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    Diffuculty of installing a new HDD and RAM into a T400.

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Y4NK335, Jun 14, 2009.

  1. Y4NK335

    Y4NK335 Notebook Geek

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    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314
    Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500 GB 5400rpm

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148192
    Crucial 2GB DDR3

    I was wondering the level of difficulty to install these two products into a T400.

    Not extremely computer savvy from the technical aspect, but what would I have to do to get the comp working fine after I install these into the machine?

    I have read about the RAM and have asked the question before, but not sure if it would be any different if I was doing a HDD as well. Thank you for any help.
     
    Y4NK335, Jun 14, 2009
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  2. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

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    Once the HDD is installed, you basically need to do a new operating system install.

    Both aren't incredibly difficult for an average tech. The following Hardware and Maintenance Manual from Lenovo may help you decide whether you feel up to it.

    http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-70069.html
     
    LoneWolf15, Jun 14, 2009
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  3. Th1nkpad

    Th1nkpad Notebook Consultant

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    Installing new memory took me 5 minutes. That memory was 20 bucks two weeks ago btw.
     
    Th1nkpad, Jun 14, 2009
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  4. Y4NK335

    Y4NK335 Notebook Geek

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    Th1nkpad - I saw unfortunately, was just waiting before I purchased it.

    So the new operating system install would be similar to a clean install or no?

    Or would I have to buy a completely new Vista to install?

    I know the memory is the easy part but I want a larger HDD and upgrading through Lenovo is much pricier.
     
    Y4NK335, Jun 15, 2009
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  5. antskip

    antskip Notebook Deity

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    u don't have to do a clean install. image your present HDD onto an external one, then place new HDD in; then using imaging rescue CD, restore everything as it was before to your new HDD.
     
    antskip, Jun 15, 2009
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  6. keltix

    keltix Notebook Deity

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    I just did the exact same thing.
    Added 2GB of RAM and a 500GB HDD.

    It was pretty simple, and the actual labor took about 15min total. (follow manual instructions)

    The only hard part was installing VISTA again. That required some experience (installing drivers), but if you follow the guide here, you should be fine.

    I'm actually trying to get VISTA/XP dual boot, so it is taking much longer than expected: 3 days so far.
     
    keltix, Jun 15, 2009
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  7. madmook

    madmook Notebook Evangelist

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    Just finished upgrading from the 2gb factory ram to 4gb Crucial: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148191

    Booted up just fine.

    Getting the palmrest panel off was a bit weird, I'm always nervous when I have to pry at plastic so much. Oh well now the ordeal is over, I'll never be opening that panel up again.

    At least the hard drive is easy as cake to remove on the T400. I did a clean install of Windows, so I can't comment on using the restore disks. Heck, I didn't even bother to burn them, the bloatware on the factory install is too bothersome to deal with.
     
    madmook, Jun 15, 2009
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  8. Y4NK335

    Y4NK335 Notebook Geek

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    The actual installation is the part that I think I can handle the easiest, I am just nervous about re-installing Vista along with all drivers. Thank you for everyone's advice thus far though!

    Also does anyone else recommend any other HDD's?
     
    Y4NK335, Jun 15, 2009
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  9. madmook

    madmook Notebook Evangelist

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    Well I would recommend a SSD (I'm using an Intel X-25M in my T400), but if you're going for 500gb... that WD Scorpio Blue is fine. :p
     
    madmook, Jun 15, 2009
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  10. keltix

    keltix Notebook Deity

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    keltix, Jun 15, 2009
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  11. Y4NK335

    Y4NK335 Notebook Geek

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    I do like the SSD's but it seems so hard to justify 60-80GB's for the price. Is it truly that much of a difference performance wise? I can not completely rule it out yet.

    Keltix - I am contemplating a 7200, will probably look into it more within the next week or so to narrow them down. I just read that it makes the machine much hotter..
     
    Y4NK335, Jun 15, 2009
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  12. antskip

    antskip Notebook Deity

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    antskip, Jun 16, 2009
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  13. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    That depends less on the RPM than on the specific brand and model. My Hitachi 7200RPM drive runs at 31-32 degrees, and the hottest I've ever seen it get (as recorded by HW Monitor) is 34 degrees. My old laptop's WD 5400RPM drive ran at an average of 34-35 degrees.
     
    MidnightSun, Jun 16, 2009
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  14. keltix

    keltix Notebook Deity

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    antskip's links suggest that the 7200 RPM consumes less power
     
    keltix, Jun 16, 2009
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  15. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    SSD's are probably more useful for power users. People that just work in office and go on the internet are better served with a conventional hard drive.
     
    pacmandelight, Jun 16, 2009
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  16. Y4NK335

    Y4NK335 Notebook Geek

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    Thank you, sounds like the route I will take then.

    I just hope I am able to install vista correctly and the drivers but I know there are some good manuals out there on how to do so.

    antskip - thank you for the awesome links.
     
    Y4NK335, Jun 16, 2009
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