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I have an IBM X31 (1.4Ghz, 1GB RAM, 320GB 5,400RPM HDD) running Windows 7. Would putting an SSD in it affect the "snappiness" of the machine? I'm not looking for raw power; I just want programs to open more quickly, Chrome to scroll more smoothly, freezing to occur less often, &c.

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there's one major issue i see - the X31 is a PATA based system - most SSDs are SATA based. You won't be able to use the more common SATA SSDs with it - there's very few PATA models and they're usually expensive enough that its not worth putting a . Even if there was PATA based SSDs, the interface would be a bottleneck.

IMO upgrading the ram would be a more worthwhile upgrade if possible - upgrading it to the maximum 2 gb it supports is likely to be a bigger improvement than upgrading it to SSD.

considering its age reverting it back to the stock XP, and putting the money for the SSD into a more modern system might even be an option worth exploring.

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  • i mean this may well be me being naive but: cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-5-SSD-IDE-16-GB-PATA-16GB-IBM-T40-T41-T42-Agp-/… would that be compatible? the issue is whether there would be enough space for windows itself....
    – Sam
    Apr 14, 2011 at 1:30
  • Yeah, thinkpads tend to have a lot of loyalty. I've used them for years (i said more, but idiotically deleted it ;p)
    – Journeyman Geek ♦
    Apr 14, 2011 at 1:34
  • excellent I think I'll look in to that! yes i know...i just cant really bear to part with it...i have never liked any trackpad on a windows laptop so the red thing is the part id miss and theyre just so sturdy and well built! its getting a tad sluggish though...
    – Sam
    Apr 14, 2011 at 1:37
  • no. windows 7 needs like..10 -20 on its own in my experience. MS says 16gb minimum - you'd be cutting it VERY close
    – Journeyman Geek ♦
    Apr 14, 2011 at 1:38
  • @Sammy: I have an X31, and woudln't think of putting Windows 7 on it. I wouldn't even do that with my X40. But that SSD may be worth getting, as people have not been saying anything bad about them on the Unofficial ThinkPad forums - forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=76690
    – paradroid
    Apr 14, 2011 at 1:41

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