This article covers 東芝 2.5型HDD MQ01ABF050 5400rpm 7mm ( SATA 6Gb.

Overview

The Toshiba MQ01ABF050 is a 2.5-inch internal hard disk drive with a storage capacity of 500GB. It spins at 5400rpm, features an 8MB cache, and connects via a SATA 6Gb/s interface. With a thickness of just 7mm, this drive is designed to fit into slim laptops and compact desktop builds where space is at a premium.
This model sits firmly in the entry-level storage segment, offering a cost-effective solution for bulk data storage. While it cannot match the speed of an SSD, it provides ample room for documents, photos, music, and other files that do not require lightning-fast access times. Its 7mm profile makes it compatible with many ultrabooks and thin-and-light notebooks that cannot accommodate traditional 9.5mm drives.
In the current market, the MQ01ABF050 is best suited as a secondary storage drive in a dual-drive configuration (SSD + HDD) or as a budget-friendly upgrade for older laptops. It is also a popular choice for file servers and NAS units where low power consumption and quiet operation are valued over raw speed.

Compatibility Guide

This drive uses the standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor and is compatible with any system that has a SATA 6Gb/s port. Its 7mm height allows it to fit into both 7mm and 9.5mm drive bays without adapters. For desktop PCs, you will need a free SATA data cable and a SATA power connector from the power supply. For laptops, check whether the internal bay supports 7mm drives and whether the existing drive can be replaced or if there is a secondary bay available.

Product Info

The Toshiba MQ01ABF050 was originally released around 2013 but remains widely available through various retailers. It is positioned as an entry-level HDD, emphasizing affordability and adequate capacity for everyday file storage. Key specifications include 500GB capacity, SATA 6Gb/s interface, 5400rpm spindle speed, 8MB cache, 2.5-inch form factor, 7mm height, and a weight of approximately 95 grams. The standard warranty period is one year.

Best Use Cases

Laptop storage upgrade
If you have an older laptop with a mechanical drive and want more space without spending much, this 7mm drive is a drop-in replacement for many models. It works well as a secondary drive for data, but we recommend keeping the OS on an SSD for acceptable boot times.
Budget file server or NAS
The 5400rpm speed keeps power draw and heat low, making this drive suitable for 24/7 operation in a home server or NAS. However, for RAID arrays, consider using drives specifically rated for NAS use (e.g., Toshiba N300 series) for better reliability.
Cost-effective bulk storage
When you need to store large amounts of data on a tight budget, this HDD offers a low cost per gigabyte. It is ideal for backups, archives, and media libraries where sequential read/write performance is not critical.

Things to Consider

The MQ01ABF050's 5400rpm speed limits its sequential transfer rates to around 100MB/s. This is fine for storing files, but using it as a boot drive will result in noticeably slow system startup and application loading. Always pair it with an SSD for the operating system.
At 500GB, the capacity may feel restrictive if you plan to store many modern games or high-resolution video projects. Consider a 1TB or larger model if your storage needs are greater.
Because this is an older model (circa 2013), newer HDDs in the same price range may offer higher areal density and better performance. Before purchasing, compare it with current-generation drives such as the Toshiba MQ04 series to ensure you are getting the best value.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this HDD in a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5?
A: The PS4 requires a 9.5mm thick drive for internal replacement, so this 7mm drive is not recommended for that purpose. It can be used externally via a USB enclosure with both PS4 and PS5. It is not compatible as internal storage for the PS5.
Q: Do I need a special bracket to install this drive in a desktop PC?
A: If your case has a dedicated 2.5-inch mounting point, no bracket is needed. If only 3.5-inch bays are available, you will need a 2.5-to-3.5-inch adapter bracket. Many modern cases include 2.5-inch mounting holes.
Q: How much faster is a 7200rpm drive compared to this 5400rpm model?
A: A 7200rpm drive typically offers 20-30% higher sequential read and write speeds. However, it also generates more heat and noise. For quiet, power-efficient storage, the 5400rpm MQ01ABF050 is the better choice.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: 東芝(TOSHIBA)
  • Seller: アヤセモール「適格請求書発行可」
  • Fulfilled by: アヤセモール「適格請求書発行可」
  • ASIN: B00F60QH5G
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.