Discussion Forums > Technology
Laptop HDD question - revisited
fohfoh:
Ok, some of you may recall my thread about my laptop's HDD a few months back and here I am again. The HDD has not died yet, but I truly think it's on its way out even though SMART readings gives me a 97% performance and a 90% Fitness. So... I've been contemplating my options...
My laptop is a:
Sony Vaio SZ 480
Intel T7200 Processor @ 2.0Ghz
3GB RAM
(HDD - To be replaced) - WDC WD3200BEKT 320GB
Turbo Cache Video - Intel 945//NVidia Go 7400
So... my question is... do you think this is worth dumping an SSD into for fun? Or should I just pay 1/3rd - 1/5th of that and replace my 320GB WD HDD with another one that's similar? (80-110 dollar upgrade unless prices drop again).
Generally I only use this computer for school, but since it's a super lightweight business style computer from Sony, I really beat the shit out of it (Super thin metal that vibrates a little from the HDD and sometimes mobo fan). I might need to open it up and clean it out and maybe consider giving the mobo fan a little lube (of sorts) to keep it quieter, but other than that, it seems ok. Though I think the Mobo does indeed overheat (goes upwards of 70-90C when on load, but if I get my desktop and not use this as a primary comp, shouldn't be an issue)
I'm really considering a desktop pc, but I'd like to try and keep this one running for as long as I can.
Any suggestions? I'm assuming I'll upgrade the HDD in about 2 weeks or so when I get a new one. Personally, I'm leaning towards getting another WD 320GB @ 7200rpm w/ drop sensor (slight upgrade from my current version). But really don't know. The laptop's battery is still quite decent and capable of delivering anywhere between 1:30-4:00 of use based on settings so using it as a portable media/data setup should still suffice.
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=36405&vpn=WD3200BJKT&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33669&vpn=WD3200BEKT&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD
Also, does anyone have any idea about the 500GB + laptop HDDs based on noise/performance/fail rate?
EDIT: Just to say, I'd consider something like this if I went with an SSD... but 80GB really isn't much...
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=41732&vpn=SSDSA2MH080G2C1&manufacture=Intel
vuzedome:
Get a SSD just for the fun.
fohfoh:
--- Quote from: vuzedome on April 25, 2010, 11:54:34 PM ---Get a SSD just for the fun.
--- End quote ---
Sounds like a plan. But it seems I will need a copy of win 7 (I was business/professional) to utilize it the best.
Oh well, I can play with those two for now and then push them over to the desktop later on. Then grab a cheaper/ANOTHER SSD to toss into the laptop. ;)
For real though, I think I'm going to grab both. Play with the SSD first, then get another dual boot (probably vista//ubuntu since I don't want to buy more than 1 copy of 7 if I don't need to.... I already have 7 home premium but I think I might give that to my bro, but we'll see)
I like the SSD for the lack of sound/vibration as well as for speed. Windows will be the OS of choice for using an SSD (less of a hassle). Then, I'll toss in the drivers and get one of those 64/128GB MSPD as a perma data thing for my laptop when they get cheaper. But.... will really need to see based on money availability. Though, revive from hibernation/login in like 5 seconds is really enticing especially on a computer I don't generally like to idle. :P
PowerMac:
I like the idea of SSDs but they just cost too damn much. I have seen some laptops have a small SSD for the OS then a larger HDD for storage to get around the high cost, but if your laptop only has one HDD Bay like most I would stay with a HDD for now. Thats just me.
fohfoh:
--- Quote from: PowerMac on April 26, 2010, 12:14:15 AM ---I like the idea of SSDs but they just cost too damn much. I have seen some laptops have a small SSD for the OS then a larger HDD for storage to get around the high cost, but if your laptop only has one HDD Bay like most I would stay with a HDD for now. Thats just me.
--- End quote ---
Agreed. Which is why I'm leaning towards the WD idea.
But SSD has a bit of fun factor to it. I'll also save it for my desktop which I hope to try and build by the end of summer budget permitting. (Depends if I go travel or not).
But yeah, probably won't go SSD unless I have definitive plans for the desktop... or I might go with the 40GB version. (Since it's just for 1 more semester of school) and go all out afterwards.
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