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    New SATA Hard Disk

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by matt.modica, Apr 28, 2006.

  1. matt.modica

    matt.modica Notebook Consultant

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    I am planning on getting on getting a new SATA hard disk (if I can afford it ;)). I was wondering:
    1. Is there was any way to find out the size of the hard disk I currently have without actually removing it?
    2. Can I reuse the hard disk caddy?
    3. From what I understand, Windows does not have the drivers for a SATA hard disk. What would I have to do to install Windows on the SATA hard disk?
    Here is the hard disk I am planning on getting: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822146039
    The specs:
    Brand: HITACHI
    Capacity: 60 GB
    Interface: SATA/150
    Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
    Cache: 8 MB
    Average Latency: 4.2 ms
     
    matt.modica, Apr 28, 2006
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  2. boon27

    boon27 Notebook Evangelist

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    I dont know much about notebook hard drives but....does the notebook handle sata hard drives? sata hard drives have different connectors isnt?
     
    boon27, Apr 28, 2006
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  3. Ervin

    Ervin Notebook Consultant

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    According to Acer, your notebook uses ATA/100 drives. I doubt that you will be able to install a S-ATA drive.
     
    Ervin, Apr 28, 2006
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  4. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    You can't install the drive unless your laptop has a native SATA interface as posted. Check out the Hitachi TravelStar 7k60 with the Ultra ATA/100 interface.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Apr 28, 2006
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  5. matt.modica

    matt.modica Notebook Consultant

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    I read that the chipset had a SATA interface, so I asumed that the laptop would be compatable with a SATA drive. Also, the page Ervin posted is different from my model. Take a look at the page here: http://www.sis.com/products/sism760gx_features.htm

    I know we could debate about this forever, but I suppose the easiest way to find out is to open it up and look.
     
    matt.modica, Apr 28, 2006
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  6. Ervin

    Ervin Notebook Consultant

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    Just in case it takes SATA (I doubt it, please do check before buying):
    1. In the Windows XP Device Manager, under Disk Drives, you should be able to see the model of your hard drive, and then Google it.
    2. In a desktop, you would be able to. I have no idea about notebooks, though.
    3. Answer
     
    Ervin, Apr 28, 2006
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  7. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    A lot of chipsets support SATA, but most manufacturers do not impliment it. For example, the Intel i915 chipset supports SATA, but there are very few notebooks that use it. Mine is one of the few that does. Today, that's changing with the introduction of the i945 chipset and such, but the changeover is just beginning.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Apr 28, 2006
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