Replacing my PB G4 Hard Drive

filfil
Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
I'm looking to purchase a new hard drive for my Powerbook, I have the original PB G4 with a 10GB hard drive. Don't ask how I lasted this long with only this amount of space lol.



I would like to ask the importance between the speed of 4200RPM vs. 5400RPM. I've heard of certain drives being noisy? Are there any brands that I should stay away from?



I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    alcimedesalcimedes Posts: 5,486member
    personally, for a laptop i'd rather have slower speed and quieter rather slightly faster and noiser.



    plus you should ask if you'll ever actually use the speed difference that you get between the two different drives. unless you're constantly copying huge files, there's no reason to go with the 5,400 rpm drive, IMO. just make sure you have the right size torx set before you get started.



    -alcimedes
  • Reply 2 of 7
    the all knowing 1the all knowing 1 Posts: 130member
    [quote]Originally posted by Fil:

    <strong>I'm looking to purchase a new hard drive for my Powerbook, I have the original PB G4 with a 10GB hard drive. Don't ask how I lasted this long with only this amount of space lol.



    I would like to ask the importance between the speed of 4200RPM vs. 5400RPM. I've heard of certain drives being noisy? Are there any brands that I should stay away from?



    I would greatly appreciate any advice.

    Thanks! </strong><hr></blockquote>



    I'd tend to agree with Alcimedes. I'd prefer quieter and slower for a laptop, as battery life is longer and less heat is generated. But if you MUST put a new one in, I highly recommend Maxtor.



    But remember that changing a PBG4 HD yourself will void your warranty, if it is still in effect, so check that first, and consider having an AppleCare Technician replace it.
  • Reply 3 of 7
    ebbyebby Posts: 3,110member
    Also remember to get a drive the same size (thickness). I "bought" a 14GB IBM hard drive to replace my origonal 6GB, but the IBM was a few milimeters too tall. As far as I know, there are basically 3 sizes, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm. Hey, there are probably more or I'm wrong, but that's not the point. Laptop hard drives are different sizes, unlike the standard desktop drives.



    You thought 10GB was small...
  • Reply 4 of 7
    filfil Posts: 16member
    Thanks for the advice. I will definately go with a slower drive, I was not aware that the faster one would = more noise.

    When I do purchase the hard drive I will have an Apple specialist do the installation. I can't take any chances with something going wrong. Even though I love doing things myself... I have no experience with this type of installation.
  • Reply 5 of 7
    alcimedesalcimedes Posts: 5,486member
    FYI, the HD install on the new powerbooks is a joke it's so easy.



    the iBooks are a pain in the ass and scary.



    if you don't have to worry about voiding a warrenty (as in already expired) i'd do it myself.
  • Reply 6 of 7
    logan calelogan cale Posts: 1,281member
    It voids the warrantee in the PowerBook too? I thought that was only in the iBook.
  • Reply 7 of 7
    the all knowing 1the all knowing 1 Posts: 130member
    [quote]Originally posted by MacAgent:

    <strong>It voids the warrantee in the PowerBook too? I thought that was only in the iBook.</strong><hr></blockquote>



    IIRC, anything beyond RAM or Airport in either portable screws AppleCare, since it requires removal of panels that aren't intended to be taken off (bottom of Ti, etc) so def cert needed.
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