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HD compatibility issues
Hi,
I'm new here...mostly because I called and wanted a new HD for my Inspiron 9300. The sales lady Norissa assured me she would send one that was compatible. I also checked on Dell and sure enough the one I wanted was, or was supposed to be compatible. I recieved it, transferred data from the old HD, went to put the new HD in and it does not install! The new HD has 2 rows of pins...supposed to be a PATA, BUT the old HD has a kind of wedge shape to the pin area. In any event the old HD does not install in the transfer kit OR the laptop...pins are just not the same. Anyone have this problem? I wanted a refund but it's like pulling teethe!!
Thanks,
Chuck
Enceladus
297 Posts
85
0
Posted October 21st, 2010 09:00
Pata drives have two parallel rows of pins. Sounds like your original is a SATA. SATA has an edge connector. You may have the wrong type of disk.
Or maybe there is a cradle with an adapter. This is like a metal frame with two small screws on each logitudinal edge. You need to transfer the cradle from the old drive to the new.
The old drive should have a manufacturers name such as Hitachi, Seagate etc. Followed by a part number. There is also usually a Dell sticker with a Dell part number. If you google the manufacturer part number it should be easy to determine the spec. Or post the part numbers here.
In essence any laptop drive of any reputable make with the correct interface should work. You just want to make sure that the capacity is the same or higher. The drive RPM is the same or higher. And the cache size is the same or better.