I have my hdd from my laptop, can I use it on my desktop?

Skittlee

Commendable
Dec 16, 2016
3
0
1,510
So, I have my old laptop, but the HDD was replaced not too long ago. I never use it, as I have gotten a new laptop. I am kind of running out of space on my desktop, and i really wan't to use my old laptop to something other than just let it sit.

I was wondering if i could take my HDD from my laptop, wipe it, plug it into my desktop and use it as a normal HDD.

If so, how do i wipe the HDD? :)
 
Solution
Once you have it hooked up you can just delete the files, or delete the partition from Disk Management and make a new one.

If you wanted to use it as an external drive you could certainly get an enclosure, that is what I usually do with the drives laptops come with.

Bwinzey is correct, you can mount a 2.5" SATA drive anywhere you would mount a 2.5" SATA SSD, but the wiring is the same.

You should only have to buy one SATA data cable, if you don't have one, the power supply will already have the SATA power connector you need.

If it doesn't, then that is a sign your desktop is already at capacity when it comes to power.

bwinzey

Respectable
Jun 26, 2016
353
0
1,960

What are you talking about? Laptop HDD's have the same SATA connections as 3.5" drives. As long as it's not msata (which it shouldn't be, as there arent msata HDDs), it will plug in like a normal HDD. All you need is a SATA data cable and a SATA power cable from your PSU. You probably don't have a mount for it, but you can lay it on the bottom, or tie it with zip ties, as long as the breadboard doesn't touch metal.
 

Skittlee

Commendable
Dec 16, 2016
3
0
1,510


Thanks for the quick answer :)

Those 2 cables i guess i have to buy then. But how do i wipe it? Since its from my old laptop, but barely used there is the OS system and a couple of files i dont mind loosing.
 

bwinzey

Respectable
Jun 26, 2016
353
0
1,960

I mean, you probably have spare plugs coming out of your PSU already, unless you are using them. If you put your computer together yourself, the motherboard should've brought a couple of spare SATA data cables.
After plugging it in and booting to your normal computer, all you'd have to do is select it and format it like a USB.
 

Skittlee

Commendable
Dec 16, 2016
3
0
1,510


I probably do, ill look at it tomorrow. Thank you. And no, i didn't build my pc myself, so i'll probably have to order some. :) I'll tell you how it goes
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Just to be clear....

You can absolutely use that 2.5" drive in your desktop. They use the exact same SATA connections.
And you probably have a dedicated 2.5" drive mount. Most non-OEM cases in the last few years do.

My wife's desktop ran for a couple of years with only a 250GB ex-laptop drive in it.

How to wipe it for future use?
Disk Management, delete all existing partition on it, leaving one large space.
Create a partition with that whole space.
Format, give it a drive letter.
 

Eximo

Titan
Ambassador
Once you have it hooked up you can just delete the files, or delete the partition from Disk Management and make a new one.

If you wanted to use it as an external drive you could certainly get an enclosure, that is what I usually do with the drives laptops come with.

Bwinzey is correct, you can mount a 2.5" SATA drive anywhere you would mount a 2.5" SATA SSD, but the wiring is the same.

You should only have to buy one SATA data cable, if you don't have one, the power supply will already have the SATA power connector you need.

If it doesn't, then that is a sign your desktop is already at capacity when it comes to power.
 
Solution