Converting an SSHD Hybrid Drive to a Standard HDD

Are you considering converting your Solid State Hybrid Drive (SSHD) into a standard Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to enhance your system's performance? While it's not possible to literally transform an SSHD into a traditional HDD, you can effectively use it as one by following these steps. In this article, we will explore how to disable the caching features, format the drive, and use it like a standard HDD.

Disabling Caching Features

Some SSHDs use their SSD portion for caching frequently accessed data to improve performance. However, you can disable this feature to revert to standard HDD operation. Disabling the caching feature can be done through the system's BIOS/UEFI settings or through specific software provided by the manufacturer.

Steps to Disable Caching:

Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing a key such as DEL, F2, or F10 during the boot process. Navigate to SSD/Cache Settings: Look for settings related to the SSD or caching. This might be under the Advanced, Storage, or CPU settings. Disable Caching: Disable any option related to caching, such as Intel Smart Response Technology (SRT) or similar caching features. Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart automatically.

Formatting the Drive

Formatting the SSHD is the next step to transform it into a standard HDD. This process will remove any data, including potentially stored cache information. Before formatting, make sure to back up any important data to avoid losing it.

How to Format the Drive:

The process of formatting the SSHD varies depending on your operating system:

Windows: Right-click on the SSHD in the Computer or My Computer window, select Manage, then choose Disk Management. Right-click the drive and select Format. Follow the on-screen instructions. macOS: Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder. Select the SSHD, click the Erase tab, and follow the prompts to format the drive.

Using as a Standard HDD

Once the SSHD is formatted, you can use it just like a standard HDD. However, keep in mind that the SSD portion will still exist but won't be utilized for caching.

Removing SSD Features

Some SSHDs come with proprietary software that manages the SSD caching. You can uninstall or disable this software to further mimic the functionality of a standard HDD.

Steps to Remove SSD Features:

Open the Control Panel: In Windows, go to the Control Panel and find the option for managing Startup Programs. Disable SSD Features: Look for software related to the SSHD or SSD caching. Disable or remove these programs.

Considerations

Performance: While using the SSHD as a standard HDD will eliminate the benefits of the SSD caching, the drive will still function normally as an HDD.

Data Recovery: If you are trying to recover lost data or change how the drive operates, be sure to back up any important data before making changes.

Physical Modifications: Physically altering the drive like opening it up is not recommended and can void warranties or lead to data loss.

In summary, while you can't transform an SSHD into a traditional HDD, you can effectively use it as one by disabling caching features, formatting the drive, and removing SSD-specific software. This conversion process can help you achieve a balance between performance and cost.