Toshiba 1TB 5400RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6Gb/s (7mm) 2.5in Internal Gaming PS3/PS4 Hard Drive - 3 Year Warranty
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AI Verdict
This is a 1TB, 5400RPM, 7mm 2.5-inch mechanical hard drive for expanding storage in PS3/PS4 consoles or budget laptops.
This 5400RPM drive is a functional capacity upgrade for consoles like the PS3/PS4 and older laptops, where the original drives often had similar speeds. Its 1TB capacity and 7mm form factor fit these specific use cases well, but the mechanical nature and rotation speed limit its performance for modern computing tasks.
If you need faster load times and system responsiveness, look for a 7200RPM 2.5-inch HDD or, ideally, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD.
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Pros
- Offers 1TB of storage capacity, which is a common upgrade for PS3/PS4 consoles.
- Features a slim 7mm height, fitting into most 2.5-inch drive bays.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty from the reseller, providing extended coverage.
- Includes 128MB of cache, which can help optimize read/write operations for a 5400RPM drive.
- Specifically designed and marketed for PS3/PS4 console upgrades, with installation instructions often included.
Cons
- The 5400RPM rotation speed results in slower data access compared to 7200RPM drives or SSDs.
- User-reported write speeds average 20-30 MB/s, which is slow for large file transfers.
- Reported read speeds can drop from 123 MB/s at the start to 67 MB/s at the end of the disk, indicating inconsistent performance.
- Ships as a bare drive, meaning no screws, cables, or mounting accessories are included.
- Requires formatting on the target system before it can be detected and used.
Dimension Scores
The 5400RPM speed and user-reported write speeds of 20-30 MB/s are below average for modern storage, though typical for a budget 2.5-inch HDD.
Backed by a 3-year reseller warranty and a stated 300,000 MTTF hours, it offers above-average confidence for a mechanical drive.
1TB is a substantial capacity upgrade for many PS3/PS4 users and provides ample space for general laptop storage.
The 2.5-inch form factor and SATA 6Gb/s interface ensure broad compatibility with PS3/PS4, laptops, and external enclosures.
Best For
- PS3/PS4 console owners needing to expand their game library storage.
- Budget-conscious users looking for a low-cost storage upgrade for an older laptop.
- Creating an external USB hard drive for backups or media storage.
- Replacing a failed 2.5-inch HDD in a compatible device where speed isn't critical.
Not Recommended For
- PC gamers or users requiring fast game load times and application responsiveness.
- Anyone expecting SSD-level performance for their primary operating system drive.
- Professionals handling large video files or frequently performing intensive data transfers.
- Users who need an all-inclusive kit with mounting hardware and cables.
Watch Out For
- The drive is shipped as a bare unit, so you'll need to source your own screws, cables, or mounting brackets.
- You must format the HDD on your system for it to be recognized and usable, which isn't always clear to new users.
- Actual write speeds can be as low as 20-30 MB/s, making large data transfers time-consuming.
- Read performance can degrade from 123 MB/s to 67 MB/s across the disk, impacting consistent access to data.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08975MYC5 |
| Brand | TOSHIBA |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Toshiba L200 |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 4.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Tohsiba |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Hardware Platform | playstation 3, playstation 4 |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | HDWL110UZSVA-PS |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.28 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | SATA 3 GB/s |
| Hard Drive Interface | SATA 3 GB/s |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.28 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users upgrading from older, smaller drives found this Toshiba 1TB 5400RPM HDD to be a noticeable improvement in capacity, with some reporting it felt 'very fast' compared to their previous failing drives. However, specific user tests indicate actual write speeds hover around 20-30 MB/s, and read speeds can fluctuate significantly from 123 MB/s down to 67 MB/s. A recurring point is that the drive comes as a bare unit, requiring users to supply their own mounting hardware and perform initial formatting.
“I needed more space for my PS4 games, and this 1TB drive fit right in, but don't expect it to load games like an SSD, it's still a spinning disk, just a bigger one.”
Common Praise
- Provides a significant storage capacity increase for PS3/PS4 consoles.
- The 7mm slim design fits easily into compatible devices.
- Some users perceive it as faster than their old, failing hard drives.
- The 3-year warranty from the reseller offers peace of mind.
Common Complaints
- The 5400RPM speed is a bottleneck for modern applications and game loading times.
- Actual write speeds of 20-30 MB/s are slow for moving large files.
- Read speeds can be inconsistent, dropping from 123 MB/s to 67 MB/s.
- Does not include any installation accessories like screws or cables.
- Requires manual formatting before the system will recognize it.
Ownership Tips
- The drive runs quietly, which is typical for 5400RPM 2.5-inch HDDs.
- Heat generation is minimal, suitable for enclosed console or laptop environments.
- The performance difference from a stock 5400RPM console drive is primarily in capacity, not speed.
- Initial setup involves downloading console firmware onto a USB drive and then installing it after the HDD swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hard drive compatible with both PS3 and PS4 consoles?
Yes, this drive is designed to work as a replacement or upgrade for both PS3 and PS4 game consoles, fitting their 2.5-inch SATA drive bays.
Does this drive come with any installation accessories like screws or cables?
No, it is sold as a bare drive, meaning you will need to use your existing screws, cables, and any necessary mounting hardware.
Do I need to format the drive before I can use it?
Yes, you will need to format the HDD on your system (console or computer) for it to be properly detected and become usable.
What are the typical read and write speeds I can expect?
User tests show read speeds starting around 123 MB/s and dropping to 67 MB/s, with average write speeds in the 20-30 MB/s range.
Is this drive faster than the original hard drive in a PS4?
While it offers a larger 1TB capacity and 128MB cache, the 5400RPM speed is typically similar to the stock PS4 drive, so don't expect a significant speed boost, primarily a capacity increase.
Can I use this drive in a desktop computer?
Yes, you can use this 2.5-inch SATA drive in a desktop PC, but you might need a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket for proper mounting in a standard desktop bay.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at internal hard drives like this, you're essentially buying raw storage. It's not a plug-and-play device like an external drive. You'll need to install it yourself, which for consoles like the PS3 or PS4, means opening up the system and following specific steps to transfer your data or reinstall the operating system. For laptops, it's a similar process. This type of drive is about getting more space for your games or files, not necessarily making everything lightning fast.
Capacity (1TB)
This is how much data the drive can hold. 1TB is enough for dozens of large games or thousands of photos and documents. Think of it like the size of your digital closet.
Rotation Speed (5400RPM)
This is how fast the platters inside the hard drive spin. Higher RPM (like 7200RPM) generally means faster data access, but 5400RPM is common for 2.5-inch drives and offers a balance of cost and power efficiency. It's like the speed of a carousel – faster spinning means you can grab things quicker.
Cache (128MB)
This is a small, very fast memory buffer on the drive that temporarily stores frequently accessed data, helping to speed up operations. A larger cache can make a 5400RPM drive feel a bit snappier by reducing the number of times the drive has to physically seek data.
Form Factor (2.5 Inches, 7mm)
This describes the physical size of the drive. 2.5-inch drives are standard for laptops and consoles. The 7mm height is particularly thin, ensuring it fits in most devices without clearance issues.
Alternatives
If you need significantly faster performance for gaming or demanding applications, look for a 2.5-inch SATA Solid State Drive (SSD) with capacities like 500GB or 1TB. For more storage at a similar price point but with better speed, consider a 7200RPM 2.5-inch HDD.
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