Getting Ultrabay HDD Set up for T Series

I'm planning on buying a T420 or T420s when they become available. I plan to use a SSD as the system drive and put in the Ultrabay SATA adapter for an extra conventional HDD.

Is it correct that the ThinkPad Serial ATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter III (Part #43N3412) is the correct one to get for the T420 or T420s? Lenovo lists it in the accessory section in tabook.pdf

Also I am thinking of getting a Western Digital Scorpio Black 500 GB 7200 RPM for the ultrabay drive. Any feed back on this unit in terms of performance, battery drain, heat and/or drive noise? The drive is 9.5 mm high, that will fit in the bay adapter, right?

Thanks so much

 

I'm using this drive in the Ultrabay in the T400 at the moment. It's a good/fast drive, but you can hear it spinning. I don't mind it and actually prefer the white noise, but most do not. It's something to be aware of. Power consumption between 5400 and 7200rpm drives is only important if you'll be accessing the ultrabay hdd while on battery power. If you'll be accessing it frequently on battery, a Scorpio Blue might be better as it uses .5-.75W less. My ultraybay drive is always spun down when on battery and most hdd's use ~.2W in standby so it doesn't matter what drive is used if your usage is like this.

 

OK good to know vinuneuro. Is it safe to order the Ultrabay right now as well or should I wait until the new T series are out?

 

The T420 Accessories page in tabook shows it uses the same Ultrabay adapter as previous models so it's safe to order it.

I wouldn't get a Lenovo oem one though. It's ridiculously expensive for what it is. I got mine off ebay for ~$15 and the fitment is perfect and it works as it should. The mistake most people make is they try to install the hdd in the adapter without using the caddy ($5 off ebay) like you do when installing it in the regular hdd slot. The lenovo and 3rd adapters both show on the instruction label that you're supposed to use the caddy so don't forget to order that as well.

 

Can you give me a example search or link to this caddy?

 

IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad Hard Drive Caddy Rails T60 T61 T400 - eBay (item 300418292079 end time Mar-12-11 00:45:09 PST)

You don't use the rails.

 

I'm not sure I would buy those. They are deformed in the pic.

 

I am using the WD Black 320 GB in my Ultrabay on the T61. Works swimmingly well.

I have similar plans to yours or maybe the full W520 with an I7 quad core, but certainly SSD for the OS and a HDD for cheap space.

 

would this be the same item?

Hard drive caddy IBM Lenovo T60, T61, R60,R61, X60, X61, Z60,Z61 [TP-60] - $25.95 : NewmodeUS, Hard Drive Caddys for Notebooks

i know its more expensive, just trying to get a feel for what is required. This model will fit inside the ultrabay adapter?

 

I've bought more than five caddy's over the last five years among other simple thinkpad parts, from that seller. They've all been perfect. Perhaps his marketing isn't as fine as it should be. Look at exactly what specific machines he sells components for, and the quantity and rating of his feedback.

It's one of the simplest components in your machine. If you're willing to give someone $25 for that part and know others who are willing to as well, let me know because it'll make for a very attractive business.

 

vinuneuro thanks for the reply, I'll buy that part from that seller, looks like a good deal considering the price of the other link

cheers

 

I bought 5 a year or two ago from someone on eBay. I could probably figure it out if needed. The tolerances (sheet metal bends) aren't as perfect as the Lenovo branded parts, and the rubber rails aren't as good, but they get the job done for the money.

I'm sure they will be fine. His pictures suck and if I were him I'd take a different pic, But I also know what a hassle inventory pictures are.

 

Update:

I received my WD Scorpio Black, the Lenovo Ultrabay adapter and the HDD caddy that vinuneuro suggested.

I take it I install the HDD caddy on the underside of the HDD (ie the side where the circuit board is exposed? One screw out of four wasn't able to seat correctly - due to the HDD caddy not perfectly aligning with the HDD screw hole - so I just abandoned that screw. I think it will be ok.

I checked the fit of the drive in the ultrabay adapter without the HDD caddy installed and it is loose, so I can confirm that you need the caddy, so thanks to all that helped me. With the HDD caddy installed, the drive didn't move around at all.

Now to wait for that notebook...I also have 8 gigs of ram in the mail. When my notebook arrives I'll be all set to go!