X31 - New Hard Drive?

[BoneKrusher]

Hi folks,

I've owned this wonderful X31 for over 5 years and it runs like a top, especially now that I cleaned it up with the "Access IBM" button. Everything's OEM.

My question is: should I replace the HDD now before it fails? this is something I've thought about a couple years ago, since HDDs do go bad and it came with a 40GB, 4500rpm unit. . .it's probably good that I invest in one.

Before restoring my X31, I backed up everyting in it, so I'm pretty much running bare bones with it. It would be nice to run an 80GB, 5400rpm unit in here or maybe a 7200rpm one, but I definitely don't want more heat. . .

If it's a YES to replace my HDD, will I absolutely need one of those Apricorn EZ upgrades units or may I just buy the HDD and do the swap with its own application software? How would the embedded IBM recovery and OS transfer over to the new hard drive?

Thanks to everyone in advance for your expert input. I pretty much know what kind of drive to get, but if you have recommendation chime it in.

Cheers

BoneKrusher

[mazzinia]

Hi,

I guess it depends on the use you did of the hd (number of hours on, vibrations while working, off/on cycles). Personally (note the personally part, you would want to wait other opinions) if used daily for around 7/8 hours * 5 years, I would consider a preemptive replacement OR (and these are always advisable) very regular backups of the data (daily) coupled with some images of the hd (like in a new condition or when all your standard apps are installed).

A modern 5400 drive would be more or less equivalent to a 7200 due to the different recording technology now used, and with a lot of them the noise or the heat is the last of the problems (seagate are good in this sense, for me).

Copying the HPA is a bit messy, and you should be able to find full instructions either in the Faqs or with a search. An alternative would be to use Recovery Cds, that would recreate also the HPA on a brand new hd (the hd must support it, hitachi does for sure, other brands must be checked.. look for Beer/Parties support).
Without the HPA, you cannot restore the os using "Access IBM" button

[aaa]

Replace it. Get the biggest 5400rpm (bigger is also faster).

[virge]

I second what aaa says. I just swapped out a 40GB 5400RPM drive for a 120GB 5400RPM one on my X30 and it made a noticeable difference. Both drives were Hitachi (don't have the model number right now). The 40GB was only 30-40% full and recently defragged.

[godling]

I second what aaa says. I just swapped out a 40GB 5400RPM drive for a 120GB 5400RPM one on my X30 and it made a noticeable difference. Both drives were Hitachi (don't have the model number right now). The 40GB was only 30-40% full and recently defragged.

if storage space is not an issue (ie, 40GB is plenty for you), I just picked up a Transcend SSD from NewEgg for $90. 32GB. Very fast. Installed the OS (WinXP Pro) in under 20 minutes, and boots in less than 30 seconds.

[BoneKrusher]

New HDD is in my future then.

Can I just pull this off by getting a new HDD and that's it? or will I need a ghosting program or that Apricorn unit?

I'd rather just transfer the recovery onto a CD then to the new HDD via USB connected CD/DVD drive, if I can. . .if you can post link for HDD swap procedure, it will be appreciated (I know I'm not the first asking about this)

I may consider a SSD and give up room, but I don't know if they're proven yet. . .we'll see.

Cheers

BoneKrusher

[Harryc]

If you want to clone your existing drive you will need the Apricorn unit or an external USB enclosure with a cloning pgm like Acronis True image. Alternately, if you have an X3 Ultrabase, you can get an Ultrabay 2000 2nd hdd adapter and use that, but you will still need a cloning pgm. The upside to that is that you can continue to use your old drive for data storage after the clone.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=27721

[godling]

I may consider a SSD and give up room, but I don't know if they're proven yet. . .we'll see.

Not trying to "sell" you on the SSD front. As I say, I just picked up the Transcend 32Gb SSD from NewEgg for about $90. It pretty much flies. There's a thread on performance stats here:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=71881
with the most interesting bit being the graph that sjthinkpader put together:

• 

The Transcend SSD is the last column on the right. My own tests using CrystalDiskMark have resulted in pretty much the same performance stats. It's also dead quiet.

But that's your call if you want to go that route. SSDs are still relatively new to the consumer market, and the cost per gigabyte is still high compared to platter drives.

As for a guide to the HDD swap procedure, it's incredibly easy (the physical part) and outlined in the X31 maintenance manual. You can find that here:
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mo ... 9t6189.pdf

-jon