Thinkpads Forum

I've got a T61p (64606XG) with a 100GB 7200rpm SATA-I HDD. I'm considering upgrading this to a Seagate 200GB 7200rpm, but I'm not sure about compatibility.

I've got a few questions:

1. Is this maching SATAII compatible?
2. What is the difference between these 2 Seagate HDD's (ST9200420AS & ST9200420ASG). According the Seagate website the cache size is different, but everywhere on the web the cache is the same.
3. Will these HDD's work in my machine. Do I have to do some magic or flashing for it to work?
4. Will the ThinkVantage Active Protection System work for them?

If they would work, I was thinking of using Acronis (I'll have to buy) or Norton Ghost to clone it from my 100GB to the 200GB. Then I'll probably have to extend the partition.

Any Answers and thoughts welcome.

Hey rstander,
Welcome to the Forum. Not sure I can answer all your questions but I can help some.

1. "Is this maching SATAII compatible?" Not sure what you meant by that?
2. The main difference I'm aware of between the ST9200420AS & ST9200420ASG is that Seagate's "G-Force Protection™—Seagate® freefall sensor technology" is designated by the "G" at the end of the ST9200420ASG serial number of the 200GB drive. (See This Document)
3. The HD's should work in your machine without the need for flashing.
4. To my knowledge the ThinkVantage Active Protection System should work together with Seagate's "G-Force Protection" though I can't be absolutely certain. There's been a post regarding that here: "Any issues with Seagate's new 7200.2 having shock protection?"

Unfortunately, I haven't heard back yet from anyone running both protection systems to know if they do work in tandem without any conflicts. Since you already have the APS system you probably don't need a second system and apparently the drives without Seagate's "G-Force Protection" are a few bucks cheaper. To my knowledge the APS only protects the primary HDD, not any drives in the secondary drive bay.

Cost Central currently has the non-G for $157.15 and the G model for $162.68. (That's such a good deal I may grab a couple myself!)

I haven't used Ghost in several years but Acronis has an option during cloning to automatically or manually extend all partitions to fit a different drive size during the cloning process. I personally have had great experience with Acronis as have apparently most posters I've read here on the Forum.

Hope this helps,
DenTP4rm

Thanks for your reponse. What I meant by question 1 "Is this maching SATAII compatible" was: I'm not sure if my machine/chipset can operate at SATA 2. Apart from the size boost (100GB to 200GB) the other reason I want one of these drives is for SATA 2 (3GB/s), because my current drive is SATA 1 (1.5GB/s).

As for price. Unfortunately I live in South Africa, so everything computer related is [censored] expensive here.

This post might be helpful:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=54315
If you get a more definitive reply please report back.
DenTP4rm