Hard disk upgrade - is a "zander" BIOS required

[alewis]

Hi

Just bought a T420, and want to replace the 200GB hard disk with an SSD. When I did this on my T61, I needed a modified BIOS to allow me to use a non-IBM hard disk (the 'Zander' BIOS). Is a modified BIOS required for the T420, or I can just plonk an non-IBM/Lenovo drive in?

If it is required... where do I obtain?

Many thanks in advance

[Cigarguy]

Just to be clear you don't need a modify BIOS in order to use a non-Lenovo HDD in a T61. You DO need a modify BIOS (Middleton's) in order to get SATA II speed because Lenovo's official BIOS restricted SATA speed to SATA I. The is most desirable for a SSD but not necessary for HDD even though Middleton's BIOS offer other advantages too.

The T420 have native SATA III on it's main SATA port and no it does not require any special BIOS if you want to swap the HDD out.

[alewis]

So ignoring anything about the T61

I do not need a modified BIOS for the T420 at all; I can use a non-Lenovo SSD/HD, and it will run at full SATA-III spec, "as is"?

Thanks.

[ajkula66]

Yes you can.