by 3 reviews.
Toshiba MK3276GSX 320 GB Internal Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Upgrade for Your Laptop
If you're looking to upgrade your laptop's storage or replace a failing hard drive, the Toshiba MK3276GSX 320 GB Internal Hard Drive is a solid choice. This 2.5-inch SATA hard drive offers 320 GB of storage capacity, a 5400 RPM rotational speed, and an 8 MB buffer, making it a reliable option for everyday use. Whether you're a casual user or someone who needs a dependable storage solution for older systems, this hard drive has a lot to offer.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Performance and Speed
One of the standout features of the Toshiba MK3276GSX is its performance. Many customers have praised its speed, with one reviewer noting that it "works well and seems to be nearly as fast as the 7,200 RPM hard drive it is replacing." This is impressive for a 5400 RPM drive, especially when compared to older or slower models. Another user mentioned that their laptop "works like new" after installing this hard drive, highlighting its ability to breathe new life into aging systems.
However, it's worth noting that this drive isn't designed for high-performance tasks like gaming or video editing. While it performs admirably for general use, those needing faster speeds might want to consider an SSD or a 7200 RPM hard drive.
Compatibility with Older Systems
A major advantage of the Toshiba MK3276GSX is its compatibility with older computers. One reviewer pointed out that it's "not one of the newer advanced format hard drives," which makes it ideal for systems with a SATA interface. This is a significant benefit for users with older laptops or devices like the PS3, where compatibility can be a concern. A customer who upgraded their PS3's 80GB hard drive to this 320GB model reported faster installation times for games and add-ons, showcasing its versatility.
Ease of Installation
For those who are new to replacing hard drives, the Toshiba MK3276GSX is a user-friendly option. While it doesn't come with installation instructions, one reviewer found online guides and had their laptop up and running in less than 20 minutes. Another user mentioned that the drive "plugged in and worked" without any issues, emphasizing its plug-and-play nature. Even for older laptops, like a 17" Toshiba model, the replacement process was described as "fast and simple."
Durability and Build Quality
Durability is another area where this hard drive shines. Customers have noted that it's "nearly silent" and "uses very little power," making it an energy-efficient choice. The drive also comes with a full manufacturer warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers. One reviewer appreciated the detailed invoice that tracked the serial number, ensuring easy access to support if needed.
However, some users might find the 320GB capacity limiting, especially if they work with large files or need extensive storage. While it's a significant upgrade from smaller drives like 160GB or 80GB, those with more demanding storage needs might want to consider larger options.
Value for Money
The Toshiba MK3276GSX offers excellent value for its price. One customer mentioned that the price was better than other online and local vendors, making it a cost-effective choice. Another reviewer highlighted the quick delivery and robust packaging, which included ample bubble wrap to protect the drive during shipping. For those on a budget, this hard drive provides a reliable and affordable storage solution.
Noise and Power Consumption
One of the most frequently praised aspects of this hard drive is its quiet operation. Users have described it as "nearly silent," which is a significant advantage for those who value a noise-free computing environment. Additionally, its low power consumption makes it an eco-friendly option, particularly for laptops where battery life is a concern.
Conclusion: Is the Toshiba MK3276GSX Worth It?
The Toshiba MK3276GSX 320 GB Internal Hard Drive is a dependable and affordable storage solution for those looking to upgrade or replace their laptop's hard drive. Its compatibility with older systems, ease of installation, and quiet operation make it a standout choice for general users. While it may not be the fastest or most spacious option on the market, it delivers excellent value for its price and is a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks.
Final Verdict: If you're upgrading an older laptop or need a straightforward, no-frills hard drive, the Toshiba MK3276GSX is a solid pick. It's not the most advanced option, but it gets the job done efficiently and reliably.
Specification Toshiba MK3276GSX 320 GB Internal Hard Drive (MK3276GSX):
Comments from Amazon:
The HD on my 2012 macbookbro failed. I ordered this one and although it is slightly larger than the factory HD I was able to fit it in by removing the factory HD adaptor/holder. I reinstalled the OS and the laptop works like new with no issues.
Plugged it in and it worked. Absolutely nothing to complain about
I was a little worried about installing a new hard drive in my notebook computer because I had never done it before, so I selected this drive that was exactly like the one that had died after several years of constant use. The price was better than available elsewhere on the internet and better than all local vendors that I checked. To my delight, the package arrived sooner than expected, which gave me the whole Thanksgiving weekend to play with it. While no instructions were provided, I found some on the internet and had the laptop up and running again (better than ever!) in less than 20 minutes. If you need a drive, just go for it!
Had an older PS3 with the 80GB HDD that was running out of room. I use an external USB for all my audio and video files but do have a few games saved on this system. It had been running a bit slow and was running out of room. The system files take up nearly half the space! I purchased this item because we have used them at work before on laptops and they worked great. It arrived at my house 2 days after it shipped. Very nicely packaged and protected from the vendor. They used more than enough bubble wrap and I was not worried about it having been mishandled during shipping. I almost felt tempted to drop it and test how well it had been packaged but resisted the urge. The drive comes with a full manufacturer warranty and the detailed invoice from the supplier tracks the serial number of the drive for you in case you have any issues in the future. It took me about 5 minutes to swap out the old HDD and insert this into my PS3 and get it up and running. I also installed a few games and some add on packs afterwards and noticed the time to install took way less than when I had to download the same content on my old drive. Overall very pleased. Will update if anything comes up but so far so good.
Older Toshiba 17" laptop needed new hard drive. The search took only a few minutes, and the price for a genuine, new Toshiba hard drive was only about $10. Replacement was fast and simple.
Very fast. I use it on an old laptop
This hard drive works well and seems to be nearly as fast as the 7,200 RPM hard drive that it is replacing. I bought this hard drive to increase the size of my storage (replaced a 160GB hard drive). The Toshiba MK3276GSX 2.5" 320GB 5,400 RPM hard drive is not one of the newer advanced format hard drives so it should work well with older computers that have a SATA interface. 320GB of storage on a single platter hard drive is a plus. It is nearly silent and uses very little power.