Laptop / Notebook Drives
All notebook drives have the same pin interface, length, and width. The height and screw hole pattern of the drives can vary by capacity and manufacturer.
Notebook drive heights:
8.5mm, 9.5mm, 12mm, 17mm, or 19mm
(See below for pictures.)
We refer to the different screw hole patterns as "OLD" screw holes or "NEW" screw holes.
Most drives are mounted in the notebook with a caddy, tray, or rails. In 1997 the Manufacturers changed the screw hole patterns on drives 2.1gb and larger. If your computer was manufactured before 1997, or has a drive smaller than a 2.1gb, it most likely has a drive with the old screw hole pattern. You can verify this information by removing it from the computer and comparing it to the pictures below. If the screw holes are towards the middle of the drive, it would be an "OLD" screw hole pattern. If they are towards the outside of the drive, it would be a "NEW" screw hole pattern.
"OLD" screw hole patterns:
If your computer has a drive with an "OLD" screw hole pattern, this must be considered when purchasing a drive. Your options are: purchase a drive with the same screw hole pattern, replace your hard drive caddy with one that supports the "NEW" screw holes, or drill new holes in your existing caddy.
"NEW" screw hole patterns:
All 8.5mm, 9.5mm and some 12mm drives have the "NEW" screw hole pattern. All drives manufactured after 1997 have the "NEW" screw hole pattern. If your computer takes a 12mm "NEW" screw hole pattern drive, you may use a 12mm or 9.5mm. If your computer currently has a 9.5mm, it will only work with a 9.5mm drive. Only a few 8.5mm drives were produced by Toshiba, these drives are currently in some super thin machines. If you currently have an 8.5mm drive, you must replace it with an 8.5mm drive.
Notebook / Laptop Drives are not proprietary to the machines. Any drive will work in any machine if it will mount correctly. The only exception is IBM drives should always be used in IBM machines.
See below for pictures of the different heights and screw hole patterns.
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| 8.5mm, "NEW" screw hole pattern | 9.5mm "NEW" screw hole pattern |
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| 12mm "NEW" screw hole pattern | 12mm "OLD" screw hole pattern |
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| 19mm "OLD" screw hole pattern |
When browsing the Laptop Drives, each drive will specify "NEW" or "OLD" screw hole pattern.
Another important issue when upgrading your computer is whether your current BIOS will support a larger capacity drive. Please read the BIOS Limitations document.
If you are unsure of what drive to purchase, please feel free to call our sales department at 805-531-0404 and a salesperson will be happy to assist you.
