Hello, I'm currently planning a budget build and in order to save some money i wanted to use my existing laptop hard drive. I know it is possible to connect using an adapter but there is one thing I am unsure of, is it possible to use the existing data operating system etc. installed on the hard drive to run a desktop? If i need to make changes what do i need to do? thanks!
U6b36ef
Distinguished
- Dec 9, 2010
- 588
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I have been wondering this lately. I have googled a bit and people say the same yes you can use them.
However I am confused about the power supply to the disks. 3.5" drives run on 12V and 5V, whereas 2.5" drives run on 5V only.
I know I can plug either drive into an external HHD interface so it obviously can be done. Otherwise a 5V drive would burn instantly on a 12V supply. Therefor laptop drives must voltage regulate or only take from the 5V power rail.
However I am confused about the power supply to the disks. 3.5" drives run on 12V and 5V, whereas 2.5" drives run on 5V only.
I know I can plug either drive into an external HHD interface so it obviously can be done. Otherwise a 5V drive would burn instantly on a 12V supply. Therefor laptop drives must voltage regulate or only take from the 5V power rail.
CaedenV
Splendid
- Jun 14, 2011
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SATA is SATA, you do not need to worry about voltages. If it fits, it works (at least in this case).
The bigger issue is mounting the drive. Most newer cases have laptop sized mounting points labeled as SSD mounting points (almost all SSDs use the laptop form factor), but most older cases will need a 2.5" to 3.5" adapters to mount properly. This is not such a big deal for SSDs as there are no moving parts (I have had to tape a drive into place on more than one occasion), but if you are using a traditional laptop HDD then you should get the adapter plate and screw it in.
The bigger issue is mounting the drive. Most newer cases have laptop sized mounting points labeled as SSD mounting points (almost all SSDs use the laptop form factor), but most older cases will need a 2.5" to 3.5" adapters to mount properly. This is not such a big deal for SSDs as there are no moving parts (I have had to tape a drive into place on more than one occasion), but if you are using a traditional laptop HDD then you should get the adapter plate and screw it in.
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