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    Encrypted HDD for VGN-Z

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by kakapo, Jun 20, 2011.

  1. kakapo

    kakapo Notebook Geek

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    my VGN-Z590 has a 128GB SSD (2x64GB in RAID0), and we're being required to implement a whole disk encryption which doesn't play nice with RAID controllers. i have a couple of options: 1) buy a dell ('preferred vendor') E6320 or E6220 (when it comes out) or 2) swap to 'self-encrypting' HDD in my existing sony.

    even though SB >> C2D, i was hoping to wait until ivy bridge to get a new laptop, and the screens on the latitudes are so awful in comparison that i'd like to explore option 2.

    i'm assuming i can swap to any compatible-form-factor HDD (1.8", yes?), is that correct? i'd prefer a 'self-encrypting' HDD for speed reasons, and i don't think any of the original drives were. also, what about the cable? i went to sonystyle and looked for replacement parts for vgnz590 and found the HDDs but nothing i could decipher as the associated cable. do i just have to order the HDD and scavenge the cable?

    thanks!

    P.S. i tried a search of the forum for this topic, but i keep getting "invalid_search_query"... maybe from using noscript, even though i allow notebookreview.com? in any case, i manually scanned the first ten pages of posts and found the VPC-Z1 drive replacement thread but nothing on VGN series.
     
    kakapo, Jun 20, 2011
    #1
  2. beaups

    beaups New Jack Hustler

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    VGN-Z supports 1 standard 2.5" drive. Just swap out to a single, larger, SSD if you're concerned?
     
    beaups, Jun 20, 2011
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  3. rsatmans

    rsatmans Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes, you can simply swap in a new hard drive. The VGN-Z uses a 2.5 drive. This drive would work Seagate ST9500422AS. That is currently the fastest self encrypting FIPS drive (until the 750gb unit comes out). To replace the VGN-Z hard drive it is a matter of removing screws from the bottom of the case and taking off the keyboard to gain access to the drive.
     
    rsatmans, Jun 20, 2011
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  4. Ashers

    Ashers Notebook Evangelist

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    I use PGP WDE and that works perfectly fine with the SSD RAID in my VPC-Z. In fact, I don't notice any drop in speed. Maybe you can persuade them to let you use that encryption tool.
     
    Ashers, Jun 21, 2011
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  5. kakapo

    kakapo Notebook Geek

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    Thanks for all the suggestions!

    I'm still at a loss about what to do re: the HDD cable? I also realized that I'll need a different bracket to hold the HDD. Any suggestions?

    Anyone know what the speed difference between a FIPS 7200rpm HDD vs. a SSD w/o hardware encryption (software only)?
     
    kakapo, Jun 21, 2011
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