Msata on WS520

I have to insure a few things. I already purchased one wrong SSD for my W520 and that was punitive so I want to be sure I have it correct this time.

An exanple of an msata disk is here: Hands-On: A Second mSATA-Based SSD Emerges : SSD Form Factors, Explored

According to this article the are only a few and I am looking for one of about 260 Gigs.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommended disks?

Are the any special form factors required?

Renee

 

The largest I've seen is 128GB. I've use the 128GB MyDigitalSSD and the 80GB Intel one. Both work pretty well, been using them for a few months now without issue.

I bought mine through Amazon but they can both be found on this page:

mSATA Solid State Drives | My Digital Discount

 

128GB is the current highest mSATA capacity, as bogatyr stated. If you're looking for a higher capacity SSD, you'll need to get a 2.5" SSD (like the Crucial M4, Intel 320, etc) and install it in the HDD bay (and either move your current HDD to the optical bay, or just ditch it for now). For $290, I've very happy with my SSD, though I think the next highest capacity 320, the 300GB one, is quite expensive, so you could look at the M4 for a possibility.

 

Which SSD didn't work with the W520?

 

Intel 510 perhaps?

 

Thank you. It doesn't look like it's time to purhase as ssd for the lap top as they do not have a 264 GB quite yet'

"however this was said about Samsung:

" It is available in a 32, 64 and 128GB version and we just received word that there would be a 256GB version of this mSATA SSD out within the year. "

Renee

 

I would ask why not get a smaller mSATA drive to use as the boot drive, then a larger platter drive for storage. One doesn't usually need speed for storage.

 

Well zaz, I don't mess around. I have had an ssd on my system for a year and a 1/2 and love it. I will not do the compromise you suggest.

Hmmm the disk I have is a RunCorp Sata-II. I'm begining to wonder if this will work. It is 2.5" and it is around 264 GB. Oh yes, msata is a different physical interface.
Can I xtranfer the data and just change disks?

Renee

 

Nope, the Intel Series 510 works.

 

Doesn't it have a warm boot issue with the W520? Or did Lenovo finally fixed that?

 

Warm boot issue?

Renee

 

The new intel 'paint creek' msata SSDS may have a storage higher than 80gb, but before they come out, there are few options.

 

I just checked an the net is full of sata to msata adapters.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...=aps&hvadid=6961615357&ref=pd_sl_8dnsqbyxvy_b

Is there a difference between Sata and Sata11 as far as an adapter is concerned?

Renee

 

Man, that is so far down the list of things that needs to be fixed on the W520 it can hardly be called an issue. If you have a W520 and the Intel Series 510 SSD drive, you get used to shutting down instead of restarts. It's almost like getting used to the placement of the control key.

I did notice my machine appeared to restart today without the " punitive" 30-40 second delay on a restart. I was doing some BIOS testing and wasn't paying real close attention. I typically use a couple machines at a time so when it restarts I am usually focused elsewhere.

Renee, if " I already purchased one wrong SSD for my W520 and that was punitive so I want to be sure I have it correct this time" refers to the Intel Series 510, you might be a little more explicit so there's no guesswork. Punitive is a pretty strong word to describe a minor delay.

 

Buying a 260 GB ssd and not being able to use it, is "punitive". I've had this SSD for months.

The ssd I bought was a Runcore RCP-IV-S2556-MC 256 GB drive.

I got the Runcorp because it was reputed to be a high speed ssd. My W520 works pefectly.

Renee

 

Why is it that you don't use the 2.5" Runcore in the W520? Your SSD doesn't have to be mSata.

 

Actually this is my way of arriving at the same conclusion. So all i need is an adapter?
MSATA is simply another physical presentation of Sata. So, an adapter should do it.

Renee

 

I am truly confused now. Msata to sata adapters are easy to find. There are a huge number on ebay. But a Sata disk, which I have, to msata does not seem to be around at all.

An example of an Msata to sata seems to look like this:
Renice mSATA to SATA II SSD Adapter | My Digital Discount

But is their an adapter that will allow me ti put my 2.5 inch sata onto my W520?

Renee

 

SATA to mSATA converter? I would believe that would be physically impossible to fit a 2.5" drive in the mSATA slot

 

Thats really what this entire thread is about. I started by saying that I had bought the wrong ssd (and I gave the model number of the SSD that I purchased). The reply was "buy an adapter" which got my hopes up.

So the question still remains...is there a way to replace the disk that came with the processor in my W520 with a 2.5 inch Sata Runcorp SSD physically?

PrivateJarhead these were your words in this thread: "you'll need to get a 2.5" SSD (like the Crucial M4, Intel 320, etc) and install it in the HDD bay"

Renee

 

Yeah, just take out your current drive and replace it with the new. Not much to it if you're replacing the 2.5" drive.

 

Thank you!!! I've waited months for that answer!

Will I need an adapter or anything?

Renee

 

Replacing a 2.5" drive with another 2.5" drive? no adapters needed, except for the rubber rails that Lenovo puts around the drive in the W520. Just slip them on your new drive and that'll be it (I use said rails with my 320, even though they were originally for the stock Seagate HDD).

 

ok. IF I understand correctly that Sata will fit in the Msata slot back physically and electrically.

I do have Easeus copying software, but have no way to have both disks in the system at once?

Renee

 

Wait, what? So, is the original drive mSATA and the new one SATA, or vice versa? mSATA and SATA are only similar in that they both issue/take SATA commands and that that pin layout is *somewhat* similar (with mSATA obviously being smaller). You can have both mSATA and SATA drives in your laptop at once (since they take up two different areas, the 2.5" drive goes int he HDD bay, the mSATA goes where the 3G card would go).

 

The new drive is a Sata SSD and the old drive is the original is a from the factory electromechanical drive.

My understanding is that SATA and M-Sata are the same electrically with different physical packaging.

Renee

 

Oh okay, just wanted to make sure. So yeah, just replace the HDD with the SSD and put the rubber rails on. Afterwards, install OS, programs, data, enjoy.

 

OK...

I have another lenovo USB drive (a third drive) that I am attempting to backup the partitionns with. So I can use either MS backup or Easeus to first of all back up on to and then onto the new SSD.

Do you have any recomendations about which way go? I have a feeling that Easeus is alredy barking because thr lenovo disk is a apparently a dynamic disk?

If I back up the existing lenovo system disk, will it automatically autopartition the destination or new system disk keeping in mind that the system partion has at least 3 others?

Renee

 

Honestly, I don't have any experience with Easeus (or any other 3rd party tool), so I can't comment. I have used Windows to back up my OS to two different drives, and a server at home, though I've never had to backup my computer, so I'm unsure if they are good copies of the OS. What I usually do is simply copy/paste my data to different drives in case of failure (I care way more about data than the OS/applications; I can simply reinstall those later).

 

Copy and paste does NOT work as a system disk backup, although MS does it well.

In the upper left hand corner of the back up page it has the make a system disk image backup choice. Thats the correct to use for a bootable system disk.

Renee

 

No no, what I meant was that I copy and paste my data (docs, pictures, music, etc), but I do use Windows Backup for the OS.

 

We're about to learn if it will parition or not. Actually, I hope it does, I rather like this lenovo disk.

Renee

I promise...Windows backup is safe for a bootable disk....I've done it many times.

I've never attempted copying a multi-partitioned disk which I am attempting tonight.

Renee

Do I go in from the keyboard side or the rear to get to the system disk mechanically? I haven't attempted anything on the W520 although I knew my way around the T61P before my accident.

Renee

I found the hardware manual on the net and it look I go in from the bottom and it appears that windows has successfully backed up the the system.

So I'm going to go take care of that.

Renee

I think I have some trouble.

Situation: The original disk is out of the system and the uninitialized SSD is in there. I dont think the system can see it since it is unitialized. The thing is that I dont have a way to inilize it, I don't think if that the problem. The other problem maybe that the disk I am replacing make for about 360 gigabytes, the disk I am writing to is 264 GB. I fear that although the space is not used backup detects a usable difference in size where the target disk is smaller petitionwise than the source I fear that ms backkup will not try to back it up.

With that, I think i'm going to bed soon.

Renee


Mod note: Please EDIT your post rather than making multiples. Thank you.

 

Well, for replacing the 2.5" drive, I took some pictures of what to do.

First, discharge yourself. It's important you don't (possibly) kill your electronics before using them! Any grounded device will do (AC unit for me), or if you don't have an ESD band, just touch a grounded object (like a desktop's case) for a few seconds.

Spoiler

Then take out the battery and discharge the computer by holding down the power button for ~10 seconds

Spoiler

Then use either a #0 or #1 Phillips screwdriver (I'm using a #0 in the picture).

Spoiler

Carefully remove the old HDD by sliding it towards the left (towards the edge of the laptop) and lifting up at an angle.

Spoiler

Remove rubber rails.

Spoiler

Attach rails to the SSD. Slide it in at an angle...

Spoiler

...And then lay flat and push it into the SATA connector.

Spoiler

Finally, screw the panel back in, put the battery back in and boot.

As for your recent problem of going from 360GB --> 264GB, I think you could try going back to the old HDD, Windows Backup, and choosing only to back up the OS and program files, then restoring that backup to the SSD (OS+programs should be smaller than 264GB). Then copy over your docs/pics/whatever. Since you mention you have multiple partitions, I'm guessing that you have OS/programs on one, and data on the other? If so, this method could be useful as it's simple to just use Windows Backup to restore your OS/program partition, and then later move your data yourself.

Or... assuming that you haven't used all 360GB, you can use (right-click) Computer --> Manage --> Disk Management --> (right-click on your HDD or partitions) Shrink Volume. Hopefully, you could shrink your wanted partitions down to <264GB that way, though if Windows won't budge after a certain number of GB, you might have to use a 3rd party tool like PerfectDisk to move the unmovable files (like the MBR) to allow you to shrink even more. After running that, go back to Shrink Volume until you get the desired size.

 

The Windows backup program doesn't support restores to a target smaller than the source. It's one of the main reasons I use Acronis True Image Home 2010.

Don't bother trying to use True Image Home 2011 or 2012. Bug ridden.

 

Also I learned the hard way that any modification to the Windows backup voids it. Including renaming the directory and then renaming it back to the original name.

 

Well, I haven'y gotten to bed yet. I had about 16 emergencies.

I knew that that backup didn't support disks smaller in capacity. Oh well.

There a mode that one pays attention to, in installs. One of the modes is AHCI at any rate Windows in install mode does not see my ssd. I'm having to reinstall because Acronis ate my system disk alive that is the easy clone did. It couldn't see the SSD either. The SSD is unformatted so. I have a feeling thats why no one can see it.

How do I change from AHCI to the other mode on an ssd?

Renee

Well, I haven'y gotten to bed yet. I had about 16 emergencies.

I knew that that backup didn't support disks smaller in capacity. Oh well.

There a mode that on pays attention to in installing a system. One of the modes is AHCI at any rate Windows in install mode does not see my ssd. I'm having to reinstall because Acronis ate my system disk alive that is the easy clone did. It couldn't see the SSD either. The SSD is unformatted so. I have a feeling thats why no one can see it.

How do I change from AHCI to the other mode on an ssd?

Renee

Desperately,,,,I need to know how and where to put a system disk and my ssd on the same notebook.

Renee


Mod note: RENEE - Please EDIT your posts instead of posting multiple times in a row. Thank you.

 

First of all, I recommend rest. Second, I think I am confused on what you are trying to do at this point.

Do you have a new drive in the primary bay you are trying to restore a previous backup to?

Is a mSATA drive present in the WWAN PCIe slot?

What were the source drives? What are the target drives?

 

First of all, I recommend rest. Second, I think I am confused on what you are trying to do at this point.

Do you have a new drive in the primary bay"

YES

you are trying to restore a previous backup to?

Actually at this juncture...Acronis corrupted the entire partition control block and therefore the source disk.

"Is a mSATA drive present in the WWAN PCIe slot?"

No.

I am trying to move the contents of a system disk to an SSD so it will be the system disk of my laptop.

"What were the source drives?" The source was the Lenovo electomechanical driive. "What are the target drives?"
The target would be the new SSD.

The source drive was a levono 300GB disk.

The target is the SSD. ALL has gone to hell now because of coruption by Acronis. Plus today, the maid lost a runner to the original disk. I have ordered Lenovo Win7 dvds.

I'm having difficultiy initializing the SSD with only one disk at the time.

Renee

 

"Mod note: Please EDIT your post rather than making multiples. Thank you."

Why? People miss when little information is added.

Renee

 

At this point I would recommend the following:

1. Install Windows 7 from scratch to the new SSD in the primary bay with no other drives present in the machine.
2. Install your applications from scratch to the new SSD.
3. Place the source drive if it's usable at all into an external enclosure and copy your personal docs, music, pics, etc. to the user area for your ID on the new drive.

Good luck

 

Thank you!,

I had come to that conclusion myself except number 3. For the desktop, I am due to get a new Extreme around mid November when the new Extremes come out.

On the system that I just lost I had some expensive apps like photoshop. I'll have to go through that again.

Renee

 

Everytime I've installed to a new machine and ran into activation issues with Dreamweaver, Photoshop, or whatever product, I had no issues having the software publisher turn on additional activations. Unfortunately getting this done on the weekend might be a challenge but you should be able to call the publishers you need on Monday and get any profile updates made at that time.

I have never lost a product from Sony, Adobe, Acronis, Symantec or any others in this fashion. Just tell them it's a new drive in a new machine.

Cheers

 

Thank you!

Private Jarhead et al. I am a former pricipal software engineer with Digital Equipment. I know Dave cutler the designer of NTFS - I don't think I needed the pictures.

Renee

 

Last night I tried installing Windoze and Formatting the disk however none of the software including Diskpart could see the ssd, meaning that I could not use the disk.

Renee

 

I would contact the maker of the drive. If your W520 is set to AHCI in the BIOS and the drive doesn't work, it sure looks like the issue is with the drive.

My next drive is likely going to be the new Samsung.

FYI, Cutler left DEC 23 years ago.

 

No offense, but regardless of your old job title, your confusion of mSATA and normal SATA warrants Private Jarhead's decision to post pictures. Besides, knowing the guy who design NTFS doesn't have anything to do with knowing which HDD interface is available currently, so I don't know why you're bringing these useless info up.

Secondly, W520 supports 2.5" SATA HDD (in addition with mSATA support, which you shouldn't use considering your confusion), so simply use your Runcore SSD in there is fine. Use a HDD manager software to clone the original HDD into the SSD and you're set to go, no need to mess with mSATA.

Also, spelling Windows as Windoze is a sign of immaturity, regardless of age. If you want to be taken as an intelligent poster, I suggest dropping that habit.

 

I'm not confused at all. If you think I am confused, you are the one who is confused.

Tell me please how I an supposed to connect or deal with the Runcorp if Windows can not see it? Also tell me how to connect anything to work on the runcorp with only one SATA disk connection and the DVD? No matter what I do, I cannot and have never seen the Runcore including with Diskpart. Is it initialized? I dont know. Not even diskpart is able to see it. There is no way to use the disk manager with one interface or have you missed that?

I've orderedl a disk replacement, a 260 GB Samsung SSD from Newegg. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

I don't think my spelling of Windoze is a sign of immaturity. I think anyone who defends such a childish operating system says tons about the person defebding it. In short, I find your post abusive.

Renee

 

Trust me, if my post is abusive, it would have been removed a long time ago. Maybe the problem is that you're too sensitive, in which case I recommend growing a thick skin, but I digress...

The fact that you believe that the W520 only supports mSATA, and thus looking for an SATA to mSATA adapter is what clues me of your confusion. I'm merely looking at what you've said in the posts to draw my conclusion.

Regarding your Runcore drive (not Runcorp, Runcore), if it's not detected by the laptop, how have you been using it with another laptop? I recommend putting it back in the original laptop, see if you can format or initialize it there. It's unusual to suddenly be corrupted like that. Throwing money at something new isn't the solution. Looking for a way to reuse what you have is the way to go, and you're bound to learn a few new things along the way.

Regarding your insistence on using Windoze, be my guest. I'm not defending Microsoft, nor am I a Windows loyalist. I've tried all OS at some point or another, and think they all have their merits. The majority of internet goers who refer to Windows as Windoze, from what I've seen, are Apple loyalists, or ignorant technologists. I was simply recommending changing your habit in order to establish a good impression on others who are helping you. Now, if you're on an Apple forum, maybe using such word is a good thing... In fact, I see that you refer to Windows as a childish operating system, which I find ironic, as one major complaint with Windows is that it's too complicated for some people, and thus they turn to OSX due to ease of use.

 

The back and forth at the start of this thread seems to suggest otherwise. I think it is quite rude to brush off someone's help and say you're too intelligent for it when you constantly mix up the ideas they're helping you with.

This post pretty much warranted the picture help:

Instead of brushing them off, perhaps you could thank them for taking the time to help out? Even if you're offended by the insinuation that help was warranted.

 

The back and forth comes from incomplete communication. When are you going to understand that?

I asked a list of questions above which have gone unanswered - talk about thorughness? I'll admit, I was confused but it was due to information from specific questions that were asked here. Sata and Msata are the same electricically, they differ in their mechanical connections. Thats all anyone needed to say.

Renee