Need advice to choose mSATA adapter for SSD on X41 Tablet

[thinktwice]

Hi,

I'm planning to make faster a X41 Tablet (Type 1869) by using a SSD.

After several readings, I chose using an mSata SSD (Crucial M4) with an adapter.

On the forum and some other places is suggested to use an mSATA to IDE 44 pin 1.8'' adapter, in its 3.3 V variant. I assume the SSD drive, mounted on the printed cirbuit board, has then to be inserted at the place where the usual 4'200 rpm hard drive was.

However, I still do have several questions to purchase the right adapter.

1) mSata (PCI-E) : why PCI-E?
I found this adapter "mSata (PCI-E) SSD 3.3V to 44pin 1.8" IDE 3.3V SSD for Laptop Adapter".
Why is PCI-E mentionned ? (Because same pin layout, despite used differently ?)
Is this just search engine optimization or is this not a true mSata but a mini-PCI-Express adaptor ?

2) Voltages : should the adapter perform a conversion from 5 V to 3,3 V?
The fact is that mSata drives require 3,3V.
The standard for 2,5'' drives is 5V.
So, when used in a classical laptop, the mSATA SSD would require an adapter that is able to do the voltage conversion.
But on the genuine 1.8'' Hitachi hard drive of the X41 Tablet is written : (DC) +3.3/5V
Does this mean that the genuine IDE drive from Hitachi drive accepts both voltages and use an internal transformer when required ?
Does the drive receive 3,3V when in an ultraportable X40/X41(T) ?
(And the 5V would be for comptatibility of the drive with common laptops ?)
The page on the German wiki as well as other sources tell about the voltage issue.
Still not clear for me however if the adapter will natively receive 3,3V from an X40/X41(T) or if one should select a model performing a conversion from 5V to 3,3V.

3) Form factor (and voltage)?
Some models, like this Delock Delock 3,3V mSATA auf 2,5" IDE 44 pin adapter suggest that they make mSata drives recognized like 2,5'' drives.
From the photo, the adapter looks compatible with Hitachi 1,8'' drives, as their width is similar to thus of 2,5'' drives. Only the "length" of the drive being smaller, in a ratio of 1.8 by 2.5. Correct?
But as it is suggested to be used to replace 2,5'' drives, does such adapter receive 5V in input that it converts to 3.3V ?

4)Prices?
There is a large range of prices from less than 9 Euro to about 35 Euro.
Are there different qualities of adapters (speed, reliability, ...) ?
Should one wonder about the main chips used on each adapter ?
Any benefit in choosing a branded Adapter (for instance a Delock) instead of a "no-name" adapter?
Experience of good or poor adapters would be welcome. Thanks.

5) Performance drop due to the ATA bridge and the adapter ?
How much does the PATA bridge as well as the adapter drop the performance of the SSD ?
Does it still react much faster than the original drive ?

Thanks a lot.

[automobus]

1) mSata (PCI-E) : why PCI-E?
I found this adapter http://www.ebay.de/itm/400505905520 mSata (PCI-E) SSD 3.3V to 44pin 1.8" IDE 3.3V SSD for Laptop Adapter.
Why is PCI-E mentionned ? (Because same pin layout, despite used differently ?)
Is this just search engine optimization

Do not buy from that seller: that one shows poor behaviour. Marking things private, is to disconnect feedback from items. This seller knowingly sells something counterfeit or shoddy, and wants buyer to know not what. Indeed, "PCI-E" is just search engine pollution.

But on the genuine 1.8'' Hitachi hard drive of the X41 Tablet is written : (DC) +3.3/5V
Does this mean that the genuine IDE drive from Hitachi drive accepts both voltages and use an internal transformer when required ?

Yes, like CompactFlash. One who knows what ey is doing, could modify a 5V model. One who has to ask (you), should get a part without 5-to-3.3 regulator, a model sold as "for 3.3 volt host".

Are there different qualities of adapters?
Should one wonder about the main chips used on each adapter?
Any benefit in choosing a branded Adapter (for instance a Delock) instead of a "no-name" adapter?
How much does the PATA bridge as well as the adapter drop the performance of the SSD ?
Does it still react much faster than the original drive ?

There are different quality sellers and different quality manufacturers. If Delock is a brand you recognise, a company which you know and trust, then you might want to buy from Delock. I do not recall reading anybody's opinion about Delock on here. I opine, chaining two ATA bridges is asking for trouble. You should read discussion: "New SSD opt. for T4x : mSATA-to-IDE adapter ST663FD9 *PICS*" http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=112081.

[RealBlackStuff]

You should do a SATA-mod instead.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=90285

[thinktwice]

Hello,

Thanks to both of you.

@automobus: Where do you see that the seller from the first link mark things private ?

@RealBlackStuff: Thank you for the interesting link. Yes, removing the PATA-SATA bridge seems the way to go. I just need to find the time (and nerves) for this, and that's not so easy !

[automobus]

Feedback page, everything is 'Privat'. http://feedback.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=cutedigital

Too many feedback are negative. Sure, every gigantoseller will occasionally encounter rotten snobbish customers, whom complain and tarnish seller reputation for any slight flaw. I think, seller (cutedigital) has too many negative feedbacks. This seller sells power supplies, soldering irons, and car headlights! This might not be as dangerous as car airbags, but still, dangerous. I cannot imagine a reason why, a seller with integrity and deals honestly, might mark electric lamps and electric heaters 'private'.