This article covers MQ04ABF100 東芝 1TB.

Overview

Toshiba's MQ04ABF100 is a 2.5-inch internal hard disk drive packing 1TB of storage, spinning at 5,400rpm. It features 128MB of cache memory and a SATA 6Gbps interface, all within a slim 7mm-thick chassis. This drive is ideal for upgrading laptop storage, adding bulk storage to slim desktops, or building an external portable drive. Low power consumption and an integrated shock sensor (accelerometer) help protect data during transport, making it suitable for mobile use.
Priced around ¥11,000, it offers significantly lower cost per gigabyte than SSDs, making it a great choice for archival storage, media libraries, or file servers. However, its mechanical nature and 5,400rpm speed mean it's not suitable as a primary OS drive; treat it as secondary storage for bulk data.

Compatibility Guide

  • Form factor: 2.5-inch, 7mm height — fits most laptops, slim desktops, and external enclosures. Some older devices require a 9.5mm drive; a spacer may be needed.
  • Interface: SATA 6Gbps (backward compatible with SATA 3Gbps/1.5Gbps).
  • Power: Standard SATA power connector.
  • Supported devices: Ultrabooks, mainstream laptops, PS4/PS5 (with 9.5mm spacer), NUCs, external USB enclosures.
  • Note: Verify your device's drive bay height (7mm vs 9.5mm) before purchase.

Product Info

Launched around 2018, the MQ04ABF100 belongs to Toshiba's MQ04AB series. It operates at 5,400rpm with a 128MB cache and SATA 6Gbps interface. Market positioning is entry-to-mid-range, focusing on low power consumption (~1.5W idle, ~3.5W active) and quiet operation. Shock tolerance is rated at 300G (operating) and 900G (non-operating). The drive carries a standard 2-year warranty from the manufacturer. It is widely available on Japanese online retailers and major electronics retailers.

Best Use Cases

  • Budget laptop storage upgrade: Replace a failing or small-capacity HDD in an older laptop for bulk storage. Pair with an SSD as a dual-drive setup (using optical bay adapter) for OS speed + data capacity.
  • Home/office file server or NAS: Use in a low-power NAS for backups, media streaming, or archival storage. Multiple units in RAID can provide terabytes of storage at low cost.
  • DIY external hard drive: Insert into a 2.5-inch USB enclosure (USB-C recommended) for a portable 1TB drive. Cost-effective for backups or transporting large files.
  • Security camera DVR: Ideal for continuous recording due to low power and adequate sequential write speed.

Things to Consider

  • Speed limitation: At ~100-120MB/s sequential read, this HDD is far slower than any SATA SSD (500+ MB/s). Do not use as a boot drive for modern OS or applications.
  • Capacity ceiling: If you need more than 1TB, consider the 2TB variant (MQ04ABD200) or switch to a 3.5-inch drive for desktop use.
  • Physical fit: While most modern laptops use 7mm bays, some older models require 9.5mm. Use a spacer if necessary.
  • Reliability: Though equipped with shock sensors, HDDs are still vulnerable to drops and vibrations. Always maintain backups of critical data.
  • Noise: At idle it's near-silent (~2.2dB), but seek noise is audible in quiet environments.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this HDD to upgrade my PS4's internal storage?
A: Yes, PS4 (original and Pro) supports 9.5mm drives. The 7mm MQ04ABF100 will fit but you'll need to secure it with spacers or foam. Works normally after formatting from the PS4 system.
Q: Should I choose this 5,400rpm drive or a 7,200rpm model?
A: 7,200rpm drives (e.g., Toshiba MQ03ABB series) offer 20-30% faster sequential transfers, reducing copy times and improving OS responsiveness. However, they consume more power and generate more heat/noise. For laptops and quiet builds, 5,400rpm is better; for desktop secondary storage, 7,200rpm can be worth the extra cost.
Q: Can I use this HDD with a USB enclosure?
A: Absolutely. Almost any 2.5-inch USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure works. Ensure the enclosure supports SATA III and provides adequate power over USB (most do). The drive's low power draw (under 5W) ensures USB bus power is sufficient.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: 東芝(TOSHIBA)
  • Seller: Amazon US
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon US
  • ASIN: B07D2XR1CS
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.