Upgrade XBox One Phat HDD

Rich43 · 31 Jan 2018 at 19:02

Hi, I have the original phat version from launch.

I am looking to upgrade the internal HDD to like 2TB. Does it have a 2.5" laptop HDD inside it or is it 3.5"?

If its a 2.5" then its going to be similar drive to the new slim model.

I know I have to take it apart and its a little bit tricky to get inside.

I also know I can just plug in an external HDD but I carry it around in backpack so I would rather not as a long term solution.

Battery! · 31 Jan 2018 at 19:15

You cannot upgrade the internal hd.

Rich43 · 31 Jan 2018 at 19:25

Battery! said:
You cannot upgrade the internal hd.

In what way?

It would invalidate the warranty, but this console is second hand and pretty old so I don't really care about that. Its not an official thing that Microsoft would put in the manual.

It is a lot easier on the PS4, you literally just plug it into the slot. I have no idea why Microsoft did not decide to make it that easy.

Once you have managed to get inside, and removed the drive, I read that you can use drive cloning software on a PC to make a replica of the original drive.

The XBox 360 had a specially modified HDD inside so you had to install a official hard drive in that console, or it would not detect it.
I don't think Microsoft pulled the same trick with the XBox One but correct me if I am wrong.

If it is actually possible (even unofficially), I want to be sure I buy the right drive.

andshrew · 31 Jan 2018 at 20:22

There is no official way to replace the internal drive.

But it is possible and you'll need a 2.5" SATA drive; it's a considerable effort vs just getting an external drive which will also perform better than an internal one.

Rich43 · 31 Jan 2018 at 20:43

andshrew said:
There is no official way to replace the internal drive.

But it is possible and you'll need a 2.5" SATA drive; it's a considerable effort vs just getting an external drive which will also perform better than an internal one.

Ah thanks, any idea if that guide is for the original fat model?

It does sound like all models of Xbox One have a 2.5 inch drive, but I wanted to be sure before ordering one.

I actually don't mind the extra effort, looks like a fun project. I am a software developer with an interest in electrical engineering. Its like a jigsaw puzzle

Not entirely convinced that a USB drive is faster since an internal one communicates directly to the motherboard over a SATA protocol. Microsoft probably install a really slow drive by default.

hardkore · 1 Feb 2018 at 12:19

Rich43 said:
Ah thanks, any idea if that guide is for the original fat model?

It does sound like all models of Xbox One have a 2.5 inch drive, but I wanted to be sure before ordering one.

I actually don't mind the extra effort, looks like a fun project. I am a software developer with an interest in electrical engineering. Its like a jigsaw puzzle

Not entirely convinced that a USB drive is faster since an internal one communicates directly to the motherboard over a SATA protocol. Microsoft probably install a really slow drive by default.

I think the OG xbox one internally is SATA II hence why people say an external drive via USB 3.0 is faster.

malachi · 1 Feb 2018 at 13:11

Rich43 said:
Ah thanks, any idea if that guide is for the original fat model?

It does sound like all models of Xbox One have a 2.5 inch drive, but I wanted to be sure before ordering one.

I actually don't mind the extra effort, looks like a fun project. I am a software developer with an interest in electrical engineering. Its like a jigsaw puzzle

Not entirely convinced that a USB drive is faster since an internal one communicates directly to the motherboard over a SATA protocol. Microsoft probably install a really slow drive by default.

Believe it or not using an external USB 3 drive is actually faster on the original Xbox One. I have done this myself, GTA5 loading times were cut compared to using the internal drive so I moved all my games onto it.

Rich43 · 5 Feb 2018 at 06:19

I managed to get the original drive out. You do need a good quality technician's toolkit to take it apart and be slow and patient, take your time.

I got a 2tb drive going in, I have just finished copying the contents of the old drive, all I have to do now is expand the games partition and put it back together.

Battery! · 5 Feb 2018 at 12:38

I will be surprised if the Xbox detects the new drive and I will not be surprised if the Xbox is banned from Live if it does.

Interesting to see the outcome.

HeX · 5 Feb 2018 at 12:38

Lot of effort compared to just grabbing a USB 3.0 caddy...

sastusbulbas · 5 Feb 2018 at 14:17

I will be interested in seeing how you get on.

I have an original xbox one with a failed hard drive. My partner gave up getting it fixed and now its past its warranty.

Got a 500gb 2.5 hdd for £22. Now I need the tools.

Rich43 · 7 Feb 2018 at 22:15

It works fine. There are several guides on the internet.

I doubt that Microsoft would ban you for changing the hard drive, I am not altering any software, just making more room for games from store.

They will void your warranty though.

You can see some more pictures here: https://imgur.com/gallery/wikor

I put it back together and it looks good as new.

Quite easy to assemble once you know how it goes together. I now have over 4 times the original drive space, and no USB wires going everywhere.

Oh and I have had problems with USB drives causing instability, apps refusing to start. That should not be a problem now.