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5 tips Self removing hard drives

July 10, 2024September 14th, 2024
types of hard drives and SSD

Overview of different hard drives and SSDs

If you want to remove hard drives from computers or laptops for data destruction yourself, keep in mind that modern ones (SSDs) are much smaller than the classic versions. These are sometimes overlooked due to their size because they are no larger than a circuit board of a few centimeters.

Traditional discs literally consist of circular spinning plates and contain other moving parts. This makes them larger, heavier and easy to spot. These Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) were replaced around 2015 by the 2.5-inch Solid State Drives (SSDs) which are still the same size as the old laptop HDDs, but no longer have moving parts and are much faster. 

In recent years, only so-called M.2 SSDs have been used. These are no bigger in size than a memory card of a few centimeters and are still much faster than the older SSDs. The principle is simple. Something that is heavy and mechanical cannot be as fast as something that is small and light.

This article is not intended to encourage you to unscrew your laptops or computers yourself, this requires some technical insight. As a result, the warranty is usually void. For those who want to take the chance, here are some tips and hints:

5 tips self-removing hard drives or SSDs:

  • Make sure you have the right tools. Often small Phillips and a torx screwdriver and a flat spatula are sufficient.
  • The case of a PC can usually be opened with 1 or 2 screw movements. Laptops can range from 1 easy sliding motion to as many as 15 screws. Make sure you work neatly and keep everything together. The plastic bottom can break if not all the screws are properly removed and you try to open it anyway.
  • Old hard drives and 2.5″ SSDs are screwed into the PC case or laptop and connected via a cable with a plug or connector. These can usually be easily unplugged.
  • If you have computers or laptops from 2018, you can detach the M.2 SSDs from the motherboard with 1 screw.
  • If you screw the case or bottom back together neatly, you can give the computer or laptop a second life. This, of course, is sustainable and circular.