This category contains 2.5-inch hard disk drives (HDDs) for laptops, servers and workstations. Most of our range is SAS drives for servers, with some SATA and IDE models as well. Over 500 products come from HP Enterprise, Dell, Lenovo, IBM and Seagate, among others.
How to choose a 2.5-inch hard drive
Interface and compatibility. Check which interface your device supports first. Our range is mostly SAS, with Serial ATA III, Serial ATA and IDE/ATA models too. Most modern laptops use SATA, and IDE is only needed for very old machines. A SAS drive will not connect to a SATA port, while a SAS controller usually accepts SATA drives as well.
Rotational speed. Drives are available at 5400, 7200, 10,000 and 15,000 RPM. Laptops usually do well with 5400 or 7200 RPM, which run quieter and produce less heat. The 10,000 and 15,000 RPM drives are meant for servers where fast data access matters, but they are noisier and run hotter.
Capacity. Our range includes 300 GB, 500 GB, 600 GB, 1.2 TB, 1.8 TB and 2.4 TB drives. Fast server drives are generally smaller than slower laptop models, so work out how much data you need to store and leave some spare room.
Intended device and part number. Server drives are often mounted in a manufacturer-specific caddy, so check your server model and the original part number. For laptops, drive thickness matters too: some devices only take thinner drives, so look at your computer's specification.
Brands we carry
- HP Enterprise: makes and sells drives for its ProLiant servers, so many models carry the original manufacturer part numbers.
- Dell: drives for PowerEdge servers and Dell workstations, usually fitted in the same manufacturer caddy.
- Lenovo: offers drives for ThinkSystem servers and ThinkPad laptops.
- IBM: drives for older IBM server systems, which often need maintaining for many years.
- HP: drives for HP laptops and workstations, including HP Inc. products.
- Seagate: one of the largest hard drive manufacturers, known for both server and laptop drives.
- Toshiba: has long made 2.5-inch drives for laptops.
- Delock: known as a maker of computer accessories and adapters.
Also in our range: CoreParts, Hitachi and Hama.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit a SAS drive in a laptop?
No, laptops generally do not have a SAS connector. They need a SATA drive or, for older models, an IDE drive. SAS drives are intended for servers and workstations with a SAS controller.
Which is better for a laptop: 5400 or 7200 RPM?
A 7200 RPM drive is usually faster, while a 5400 RPM drive is quieter and produces less heat. Choose 7200 RPM if speed is your priority. If you value quiet running and lower temperatures, 5400 RPM will do.
What is the difference between 10,000 and 15,000 RPM drives?
A 15,000 RPM drive spins faster and reaches data sooner, but it is noisier and runs hotter. Both types are meant for servers where quick response matters. Their capacity is typically lower than that of slower drives.
How do I know if a drive will fit my server?
Compatibility depends on the interface (SAS or SATA), the 2.5-inch size and the manufacturer part number. Your server documentation lists which drives it supports. If in doubt, compare the label on your old drive with the description of the model you are considering.
