Suggestions for T40 hard drive replacement?

[kidziti]

THE ISSUE: My T40 hard drive is definitely having issues (bad block errors, failed SMART extended self test and failed surface scan test - but it's still working). Fortunately, my data is secure and backed up - and most of the important stuff resides on a x-RAID Nas.

MY QUESTION: I am looking for a replacement drive now. Buying direct through Lenovo gives me basically two options - the standard 80 GB 4200 RPM drive at $261 or the upgraded 100 GB 5400 RPM drive at $411 (the biggest and fastest RPM available apparently). Are there better alternatives in hardware (I'm inclined to stick with Lenovo/IBM drives) or can I purchase the drives elsewhere (eg. cheaper) with a manufacturers warranty?

Any thoughts/ideas greatly appreciated.

Lee

[RealBlackStuff]

Pick your choice
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... name=ATA-6

[kidziti]

Hey - thanks! But I'm afraid of ordering something that will either be incompatible right out of the box, or something that might be an unwise selection that could cause me problems down the road. Is there a way to ensure compatibility for both installation and daily operation? Are there size limits or RPM limits I need to be aware of? My current hard drive information from the Lenovo site is:

Technical specifications (FRU # 08K9863/13N6709)

Performance specifications as known at time of announcement

2.5-inch, 9.5-mm height MCC compliance
Up to 80 GB(1) formatted capacity
512 bytes/sector
No-ID recording format
PRML data channel
Enhanced ECC On The Fly
Advanced GMR heads with optimization writer enhancement
Load/unload head technology
Enhanced IDE Interface with Ultra-DMA transfer mode 2
(1) GB equals one billion bytes when referring to storage capacity; accessible capacity is less.

Interface: ATA/ATAPI-5
Formatted capacity: Up to 80 GB
Rotational speed: 4,200 rpm
Number of disks/drive: 2
Number of heads: 4
Interface transfer rate: 100 MB/sec
Maximum media transfer rate: 297 Mbits/sec
Average read seek time: 12 ms
Average write seek time: 14 ms
Latency (average ms): 5.5

Lee

[aaa]

There are no hidden compatibility issues (unlike the T43). Just make sure it is PATA or ATA-6 like on newegg (not SATA), and is 2.5 inch. You can get any one of those.

Any issues are the same issues other computers get, so just look at the reviews. I have an HM160HC, it's my favorite but you can see that there is a thread about the one issue it has. Another recommendation is the WD2500BEVE, which I haven't used so you can do a search here to see what people thought of it.

[hobbes]

I have an HM160HC

I have the same drive and am quite happy with it. No problems and it was a noticeable step up in speed from the 40GB Hitachi Travelstar I previously had in my T42. Only cost $55 as well so it was quite a bargain compared to the drives you are looking at.

All drives will have a warranty. The Samsung has a 3-year and Seagate gives a 5-year warranty. Don't know about the Western Digital drives. Newegg is a great retailer with a great reputation. Pick a good drive from their site and you'll be happy and have more money in your pocket.

[kidziti]

Geesh - I'm glad I asked. Looks like I was about to pay 5 or 6 times more for a lot less! Thank you for the detailed responses - it's a HUGE help!

Lee

[kidziti]

I just ordered the Western Digital Scorpio Blue 250 GB drive (WD2500BEVE) for $85. Seems to have terrific capacity, good reliability, good comments, a decent 3 year warranty and - above all - compatible with my T40. Thanks to everyone for the help. $85 for 250 GB seems a rocking better deal than the $411 for 100 GB that Lenovo wanted. Compared as cost per GB, the Lenovo drive is over 12 times more expensive (the WD is 34 cents/GB while the Lenovo is $4.11/GB). My head is spinning.

Lee

[Xenomorph]

How can I find out what will work with my T43?

The 80 Gig drive I have is plenty for a Laptop. But I'm worried that I'll be stuck if it ever dies.

[RealBlackStuff]

Read the Sticky: Problems with non-thinkpad option drives on T43 thinkpads

[Beaver]

And do backups of your important data if you do not want them lost if HDD fails.

[kidziti]

The new 250 GB WD drive installed with no problem and works perfectly. Runs cool and quiet and fast. Thanks for the suggestions - and the help!