SSD upgrade for X360?

I have a (beloved!) X360 whose hard disk is clearly dying. I'm thinking of replacing it with an SSD. Is there a post somewhere that describes what is involved, both in terms of hardware and software? I'm running Windows 7 and really don't want to have to reinstall all my programs. I used the built-in backup tool to create a system image on an external disk.

For what it's worth, Samsung's web site ( http://ars.samsung.com/customer/usa..._ID=0&AT_ID=153187&PROD_SUB_ID=0&PROD_ID=1354) claims that it has a 2.5" drive.

 

Samsung's original specs for the X360 indicated that it is an 8mm thick, which would more likely be 1.8". Look in Device Manager: What is the model number of the HDD?

Edit: The X360 review at Notebookcheck mentions a 1.8" HDD.

John

 

The drive is a Toshiba MK1216GSG, so it is 1.8". So you and Notebookcheck are right while Samsung's web site is wrong, no big surprise there.

I imagine that I'd buy an ssd with similar specs (1.8", SATA 2.6). But I'm wondering about the installation process, especially the hardware. Presumably I would swap the drive, boot from an external DVD drive and restore the previous image.

 

This page shows the connector on that HDD. I would expect that the 1.8" SSDs with SATA interface would use the same connector. Some are listed here.

John

 

Thanks for the help, I think I am set except for the hardware disassembly. The manual for the X360 doesn't show how to replace the hard drive. Is it easy to access once you remove the keyboard?

 

I can't help regarding access to the disk drive. You can first look under the keyboard, which should be relatively to do. It may be in the cage under the right side of the keyboard (see page 174 of the user manual). Listen carefully while it is running.

John