and data connections have been identical for at least 11 years.

 

[Deleted User]

What does that have to do with this question? Turning it upside down wont really help you

I wanted to see if you could tell me if it is conpatible. Also the new SSD feels so lightweight it feels like it’s empty. Did I got scammed?

 

[Deleted_413010]

Literally just put it into the spot where the hard drive was and install windows or linux via USB. I don't know what people are talking about with connector sizes, the SATA power and data connections have been identical for at least 11 years.

I've never dealt with connectors

 

[Deleted User]

Literally just put it into the spot where the hard drive was and install windows or linux via USB. I don't know what people are talking about with connector sizes, the SATA power and data connections have been identical for at least 11 years.

Thanks that solves my question
But how do I dump the original windows (in this case it is 7 home premium) files? And if I put the new SSD into the place where the old hdd was, wouldn’t the computer boot to the empty SSD?

 

[Deleted_413010]

Thanks that solves my question

I hope your prepared to install drivers

 

[orangy57]

Thanks that solves my question
But how do I dump the original windows (in this case it is 7 home premium) files? And if I put the new SSD into the place where the old hdd was, wouldn’t the computer boot to the empty SSD?

you can create a windows usb using the Media Creation Tool on microsoft's website, and you can use a fresh copy of windows 10, as for getting the windows 7 system files onto an ssd, you wouldn't be able to do that without an external sata to usb adapter or a full size pc.