Hard driveis an indispensable part of the computer since it ensures that that computer runs normally.
The hard drive is used to store all files and the operating system on the computer.
Hard drives generally come into two different form factors which are 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch.
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With different form factors, 2.5 HDD and 3.5 HDD also have some differences.
So, in the following section, we will show you the differences between 2.5 vs 3.5 HDD.
2.5 VS 3.5 HDD: What Are the Differences?

In this part, we will show the differences between 2.5 HDD vs 3.5 HDD.
In conclusion, the weight of 2.5 inch HDDs is much less than 3.5 inch HDDs.
However, this does not mean that 2.5-inch HDDs cannot be installed on desktop computers.

Or else, an adapter is required.
In addition to being used in laptops, the 2.5 inch HDDs also have more applications.
it’s possible for you to also call it the spin speed of the disks.

In general, the HDDs use standard spin speeds of 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM.
Generally speaking, 3.5 inch HDDs have far greater range of storage capacities than the 2.5 inch HDDs.
As of May 2024, Western Digital made the largest 2.5-inch HDD with 6TB.

While a 3.5-inch HDD can offer up to 32TB capacity.
Usually, the data transfer speed of 3.5 inch HDDs is greater than the 2.5 inch HDDs.
For example, most 3.5-inch HDDs offer 7200 RPM, making the data transfer rate faster.

Usually, the average rate is 80MB/s to 160MB/s read & write speeds.
While a 2.5-inch HDD with 5400 PRM offers around 100MB/s write and read speeds.
The laptop is equipped with HDDs that are more shock resistant.

So, the 2.5 inch HDD is more shock resistant than 3.5 inch HDD.
So, the factor of hard drive shock resistance is also important.
From the above information, you should have known which one is better.
In addition, for laptops or portable hard disks, the 2.5 inch HDD is recommended.
For desktop computers and Servers, the 3.5 inch HDD makes perfect sense.
This post showed the differences between 2.5 inch HDD and 3.5 inch HDD in several aspects.
A larger hard drive is able to store more files and get better performance.
It is possible for you to upgrade the hard drive without data loss.
To upgrade computer hard drive, MiniTool ShadowMaker is strongly recommended.
Now, here is the tutorial.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
2.
Install it on your setup.
After entering its main interface, go to theToolspage.
Then clickClone Diskto continue.
Choose the disk clone source.
you could choose the original system disk as the disk clone source and then clickNext.
Choose a target disk and then clickStart.
If you have important files on it,back up themfirst.
Then thedisk cloningprocess will begin.
The cost time depends on the number of files on the hard disk.
like do not interrupt the disk clone process until it is finished.
you’re gonna wanna remove or disconnect either of them.
Besides, if you want to boot the computer from the target disk, change the BIOS tweaks first.