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    Laptop HDD in Desktop

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by RovingCalypso, Dec 31, 2008.

  1. RovingCalypso

    RovingCalypso Notebook Consultant

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    I think it'll work but asking to make sure before a buy, Can I connect a laptop Hard disk to a desktop????

    Want to upgrade my Laptop HDD, and using that older HDD for my backup desktop. Don't want to spend on the desktop.

    Thanks
     
    RovingCalypso, Dec 31, 2008
    #1
  2. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, you may have to purchase an adapter for the connector or a SATA controller.
     
    TabbedOut, Dec 31, 2008
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  3. Clutch

    Clutch cute and cuddly boys

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    Are they IDE or SATA?
     
    Clutch, Dec 31, 2008
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  4. ValkyrieLenneth

    ValkyrieLenneth Notebook Evangelist

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    I usually use 2.5" SATA HDD on my Desktop without problem. They're perfect for power saving and quiet purposes. No adapter needed.
    Usually, I use them for 24/7 machines for leeching torrents, downloading...
     
    ValkyrieLenneth, Dec 31, 2008
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  5. RovingCalypso

    RovingCalypso Notebook Consultant

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    The laptop HDD is SATA. SATA2 80gb to be exact.
     
    RovingCalypso, Dec 31, 2008
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  6. RovingCalypso

    RovingCalypso Notebook Consultant

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    Without any additional stuff right? My desktop has SATA btw.
     
    RovingCalypso, Dec 31, 2008
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  7. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    The vostro in his signature comes with a sata drive. An sata drive will install with any existing sata hardware in a desktop--assuming the desktop has sata connectors (power and data).

    edit--of course, mounting it so it does not swing around in there is trickier
     
    gerryf19, Dec 31, 2008
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  8. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    Mounting shouldn't be too much of a problem. The drives are so small that they can be mounted just about anywhere flat, just drill out some holes and screw it down where you like.
     
    TabbedOut, Dec 31, 2008
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  9. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    I agree--but some folks are a little antsy about taking a drill to the inside of their computers
     
    gerryf19, Dec 31, 2008
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  10. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    meh, wimps :)
     
    TabbedOut, Dec 31, 2008
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  11. villious

    villious Notebook Geek

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    LOL, I use a drill, dremel, files, welder and anything else I can think of to mod the cases. Just be cautious about ESD.
     
    villious, Dec 31, 2008
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  12. ValkyrieLenneth

    ValkyrieLenneth Notebook Evangelist

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    No need any additional stuff. Just plug and play just like normal 3.5" one ;)
     
    ValkyrieLenneth, Dec 31, 2008
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  13. goodspeed(TPF)

    goodspeed(TPF) Notebook Deity

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    Yes. It will plug in just like a "desktop" hard drive as the "plug" ends are the same connections. Everything will work as it should. :)
     
    goodspeed(TPF), Dec 31, 2008
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  14. RovingCalypso

    RovingCalypso Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks guys. Its an old PC, Athlon 3200, don't mind drilling it over. :p
     
    RovingCalypso, Dec 31, 2008
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  15. goodspeed(TPF)

    goodspeed(TPF) Notebook Deity

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    You don't need to DRILL anything. Just use the holes that are already there for mounting. You will only be able to attach one side of the HDD but with two screws to hold it in you should be fine. I love FRANKENCOMPUTERS!!! :D
     
    goodspeed(TPF), Dec 31, 2008
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  16. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    While it could work, I would worry about stress along the screwed in side of the HDD. I would be much more comfortable if it was my drive to just screw it down onto something hard and flat using the mounting points on the bottom of the drive
     
    TabbedOut, Dec 31, 2008
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  17. goodspeed(TPF)

    goodspeed(TPF) Notebook Deity

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    I hear what you are saying bro and I can not comment from an engineering structural capacity. I can tell you that I have been doing this for over 5 years and have not had any problems with this type of installation. I do agree however that YES it would be "BEST" to mount it down solidly by 4 base screws to the bottom of a "tray" or the side of the case.

    P.S. Iffin it really is a FRANKENCOMPUTER (frOnkencomputer? :D ) DUCT TAPE FTW!!! Please be sure to include pics if you do this. Heck, upload a pic or two any way. I wanna see this monster. :)
     
    goodspeed(TPF), Dec 31, 2008
    #17