is it possible to use laptop HDD in desktop

jas72 · 31 Oct 2006 at 11:38

My laptop is busted so I want to move it to my 2nd desktop and have it running as my main HDD?

How does the laptop HDD get power as there doesn't seem to be any powersupply?

I currently have it in an external USB box so that I could copy over data but it would be great to use it as the drive for my 2nd pc (which i call franky due to it's composition)

clear?

Thought so.

z0mbi3 · 31 Oct 2006 at 11:40

Some sort of adaptor I would've thought.

Problem with laptop HDD's is that they have a tendency to be on the slow side.

rpstewart · 31 Oct 2006 at 11:56

Yeah, perfectly possible to do but as noted it'll be a bit slower than a 3.5" desktop HDD.

All you need is an adaptor to break out the connector into normal IDE and molex connections, there are plenty about but they go under all sorts of different names.

Captain Fizz · 31 Oct 2006 at 13:11

I've run a Win2k3 server in a desktop from a 2.5" HDD.
No problems.

There's a wee converter which takes the 5V from your Molex and goes between your lappy HDD and your IDE cable.
Handy bit of kit - Especially for retrieving data from laptops.

Although it would probably be worth buying a cheap HDD though for your desktop...

freneticvirus · 1 Nov 2006 at 16:49

on the plus side, they're generally quieter too

MAllen · 1 Nov 2006 at 22:04

If you have problems in locating a notebook hard disk convertor, email me (check trust details). I have used these many times, and should be able to get one for you.

If you are handy with making cables, I can also point you at the cable design to do it yourself.

Basically it has a normal IDE connnector on one end, and the notebook connector on the other. Then the last two pins are connected to the 5V line of a standard Molex.

Bomag · 2 Nov 2006 at 22:45

You could go for a SATA 2.5" drive which has the same connectors as 3.5" SATA disk.

rpstewart · 3 Nov 2006 at 10:13

Bomag said:
You could go for a SATA 2.5" drive which has the same connectors as 3.5" SATA disk.

Yeah, nice idea for a new build especially for a quiet HTPC etc but the OP already has a disk from an old laptop.

hardc0re_tid · 3 Nov 2006 at 10:57

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NOTEBOOK-LAPT...2007460QQihZ015QQcategoryZ31534QQcmdZViewItem

MAllen · 3 Nov 2006 at 11:17

hardcore - delete that linkie before a mod slaps your wrist. That is technically a competitor, even though everyone would probally guess to look there.

hardc0re_tid · 3 Nov 2006 at 13:52

MAllen said:
hardcore - delete that linkie before a mod slaps your wrist. That is technically a competitor, even though everyone would probally guess to look there.

have u seen the amount of other threads linking to ebay. OcUK dont do the adapter so its not like im doing them out of business, even if the seller has a shop Ocuk will do better prices and are trustworthy to buy from