Noob - What Laptop HDD will I need?

AskingForAFriend on 03/04/2023 - 11:16

Hi Guys,

The HDD on my laptop is making grinding noises :-( It will need replacing and I haven't done this before.

I've backed up the HDD (using the steps in the link below) to a USB Flash Drive:

https://www.easeus.com/backup-utility/restore-windows-10-sys…

I'll need to purchase a new HDD, install this and (hopefully) using the Flash drive, to restore the new HDD back to working order.

The laptop is a xiaomi mi air 15.

The current HDD is a samsung NVME MZVLW256 - 512GB

Which HDD out there would be most compatible so that I can open the laptop, remove the existing HDD and install a new one with minimal stress / problems.

Really grateful for your help advice and any tips.

Thanks so much.

Computing Computer Component SSD

Comments

  • MS Paint on 03/04/2023 - 11:20
    +3

    This doesn't make sense. I'm guessing the fans are making a grinding noise. Probably full of belly button fluff.

  • ihfree on 03/04/2023 - 11:21
    +4

    There are no moving parts in a NVME drive.

    Are you sure it is the drive? I would expect either nothing or more high pitched electrical sounds from a failing NVME drive.

    Have you checked the drive health using the manufacturer or other tools?

    If it does turn out to be the drive, it's a m.2 NVME 2280. See this tag:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/tag/m-2-pcie-nvme

  • bazingaa on 03/04/2023 - 11:24
    +4

    samsung NVME MZVLW256 - 512GB

    this is not a HDD but a SSD. grinding noises are probably from fans, please clean the CPU/GPU fans and check whether you can still hear grinding noises.

    Samsung-MZVLW256HEHP looks like this,no moving parts:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Samsung-MZVLW256HEHP-PM961-256GB-I…

  • AskingForAFriend on 03/04/2023 - 13:06

    Aha! Thank you so much guys, really appreciate it - I just assumed that it was the HDD. The fan whirs occasionally which I can hear but the grinding sound is intermittent but has become increasingly more frequent. Its coming from the bottom left hand side of the trackpad.

    I'll check out the fan - is it as simple as disconnecting the fan and using the aerosol air can compressed air to clean it out?

    Thanks so much, really grateful

    • MS Paint on 03/04/2023 - 13:27
      +2

      Its coming from the bottom left hand side of the trackpad.

      I know nothing about Xiaomi laptops but typically under a laptop trackpad is the battery. That should not be making a noise either. The fans are more often in the back half and generally pull air through the keyboard and eject the hot air out of the base or the rear.

      Look for a YouTube video specific to your laptop for a teardown video. Removing the back cover should be simple and expose the fans immediately. No need to disconnect them. Just pick out any obvious lint carefully and try blowing with your mouth to dislodge any other dust buildups. A can of compressed air will help get rid of the smaller dust particles.

  • AskingForAFriend on 03/04/2023 - 14:34
    +1

    Thank you truly, really grateful for your help :-)

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