Laptop hard drives 2.5"

Laptop hard drives 2.5" in our range are 2.5-inch HDDs for laptops, servers and workstations, from older IDE and Serial ATA models to 10,000 and 15,000 RPM SAS enterprise drives. They suit anyone replacing a failed drive or adding storage to a server. Leading brands include Dell, HP Enterprise, Lenovo and Seagate.

How to choose a 2.5-inch laptop hard drive

Check what the drive is for. Most drives in this category are made for servers and workstations, and a smaller group is made for laptops. Read the product title and the compatibility line, because the range also includes the odd accessory such as a bezel panel and a single 3.5-inch listing.

Match the interface. Our range includes SAS, NL-SAS, Serial ATA, Serial ATA II, Serial ATA III and IDE/ATA. Most current laptops use SATA, older ones use IDE, and SAS drives need a SAS controller or server backplane to work at all.

Choose the right speed. Laptop drives typically run at 5400 or 7200 RPM, which keeps heat and noise lower. Many drives here spin at 10,000 RPM and some at 15,000 RPM, and these are meant for servers where fast response matters more than quiet running.

Pick a sensible capacity. Enterprise 2.5-inch drives are often sold in sizes such as 300 GB, 600 GB, 1.2 TB and 2.4 TB, while older laptop drives come in sizes such as 40 GB and 500 GB. In a RAID array, match the capacity and speed of the drives already installed.

Confirm the caddy and height. Server drives usually slot into a branded caddy or tray, so check whether the drive comes with one. For laptops, check whether your machine takes a 7 mm or a 9.5 mm drive.

Brands we carry

• Dell, HP Enterprise, Lenovo, IBM: server manufacturers whose branded drives are intended for their own server and workstation lines, and they make up most of this category.
• Seagate: known for its enterprise 2.5-inch SAS drives at 10,000 and 15,000 RPM, as well as everyday laptop drives.
• Toshiba: a long-standing maker of 2.5-inch laptop drives that also produces enterprise SAS models.
• Western Digital: a major drive manufacturer whose 2.5-inch range covers mainstream laptop storage.
• Hitachi: known for its Travelstar series of 2.5-inch laptop drives, a line that later passed to Western Digital.
• HP Inc.: the PC and printer side of the former Hewlett-Packard, so its drives are typically aimed at desktops, laptops and workstations rather than servers.

Also in our range: CoreParts, Fujitsu and unbranded drives.

Laptop hard drive FAQ

Can I use a SAS drive in a laptop?

No, not in a normal laptop. SAS drives use a different interface from the SATA or IDE connector in a laptop and need a SAS controller. For a laptop, choose a Serial ATA drive, or IDE/ATA if the machine is an older model.

What is the difference between 5400 and 7200 RPM drives?

A 7200 RPM drive reads and writes data faster than a 5400 RPM one. A 5400 RPM drive usually runs cooler and quieter and draws less power, which suits laptops used on battery. For servers, 10,000 and 15,000 RPM drives go further still.

Can I swap a Dell or HP Enterprise drive into another brand of server?

Often the drive fits physically, but compatibility is not guaranteed. Some servers and RAID controllers check the drive firmware or expect a specific caddy. Compare the part number and interface with your server documentation before buying.

How do I know if my laptop needs a SATA or IDE drive?

Check the laptop model's specification sheet or look at the connector on your current drive. IDE/ATA drives have a wide multi-pin connector and belong to older laptops, while SATA drives have a narrow, flat connector. The drive height, 7 mm or 9.5 mm, must also fit the drive bay.