BleepingComputer.com: Hard Drive for Laptop

So the hard drive on my laptop is starting to fail, error codes and bad blocks. From looking through post this means I should replace asap.

So what do I have to buy to replace it? Just a 2.5" drive or is there something speific for laptops? I have only really dealt with desktops.

Thanks
Jeff

Well...before I went too far, I would run the appropriate HD manufacturer's diagnostic (long test) on the drive...that's pretty conclusive in determining drive status, IMO.

Hard Drive Installation and Diagnostic Tools - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic28744.html

As for replacement, any one should do since you have to clean install XP on it or clone your existing drive to it.

That is...unless you find something that indicates otherwise.

Louis

Ok, so the hard drive was a seagate, downloaded the seagate seatools and this is the log file after running a couple tests, tends to fail most.

So what is a good hard drive to purchase to replace? Seagate a decent replacement?

SeaTools for Windows v1.2.0.1 ---------------
02/01/2010 4:05:35 PM
Model: ST9120821AS
Serial Number: 5PL3T453
Firmware Revision: 8.04
SMART - Pass 02/01/2010 4:05:35 PM
Identify - Started 02/01/2010 4:05:52 PM
Long DST - Started 02/01/2010 4:06:05 PM
Long DST - FAIL 02/01/2010 4:07:30 PM
SeaTools Test Code: 68A5A0F8
Short DST - Started 02/01/2010 4:07:51 PM
Short DST - FAIL 02/01/2010 4:09:22 PM
SeaTools Test Code: 68A5A0E8
Long Generic - Started 02/01/2010 4:13:56 PM
Long Generic - FAIL 02/01/2010 4:19:36 PM
SeaTools Test Code: 68A5A0D8

I've had all sorts of hard drives...I don't believe there is a "best" nor is there a "worst".

That means that purchasing one comes down to nothing but user preference.

Some persons like extended warranties...some go by price...many just go by something they heard long ago which is no longer applicable.

I suggest taking a look at the drives available and seeing what the differences might be (price, warranty period, capacity, cache, SATA vs PATA, etc.).

The one thing you need to ensure...is that you get the correct type (PATA or SATA) for your laptop...and that you get 2.5-inch, not 3.5-inch.

Louis

Quote

Indeed.

And going by the model number (Model: ST9120821AS), it appears to be a SATA 1.5Gb/s 5400rpm drive.

So you could get something identical, like this.

Or get a faster SATA 3Gb/s 7200rpm drive and have it run at 1.5Gbps, depending on the hardware support.

Hope this helps.