Seagate utility to change HD interface from 3.0 to 1.5

[cinohpa]

I'm looking at getting a new (larger) hd for a tablet.

Unfortunately the tablet only accepts 1.5 gb/s interface and most larger hds are 3.0/s. I've found this is a problem with my machine so I need to find a utility to change the interface from 3.0 to 1.5 I know some exist, but I've been having trouble with finding such a utility on Seagate's website.

Their diagnostic tool only files a status report on the hd and doesn't have a real GUI for changing hd settings.

Thanks.

[nitrobass24]

If you put a 3.0 drive on a 1.5 controller it will run at 1.5, it is backwards compatible.
Its just like if you plug a USB2 drive into a usb 1.1 port it will still work it will just run at 1.1 speeds.

[cinohpa]

I want to believe that and I can't be sure until I get the drive myself, but I've seen a couple people have problems with it until they changed the settings themselves. This was with both a Hitachi drive and a Seagate drive (the seagate person ended up returning it before the hitachi person suggested what he did to get around it).

[nitrobass24]

Just curious how much space do you need/want?
I only ask because they make 320GB notebook drives with 1.5 interfaces, they are also cheaper than the ones with 3.0 interfaces
Something else to keep in mind a 3.0 will use more battery than a 1.5 drive and thus decreasing your runtime on the tablet

[cinohpa]

200+ is good. Maybe I should shop around more, but are the 1.5 gb/s interface drives from particularly good companies?

I was tempted by Hitachi's 320gb, but got nervous about reviews saying their drives clicked/made noises etc.

[xenotype]

I want to believe that and I can't be sure until I get the drive myself, but I've seen a couple people have problems with it until they changed the settings themselves. This was with both a Hitachi drive and a Seagate drive (the seagate person ended up returning it before the hitachi person suggested what he did to get around it).

People are messing with your head. AFAIK, there is no software/fimrware mod that will allow you to change a drive's interface speed (3.0 gbps ---> 1.5 gbps).

They are backwards compatible, like has been said, a USB 2.0 device will work just fine in a 1.1 socket, it just wont run as fast.

Same thing with memory, you can install PCwhatever RAM on a PClessthanwatever motherboard, and itll run just fine at the PClessthanwhatever speed

[nitrobass24]

I'd recommend these drives

250GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136123)

and if you really want space 320gb (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136123)

[Old Hippie]

Unfortunately the tablet only accepts 1.5 gb/s interface and most larger hds are 3.0/s
Some chipsets don't auto negotiate well and some SATA drives are set to 3.0 specs, which will make them incompatible with 1.5 chipsets.

I've found this to be the case in some budget chipsets.

I've only run across this in desktops, but there's no reason why lappies should be immune to the problem.

I believe Hitachi has a utility to change interface speeds (http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm#FeatureTool).

I thought Seagates had jumpers to go from 1.5 to 3.0 specs?

Least ya know nobody's messing with your head. :D

[xenotype]

Some chipsets don't auto negotiate well and some SATA drives are set to 3.0 specs, which will make them incompatible with 1.5 chipsets.

I've found this to be the case in some budget chipsets.

I believe Hitachi has a utility to change interface speeds (http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm#FeatureTool).

I thought Seagates had jumpers to go from 1.5 to 3.0 specs?

Least ya know nobody's messing with your head. :D

How about that. I thought backwards compatible was one of those set-in-stone types of things. Some seagates due have the jumpers (mine do).

Never heard of that software util before.

[Old Hippie]

I thought backwards compatible was one of those set-in-stone types of things.
I'm 56. You can count on death and taxes, but everything else...................;)

[cinohpa]

Thanks Old Hippie. I guess I should go with Hitachi then considering I don't think jumpers will really help me with a tablet eh?

[SmokeRngs]

I have 4 Seagate SATA 3.0 3.5" desktop hard drives and every one of them has a jumper for 1.5 or 3.0 speeds. Seagate actually sets them to 1.5 from the factory and you have to remove the jumper to get the 3.0 speeds.

I just got my WD640AAKS and it does not have a jumper (that I have seen) to select which speed. In most cases, running a SATA 3.0 on a SATA 1.5 controller should not be a problem. There are exceptions to this, though.

Also, I'm not familiar with how laptop drives are so I'm not sure how that would affect things. Even though all recent Seagate 3.5" desktop drives (7200.10 & 7200.11) have the jumper, it may not be the same with the laptop drives. You may just want to looks at the specs on the drives you're looking to buy and see if they have the jumper.

http://www.hardfolding.com/ftag1.php/mem/207/1/1.png (http://www.hardfolding.com?go=38&tnum=33&id=207)

[Old Hippie]

Thanks Old Hippie. I guess I should go with Hitachi then considering I don't think jumpers will really help me with a tablet eh?

It's been awhile since I investigated lappy HDD configurations.

Your best bet is to go to The Notebook Forums (http://www.notebookforums.com/index.php?index) and ask a specific question or use the search function......it used to work. :)

The guys over there really know their stuff.

Good Luck!

[dandragonrage]

Via chipsets have trouble with with SATA 2 drives. Pretty much everyone else works fine.