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    Dual Hardrive (msata SSD + 7200RPM) for ThinkPad T420s

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by undoIT, Apr 22, 2011.

  1. undoIT

    undoIT Notebook Consultant

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    I'd like to get an Intel 310 msata SSD for my new ThinkPad T420s and keep the standard 320GB hard drive for storage. Does anyone know if the standard hard drive will be drawing power when it is not in use? I'm not sure I'd want to go with this setup if it will significantly decrease battery life.
     
    undoIT, Apr 22, 2011
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  2. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    Go to Power Manager and set the hdd to be spun down when on battery. Spec sheets typically show .2W draw in that standby state.
     
    vinuneuro, Apr 22, 2011
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  3. undoIT

    undoIT Notebook Consultant

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    .2W seems like a very small amount. Any idea if the impact on battery life would even be noticeable?
     
    undoIT, Apr 22, 2011
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  4. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    Insignificant.
     
    vinuneuro, Apr 22, 2011
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  5. hp79

    hp79 Notebook Evangelist

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    One thing I'm worried about having HDD going to standby is that wouldn't it cause stutters whenever the HDD needs to spin up?

    I noticed on my desktop computers, Windows often reads and writes randomly on it's own even if I didn't ask for anything.
     
    hp79, Apr 23, 2011
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  6. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    There definitely is a stutter when it spins up. I guess it comes down to what you use the hdd for. I only use it to store media: pics, music, video. I never access that stuff while on the go / while on battery so the hdd up from standby and I don't experience the stutter. While plugged in, the hdd is always spinning. This is how I had it setup when I was using the Samsung 470 with the Scorpio Black in the ultrabay and it worked very well in all situations, no compromise in any way.
     
    vinuneuro, Apr 23, 2011
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  7. undoIT

    undoIT Notebook Consultant

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    Cool, I plan on doing the same, dumping all media files to the spinning HD. Glad to hear it stays spinned down when not accessing the files.
     
    undoIT, Apr 23, 2011
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  8. cliff1127

    cliff1127 Notebook Enthusiast

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    OP, how are you planning on installing the mSATA drive? I understand how to physically install.... but then how do you transfer Windows 7 from the 350gb HD to the mSATA and then clear the 350gb HD?
     
    cliff1127, Apr 27, 2011
    #8