Which SSD does the T420 use?

[punjabimunda]

Hi,

I am planning to order a T420 with the Intel 160 GB SSD. I searched the forums and it's been said that the SSD is the 320 one with the 8MB bug and also it's not one of the fastest SSDs around.

Which SSD is shipped with the T420 now? And if I get a laptop with a HDD, can I take it out and put in a SSD?

[muol]

The T420 fits standard 2.5", 9.5 mm SATA drives. So yes, you could just order the cheapest HDD and exchange it for a SSD. My T420 runs fine with a Plextor PX-M2 SSD, but other brands will work as well.

[JDay · Accepted solution]

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punjabimunda wrote:

Hi,

I am planning to order a T420 with the Intel 160 GB SSD. I searched the forums and it's been said that the SSD is the 320 one with the 8MB bug and also it's not one of the fastest SSDs around.

Which SSD is shipped with the T420 now? And if I get a laptop with a HDD, can I take it out and put in a SSD?

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The 8MB bug was fixed last summer with a firmware update. However it would be cheaper and you would get a faster drive if you just ordered a 7mm Crucial M4 and installed it yourself. You can get this drive for about $210 shipped on Amazon. Just create the DVD recovery disc set before installing the SSD and use it to restore the stock OS once the SSD is installed. I would also order the UltraBay HDD adapter so that you can put the stock HDD into the UltraBay slot. This is useful for keeping weekly backups of the SSD on by using the Rescue & Recovery software that comes with the laptop.

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-2-5-Inch-Solid-State-CT256M4SSD1/dp/B006MQQC0S/

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/itemdetails/43N3412/460/6F86C47E2E014840BD6AC53CE9C2297A

[nibs Guru]

Order with the hard drive, and purchase an after-market SSD. Spend the money you save on external enclosure (eSATA will be the fastest). Then use the external drive to back up your system. Keep external in a fireproof safe -- if you loose your laptop you have a backup. 

[punjabimunda]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am going to go with a HDD and then swtich to a SSD later, as you have all suggested; it does seem to be the best way to go about it.

[JDay]

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nibs wrote:

Order with the hard drive, and purchase an after-market SSD. Spend the money you save on external enclosure (eSATA will be the fastest).

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The UltraBay adapter connects directly to the SATA controller. It is also the best option to use since optical drives rarely get used and you can swap between the two without shutting down the machine.