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General discussion

Toshiba A105-S4104 and SATA2 HDD

May 15, 2009 10:56AM PDT

I'd like to buy a hard disk to a Toshiba Satellite model A105-S4104. This laptop is SATA 1 compatible (1,5Gb/s). However I?d like to buy a SATA 2 (3Gb/s) HDD and use it on other future machine.

I?ve done some research and I know this is possible with desktop machines and HDDs of 3.5?. This is, use a SATA 2 HDD on a SATA 1 compatible desktop. I?ve read this is possible by setting jumpers?

Is it possible with laptops? In other words, can I buy a 2.5? SATA 2 HDD to this Toshiba Satellite A105-S4104, and will it work? Are there those jumpers in this kind of 2.5? HDDs?

Could someone help giving detailed support to this problem?

Notebook?s support page
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/modelContent.jsp?ct=SB&os=&category=&moid=1364125&rpn=PSAA8U&modelFilter=A105-S4104&selCategory=3&selFamily=1073768663

Notebook?s technical specification
http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/detailed_specs/satellite_A105-S4104.pdf

Western Digital Scorpio Blue (WD3200BEVT)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.wdc.com/pt/products/products.asp?driveid=377

Samsung Spinpoint M7 (HM320II)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=72&type=62&subtype=67&model_cd=448&ppmi=1159

Samsung Spinpoint MU-X (HM320JX)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/productmodel.do?group=72&type=62&subtype=85&model_cd=396&ppmi=1182

Seagate Momentus 5400.5 (ST9320320AS)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=ST9320320AS_momentus_5400_5_sata_3Gbs_320gb_hd&vgnextoid=5fb658a3fd20a110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=2bcb9a74ff20a110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&reqPage=Model

Seagate Momentus 5400.6 (ST9320325ASG ou ST9320325AS)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=st9320325asg-momentus-5400.6-sata-3gb-320gb-hd&vgnextoid=590ae0f933140210VgnVCM1000001a48090aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ef8cca301cb2d110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&reqPage=Model

Seagate Momentus 5400 FDE.3 (ST9320322AS)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=st9320322as-momentus-5400-fde.3-sata-enterprise-320gb-hd&vgnextoid=bbe3e2a8469ec110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=cdd59f332d7ec110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&reqPage=Model

Toshiba (MK3255GSX)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.sdd.toshiba.com.tw/products_detail.aspx?cccname=Hard+Disk+Drives&ccname=2.5-inch+HDDs+&cname=320GB+MK3255GSX+(5%2c400rpm)&id=P_00000086
http://www3.toshiba.co.jp/storage/english/spec/hdd25/55.htm
http://www.sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=StorageSolutions/2.5-inchHardDiskDrives/MKxx55GSXSeries/MKxx55GSXSpecs

Toshiba (MK3253GSX)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=StorageSolutions/2.5-inchHardDiskDrives/MK3253GSX/MK3253GSXSpecifications

Toshiba (MK3252GSX)
320 GB, 3 Gb/s, cache de 8 MB, 5400 RPM
http://www.sdd.toshiba.com.tw/products_detail.aspx?cccname=Hard+Disk+Drives&ccname=2.5-inch+HDDs+&cname=320GB+MK3252GSX+(5%2c400rpm)&id=P_00000028
http://www3.toshiba.co.jp/storage/english/spec/hdd25/52.htm
http://www.sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=StorageSolutions/2.5-inchHardDiskDrives/MKxx52GSXSeries/MKxx52GSXSpecs

Thank you?

Discussion is locked

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Yup.
May 15, 2009 11:14AM PDT

Sorry, I'm keeping it to the short version. I always try leaving it set to SATA 2 then put the jumper in if there is ANY trouble.
Bob

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Should it work?
May 15, 2009 11:51AM PDT

Are there jumpers in this 2.5" HDD models?
Does that one I listed work with this laptop model?

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Just sharing.
May 15, 2009 12:03PM PDT

I can't predict the future. There are many that can never install a Windows OS and the list of troubles people have go on and on. For now I'm going to keep it very very very short. Yup, I replace SATA drives with SATA drives and apply the SATA 2 to SATA 1 jumper if there is any sign of trouble.

So this is all I can share and I will keep it to the short version.
Bob

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=D
May 15, 2009 3:22PM PDT

I've tested a Samsung 320Gb HM320JI before, and it did not work. I'm almost sure it was the model HM320JI. It wasn't even recognized by BIOS. So I gave it back to vendor.

Just pluged it, and it was not recognized, but I dindn't do anything else becouse I did not know what to do. This same model worked as external HD running with a SATA Enclosure plugged to this laptop.

What should I have done? and... What should I do next time?

Thank you guys, I really apreciate your help!

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That's a first.
May 15, 2009 11:17PM PDT

So far I'm seeing 100% success rate on SATA drive replacements. But if some one didn't know to put the jumper in to pull it back to SATA 1 speed then they could have a failure.

Another common failure is some expected the OS to boot up after changing the hard disk.

-> I have to write this since everyone's experience and skill levels differ.
Bob

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What should I do so?
May 16, 2009 1:45AM PDT

I don't know what happened at that time. I just transferred an exactly 'image' from original HHD using Acronis Software, plugged the new HDD, and it was not even recognized by BIOS. I did not do anything after that becouse I didn't know what to do since I'm newbie with laptop hardware.

I'm avarage experienced with desktops...

---------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't see any place to put jumpers at that HDD I've tested. Do 2.5" SATA HDD have it?
---------------------------------------------------------------------

You said "Another common failure is some expected the OS to boot up after changing the hard disk."

---------------------------------------------------------------------
What should we expect?
And then, what should we to do?
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you Bob. You are being very helpfull!
=D

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I don't use Acronis.
May 16, 2009 2:41AM PDT

I use G4U since "it is what I use." Now some can't accept typing in three words with the first word always the same to copy the drive. No that's not anyone making a comment about skill. I just find it interesting how many expect graphic interfaces everywhere.

As to the jumper, I always consult the documentation.

As to what to expect, I'm finding many to expect the machine to boot up Windows. What I know is there are some zillion reasons for it to fail. LET ME SHARE A COMMON ISSUE. Windows XP does not support SATA or drives over 127GB. And yes the size limit was lifted in XP SP1 but many don't want to know what "base" OS their machine came with.

I'm seeing more people that want it all to work WITHOUT learning this or that or typing in a command. Sorry but it is technical.

Bob

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=D
May 16, 2009 4:21AM PDT

I'm using XP Pro SP3, and checked the configs about windows 127Gb limitatons before doing all that work.

I don't really know why it didn't work.

Could you teach me some steps before buying one of those HDD and some steps I must follow for it to works right?

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A link to similar question
May 16, 2009 5:04AM PDT
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Hi Deniceels
May 16, 2009 11:20AM PDT
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No I can't.
May 16, 2009 7:06AM PDT

I can only share what I do with 100% success. It is now up to you to research G4U and practice such upgrades to the point you can accomplish them in your shop.

About XP Pro SP3. I want to share a recent failure where they were adamant it was XP Pro SP3. A little peek in the CD's files found it was not a Microsoft issue XP SP3 CD but some slipstreamed CD. The base OS was XP (no SP) and the 127GB limit was in full force. I'm unsure how you can deal with people that think such will work.

Bob

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Same here:
May 16, 2009 11:26AM PDT
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Toshiba Support doesn't work
May 17, 2009 1:16PM PDT

Unfortunately Toshiba Support doesn't work. I tried it with no luck.

Anyway, I've got it from Seagate's and Western Digital Support:

WD's

[quote]Thank you for contacting Western Digital Customer Service and Support.

The same principle applies to both desktop and laptop drives. However, I would suggest verifying with the computer manufacturer if the laptop will support this type of arrangement. The reason for this is, that laptop manufacturers are very specific on their systems. But, from WD's point of view, there should be no issue when using a SATA 2 on a SATA 1 port, on a laptop, as long as it is jumpered correctly.[/quote]

[quote]"However, I would suggest verifying with the computer manufacturer if the laptop will support this type of arrangement. The reason for this is, that laptop manufacturers are very specific on their systems."[/quote]

[quote]Thank you for your reply.

From a personal point of view, I would stick with what is currently supported by the computer. I honestly am sorry you have encountered such a predicament with their support. Since the unit currently supports SATA 1, I personally would stick with the same. However, if you are certain that in the future you will need a SATA 2 drive, and would be willing to wing it on this one, I would say that theoretically, you should encounter no issues using a SATA 2 drive on a SATA 1 port as long as it is appropriately jumpered. I'm sorry I am unable to give you a definitive positive answer, but again, computer manufacturers can be incredibly specific when it comes to laptop computers.

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
Johnny H.[/quote]

Seagate's

[quote]Henrique,

You ask :

1. " I'd like to buy a hard disk to a Toshiba Satellite model A105-S4104. This laptop is SATA 1 compatible (1,5Gb/s). However I?d like to buy a SATA 2 (3Gb/s) HDD and use it on other future machine. I?ve done some research and I know this is possible with desktop machines and HDDs of 3.5?. This is, use a SATA 2 HDD on a SATA 1 compatible desktop. I?ve read this is possible by setting jumpers? Is it possible with laptops? In other words, can I buy a 2.5? SATA 2 HDD to this Toshiba Satellite A105-S4104, and will it work? Are there those jumpers in this kind of 2.5? HDDs?

Regarding the jumpers; the jumpers for the Momentus models you are interested in, can be set, just as in a 3.5" drive, to 1.5 or 3.0.

2.Could someone help giving detailed support to this problem? Notebook?s support page http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/modelContent.jsp?ct=SB&os=&category=&moid=1364125&rpn=PSAA8U&modelFilter=A105-S4104&selCategory=3&selFamily=1073768663 Notebook?s technical specification http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/detailed_specs/satellite_A105-S4104.pdf

Desirable Seagate?s HDD models: Seagate Momentus 5400.5 (ST9320320AS) Seagate Momentus 5400.6 (ST9320325ASG ou ST9320325AS) Seagate Momentus 5400 FDE.3 (ST9320322AS) "


Laptop computers have 3 main issues to address:

1) Physical compatibility. Seagate laptop models come in 9.5 mm height, or approximately .374 of an inch. Verify what your computer can support and select a model that meets that maximum height requirement

2) Addressing capability; Most SATA laptop systems employ a 48-bit addressing system for data transfer between the operating system, BIOS, the system chip sets and the hard drive. 48-bit LBA addressing, increases the drive capacity limit to 144 petabytes. Hardware and software solutions are required from your O/S, BIOS and Chip Sets to enable the 48-bit address feature set. Some laptop BIOS are set with a manufacturers own limitations and contacting the manufacturer regarding maximum drive capacity is recommended.

3) System compatibility. Some laptop manufacturer's designs were somewhat proprietary and would only work on certain model disc drives. This means the manufacturer had designed a system that has requirements beyond the SATA ANSI standards as determined by the American National Standards Institute, (ANSI) committee. Again, contacting the manufacturer regarding maximum drive capacity is recommended.

We believe the drives you selected will present no physical problems but you will need to confirm that prior to making your purchase. You will need to contact Toshiba regarding capacity limits. Operation in 1.5 and 3.0 environments is no issue. We have included the specifications of the selected drives for your review.[/quote]

And the Great Toshiba Support answered me:

[quote]Dear Sir,

Thank you for your recent e-mail for Toshiba.

We sell our HDDs(Hard Disk Drives) only to our OEM customers
such as PC manufacturers, system integrators, add-on kit makers
and so on,
and not sold to end users directly as a single unit.

After-sales service and support about HDD for end users are
available directly from our OEM customers(PC manufacturers)
and their authorized distributors and dealers.

If you want to replace HDD for your PC, please contact your
PC manufacturer(Toshiba PC support center in your country/area).

Please read FAQ
http://www3.toshiba.co.jp/storage/english/faq/index.htm[/quote]

Anybody else or something else?

Thank you for your help...