what type is my ZV:M?

[hachikid]

hey guys. my hard drive bit the dust a while back, and I'm now looking to replace it.

I've found several threads on which HD swaps work, and how to install them. but, I'm not sure what kind of ZV:M mine is (fatty or thin), and what kind of connectors it has.

I bought it off eBay a while back brand new, and it's a 60gb version. here are some pictures I just took of it:














any help is GREATLY appreciated! thank you!





Joseph.

[CrowdAds]

[BobbyRS]

Hello hachikid. Welcome to ABI! Nice pics!

If anyone else reads this before ever posting here, this is the way to do a first post asking questions! Great example.

Anyway, It looks like you have a slim 60GB ZVM version with the slimmer ZIF interface connector for the hard drive (ST760211DE; replacements here).

zen vision m.jpg

As for replacing the hard drive, you may want to check out these:

Here is the ABI disassembly guide.
Here is a video of a disassembly.
Here is the hard drive replacement thread.
Here is the new tested hard drive swap thread.
Here is the hard drive connector type thread.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[no9]

Very good post welcome to the big show

[hachikid]

thank you! I wasn't really sure how to describe what it was like, so I just took a crapton of pictures and let you guys go from there. this is definately y'alls area of expertise, so I figured you guys would do better with a lot of pictures than some crappy description by me.

so, whenever I replace my HD, would I need to reuse the old ZIF connector from my old HD? or does the new HD come with a new connector?

about my slim ZV:M. is the slim 60gb version and the 30gb version the same dimensions? or is there a "fatty" and "slim" version of the 30gb ZV:M?

and thanks for all the links, btw! I'm looking through them as I type.




Joseph.

[BobbyRS]

A new drive won't come with a new flex cable. You should be able to use the one you have. Just be extremely careful with it. Do not bend it too much or kink it up in anyway. They can sometimes be a little tricky inserting into the drives interface.

[hachikid]

is there any guide that shows how to remove and insert that? and is it possible to just buy a new ZIF connector?



Joseph.

[BobbyRS]

You can if you can find them in stock anywhere. Try these videos here and here. It is pretty easy to do, just be careful.

[hachikid]

ok. well what about the dimensions of the slim 60gb as compared to the 30gb? and is there a slim and fatty version of the 30gb?

and where can I find the firmware for the 60gb version? and if I get a bigger hard drive/different hard drive, will I have to get different firmware?



Joseph.

[no9]

The first 60g's were fat the 30g has always been on a diet

[hachikid]

ahh, ok. so, that would mean the 30gb and slim 60gb are the same dimensions, right? and what about the firmware?



Joseph.

[BobbyRS]

Originally Posted by hachikid

well what about the dimensions of the slim 60gb as compared to the 30gb?

60GB Slim ZVM is 0.75" thick (down from 0.87").
30GB ZVM is 0.7" thick.

Originally Posted by hachikid

and where can I find the firmware for the 60gb version?

Latest 60GB firmware is version 1.21.02. Download here (click AGREE at the bottom).

Originally Posted by hachikid

and if I get a bigger hard drive/different hard drive, will I have to get different firmware?

The firmware version used stays with the mainboard type. 60GB ZVM mainboard = 60GB firmware regardless of hard drive size.

[hachikid]

ok. so, I'm looking at possibly upgrading to a Toshiba MK1011GAH (100gb HD) or a Toshiba MK1214GAH (120gb HD). what is all this talk of sanding down the ZIF connector to make it fit better, or something? and wouldn't the thickness of the different hard drives (8mm instead of 5mm) cause problems fitting in my slim 60gb case?



Joseph.

[BobbyRS]

I think you best bet is to go with a 5mm drive and not any of the dual platter 8mm drives due to the thickness. It is just too tight of a fit and usually ends up with problems or drive failures in one drop. Some people who have the thicker ZIF flex cable connector have problems inserting them into some drives that aren't as accommodating for them. Since it appears you may have the slimmer ZIF connector, you may not need to worry about polishing/sanding down the one side to allow for an easier fit.