• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Tech Wire

Tech News, Trends, Reviews, & Advice

  • Home
  • Tech News
  • PC’s
  • Phones
  • Social Media
  • Internet
  • Software
  • About

Will A Laptop Hard Drive Work On A Desktop? (Everything To Know)

Avatar photoBy Casper Feeney August 31, 2021

Hard drive disc production

 

All hard drives on laptop and desktop computers run on the same technology: they save data on magnetic-coated platters that spin and record data.

If you have an old laptop, you may decide to repurpose its components and use them in other setups.

You may want to know if you can use your laptop’s HDD on your desktop computer.

Although they have the same technology, are there any limitations that don’t allow you to use a laptop HDD on a desktop PC?

 

Will A Laptop Hard Drive Work On A Desktop? (Everything To Know)

Safe storage of information

 

Yes, you can, but there are many compatibility issues to consider.

To make sure you can use your laptop’s hard drive on your desktop computer, it’s better to know how they compare.

 

Laptop HDDs VS. Desktop HDDs

A closeup shot of a computer hard drives

 

While hard drives for laptops and desktop PCs work with the same technology, they’re different in several ways.

A hard drive has several disks that spin and store data on the magnetic platters.

These non-volatile storage components can be external or internal, directly attached to the motherboard.

Here are the main differences between a laptop and a desktop HDD.

 

1. Storage Capacity

A hard drive’s storage capacity depends on the number of platters spinning on it.

Since a desktop hard drive has more platters, it has more storage capacity, reaching over three terabytes.

However, the highest capacity offered so far is 20 TB.

On the other hand, a laptop drive has fewer platters and lowers storage capacity that may reach up to one terabyte in high-end devices.

One of the main reasons that a laptop’s HDD can’t reach the capacity of a desktop HDD is the size limitations.

Since a laptop has to remain as compact and thin as possible, there’s not much chance for the HDD to grow in capacity.

 

2. Speed

Since desktop computers have a better cooling system, they can use a much bigger and stronger HDD with platters that spin very fast.

A typical hard disk in a desktop PC runs at 7,200 rotations per minute, while some can run at 10,000 rotations per minute, which creates a great deal of heat.

On the other hand, laptop hard drives spin at 5,400 rotations per minute to reduce the resulting heat, noise, and power consumption, decreasing HDD performance.

This lower speed affects the entire performance of the system, leading to a lowered speed of the computer since the drive needs to spin more to retrieve the data.

 

3. Size

Historically, hard drives were 5.25 inches, but with the advances in technology, they grew smaller.

Generally speaking, the hard drives used in desktop PCs are 3.5 inches, while those used in laptops are 2.5 inches.

A desktop HDD is approximately 4” wide, 5.8” long, and 0.8” thick, while a laptop hard drive is typically 2.8” wide, 4” long, and 0.4” thick.

These dimensions make a laptop-grade hard drive around ¼ the size of a desktop HDD, making it much lighter, too.

While a 2.5-inch HDD weighs 0.2 pounds (90 g), its 3.5-inch cousin weighs 0.9 pounds (400 g).

 

4. Performance

While both laptop HDDs and desktop HDDs do a good job of storing data, the latter has better performance due to its size and larger capacity.

You can rely on them to store data, load games, videos, and other applications in a very short time.

However, since desktop HDDs have more platters and are bigger, they have a faster performance in loading all these applications, especially games that are heavy and have a long loading time.

However, the less memory-intensive tasks such as browsing the web or checking emails aren’t different in the two HDD types.

 

Are Desktop And Laptop Hard Drives Interchangeable?

Hard disk drives 2.5 inch (HDD)

 

Sometimes, you may decide to use a laptop’s HDD for a desktop computer to save power or decrease the heat that desktop HDDs are notorious for.

Alternatively, you may consider using a desktop HDD for your laptop for better performance and speed.

 

Desktop HDD In A Laptop

WD Blue 500GB Desktop Hard Disk Drive - 7200 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD5000AAKX (Renewed)

 

As mentioned earlier, one of the main differences between a laptop and desktop HDD is the size.

That’s one of the main constraints that may make them non-interchangeable.

Since a desktop HDD is much larger than its laptop counterpart, there’s no way to fit it into a laptop PC.

However, a laptop HDD can easily fit into a desktop computer because there is plenty of space.

A laptop HDD can go into a desktop PC, size-wise.

Plus, a laptop HDD uses less energy since the device runs on a battery.

Still, you can use it externally using a USB cable to connect it with the laptop computer.

However, there are some other considerations.

The most important one is the type of interface they use for the connection:

 

A. IDE Connectors

Older devices use IDE (Integrated Device Electronics) cables to connect the hard drive to the motherboard.

They feature three connection points: one for connecting to the motherboard and the other two for connecting two HDDs or other pieces of hardware to the computer.

Depending on the cable used in the connection, IDE connectors can transfer data at a speed of 16 to 133 megabytes per second.

 

B. SATA Connectors

On the other hand, newer computer models, both laptop and desktop, use another type of interface called SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment).

Unlike IDE drives, SATA doesn’t have the master-slave relationship between the parallel drives.

Instead, each drive connects to the motherboard through its own adapter.

They have a much faster transfer rate and are much cheaper than EDI connectors.

Plus, they have the hot-swap feature that allows you to connect or replace devices without turning off the whole system.

They’re also slimmer, easier to manage, and take much less space, making them a better choice over the IDE type.

Their most important advantage is their fast transfer rates: while IDE cables can transfer data at a maximum rate of 133 MB/s, SATA’s speed is up to 600 MB/s.

Here’s a YouTube video showing the difference between the two connector types:

 

Using A Laptop HDD On A Desktop PC

500GB Toshiba 2.5-inch SATA laptop hard drive (5400rpm, 8MB cache) MQ01ABD050

 

If you have an older laptop model, chances are it has an IDE-type connector.

In any case, you need to make sure the laptop and the desktop computer both have the same connector types so you can connect the hard drive to the motherboard.

That said, you can still use some adapters to convert IDE connectors to SATA types.

For example, this converter, available on Amazon, offers a wide variety of connection types that you can use for many different purposes.

Generic SATA/PATA/IDE Drive to USB 2.0 Adapter Converter Cable for 2.5 / 3.5 Inch Hard Drive / 5 inch Optical Drive with External AC Power Adapter

 

If you want to put your laptop’s HDD inside your desktop, you need a drive bay or an enclosure to fit the HDD inside the case and prevent the hard disk from flopping around inside the case.

That’s because desktop HDDs are larger than laptop HDDs, and they can’t fit in without help.

Another alternative is to use an enclosure to turn the laptop HDD into an external USB drive.

This way, you don’t need to change the inside space of your desktop PC, and you can use the hard drive for different PCs.

For example, this adapter, which you can get on Amazon, allows you to connect your IDE hard drive and attach it to your PC through a USB port.

UGREEN USB IDE Adapter USB 3.0 to SATA IDE Hard Drive Cable Adapter Converter for 2.5" 3.5" IDE External SATA HDD SSD Hard Drives Disks with 12V 2A Power Adapter and USB 3.0 Cable for Laptop

 

Most adapters come with a power plug and a USB cable because you need to connect them to a power source before using them.

 

How To Install Your Hard Drive

Installing a hard drive

 

Installing a hard drive is pretty straightforward, but you should consider some safety standards to avoid damaging your hardware.

Here are the main points:

 

1. Unplug All Connected Devices

Turn off your system through the Windows shut-down option before opening the case and touching anything inside it.

Then turn off the power switch at the case’s back.

Now, hold the power button for several seconds to drain any powder residue.

 

2. Protect From Shock

The next thing you should protect against is the electrostatic shock that the static energy built up in your body can create.

You transfer this energy to the hard drive’s metal case as soon as you touch it.

Although most hardware comes in anti-static bags and built-in anti-shock technology, it’s better to take precautionary measures.

So, ground yourself by wearing an anti-static wristband or touching the metal case of your computer after discharging the motherboard.

 

3. Connect The Cables

Now, it’s time to connect your hard drive using the two connectors: one of them is a power cable, and the other (usually red) is for data.

You need to have a PCIe slot on your motherboard.

If you don’t, you’ll need a PCIe SATA adapter.

However, different brands of laptops and desktop PCs have different configurations.

It’s better to do a YouTube search and find the best way to disconnect the hard drive from your laptop and connect it to your desktop PC.

 

4. Configure The Hard Drive

If you’re adding the hard drive for extra storage, your current setup may recognize it.

In this case, if you have a bootable operating system stored on your hard disk, remember to reformat it because it may damage your Windows as soon as you connect it.

If it doesn’t, you need to configure it:

Type “Disk Management” in the Windows search box and find your new drive.

You’ll see the new hard drive, unallocated, on a separate row.

It’s either “Unknown” or “Not Initialized.”

To initialize the hard drive:

Right-click on the drive and choose “Initialize Disk.”

If your HDD is smaller than 2 TB, select “Master Boot Record” and select “GUID Partition Table” if your drive is larger than 2 TB.

When the device gets initialized, right-click the allocated space and choose “New Simple Volume.”

Allocate the “Volume Size” based on your needs.

If you want the entire drive, choose the default allocation.

Otherwise, partition the drive as you wish.

Choose a drive letter in the drop-down menu.

Choose a file system, which is better to be NTFS if you have Windows 10.

Add a “Volume Label,” leaving the “Perform a quick format” option unchecked.

Click “Finish.”

Now, Windows 10 formats the hard drive and allocates a new partition, making it ready to use.

 

HDD Vs. SSD

Different types of computer drives

 

If you want to crank up your PC storage, you may be wondering whether to use your old laptop’s HDD or get a new SSD.

How are they different, and which one is better for your purposes?

 

What’s An SSD?

SAMSUNG 870 EVO 1TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-77E1T0B/AM)

 

Like a hard drive, a Solid-State Drive stores data, but it has a different structure.

Rather than having a series of magnetic-coated metal platters, an SSD features interconnected flash-memory chips to store data without needing the power to flow through them.

Since they don’t need spinning disks, SSDs can be as small as a stick of gum or a postage stamp.

In addition, they have the standard 2.5-inch form factor, making them a perfect alternative for the traditional HDD in laptop and desktop computers.

 

1. SSD Storage Capacitates

Since SSDs are generally more expensive than hard drives per gigabyte of storage, they’re not available for consumers in large capacities.

The highest capacity you can find is 2 GB, which can be costly.

Depending on your storage needs and budget, you could choose 128GB, 256GB, 500GB, or 1TB units.

 

2. Speed

Speed is the biggest advantage of SSDs.

While a hard drive requires a couple of minutes to get the OS up and running, this time is less than a minute on an SSD-equipped PC.

You can rely on an SSD to boot your PC, transfer files, and launch and run apps much faster.

 

3. Durability

SSD stores data in integrated circuits, which don’t move, unlike hard drives.

In addition to reduced size and higher flexibility, the non-spinning parts make the SSD more durable.

This way, you can rest assured that possible physical damages are less likely to lead to data losses.

That’s especially helpful for users who are always on the go or are rough on equipment.

 

4. Noise And Power Consumption

Even if you get the quietest hard drive, you’ll get some noise because of the spinning parts.

As the HDD gets faster, it gets noisier, too.

SSDs don’t have this issue since they’re not mechanical.

They’re also more efficient because their energy doesn’t get wasted on spinning, producing noise and friction.

Therefore, you’ll have less power consumption, leading to longer battery life for your laptop.

 

The Verdict: SSD Or HDD?

SSD vs HDD

 

The choice between an HDD and an SSD depends on your needs and budget.

You can find both storage devices with a wide range of capacities. For example, you can find SSDs of up to 2TB and HDDs of up to 20TB.

HDDs are the winner here in terms of cost per capacity, but they won’t stay on top much longer since SSD prices continue to drop.

Plus, SSDs let you get more work done due to their higher reliability, less noise, higher capacity, and faster speeds.

If you’re a graphic designer or photo editor who needs to retrieve your saved data every day, SSDs are a better choice for you due to the higher speeds.

However, if you’re a general user who needs storage for your personal photos or downloaded movies, you can rely on your HDD and even use your laptop’s hard drive for your desktop computer.

Filed Under: PC's

Avatar photo

About Casper Feeney

I've always had a passion for everything related to technology and innovation. I have a bachelor's degree in Information technology, and I built my first PC when I was 12. I enjoy riding my bike, cooking, and reading business books.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News

Curved monitor on white desktop and concrete

Why Are Curved Monitors So Expensive? (10 Reasons)

1 week ago

chromebook being used

Why Are Chromebooks So Cheap? (10 Reasons)

1 week ago

Dual monitor computer and phone

Are Monitor Stands Universal? (Explained)

2 months ago

Top view white keyboard and mouse on black background`

White Vs. Black Keyboard (Pros, Cons, Differences)

2 months ago

video gamer studio room with personal computer armchair, keyboard

What’s RMB On A Keyboard? (Explained)

2 months ago

Blue light computer gaming mouse in dark tone

What Does CPI Button On A Mouse Do? (Explained)

2 months ago

mechanical keyboard with keycaps missing

Are Keycaps Universal? (Explained)

2 months ago

Blank screen display computer pc with gaming gear joystick mouse keyboard mouse. Gamer gadget background in game station.

How Big Is A 27-Inch Monitor? (Explained)

2 months ago

Modern workplace with a blank computer monitor, keyboard and mouse in front of the window

How Big Is A 24-Inch Monitor? (Explained)

2 months ago

Thermal Paste Vs. Thermal Pad

Top 5 Best Thermal Paste For A Laptop (Updated 2023)

1 year ago

Malwarebytes Security Virus Cleaner, Anti-Malware dev application on Smartphone screen

Is Malwarebytes Safe? (2023 Updated Guide)

2 years ago

New Macbook Air Silicon M1 with light reflections

How Long Do MacBook Airs Last? (Updated 2023)

1 year ago

Open midi tower computer case with red and blue lighting effects

How Long Does A CPU Last? (Updated 2023)

11 months ago

Bored female gamer playing video games on computer

30 Games To Play When Bored With Your PC (2023 Updated)

8 months ago

Computer repairman repairing desktop computer

How Much Should I Charge To Build A PC? (2023 Updated)

7 months ago

Close up view of hand with smartphone and Snapchat ​logo on display

Can You Log In To Snapchat On A Computer? (2023 Updated)

7 months ago

Online education course

20 Best Books On Computer Networking (2023 Updated)

7 months ago

Modern workplace with computer monitor

Do All Monitors Have HDMI? (2023 Updated)

7 months ago

Restart text on red keyboard button - financial, business, online and data concept

Is Restarting Your PC Bad? (Everything To Know)

3 months ago

View of Heatsink Fan For CPU on Computer Motherboard

Should I Run My PC Fans At Full Speed? (Explained)

3 months ago

Are CPU Coolers Universal? (Explained)

4 months ago

Installation of computer processor in the socket

Is 60 Degrees Celsius Hot For A CPU? (Explained)

4 months ago

man having virtual team meeting on video conference call using computer

Do Monitors Have Cameras? (Explained)

5 months ago

green computer display

Computer Screen Turns Green (Causes, Fixes)

5 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Tech Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact

Advertise

Sitemap

 

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheTechWire.com

[suggest-correction-form]