# 2.5-inch drive

> computer drive form factor

**Wikidata**: [Q65037415](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65037415)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/2-5-inch-drive

## Summary
The 2.5-inch drive is a computer drive form factor standardized by PrairieTek in 1988, designed for compact data storage devices. It is a subclass of the broader drive category and includes both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), with a standardized width of 70.10 millimeters. The form factor is governed by standards from the Small Form Factor Committee (SFF-8201) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA-720).

## Key Facts
- The 2.5-inch drive form factor was introduced by PrairieTek in 1988.
- It has a standardized width of 70.10 millimeters.
- The form factor is defined by the Small Form Factor Committee under SFF-8201 and the Electronic Industries Alliance under EIA-720.
- It is a subclass of the drive category and includes both HDDs and SSDs.
- The 2.5-inch drive is commonly used in laptops and small form-factor computers.
- Examples of 2.5-inch drives include the WD Blue SATA SSD and PATA hard drives.
- The form factor is referenced in Wikimedia Commons with images of 2.5-inch SSDs and HDDs.
- It is categorized under "2.5" computer bay devices" on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
**What is the 2.5-inch drive form factor?**
The 2.5-inch drive is a standardized computer drive form factor measuring 70.10 millimeters in width, introduced by PrairieTek in 1988. It is used for compact data storage devices like HDDs and SSDs.

**Who invented the 2.5-inch drive?**
PrairieTek introduced the 2.5-inch drive form factor in 1988, making it one of the earliest standardized drive formats.

**What standards define the 2.5-inch drive?**
The 2.5-inch drive is defined by the Small Form Factor Committee (SFF-8201) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA-720).

**What types of drives use the 2.5-inch form factor?**
The 2.5-inch form factor is used for both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), including models like the WD Blue SATA SSD.

**Where is the 2.5-inch drive commonly used?**
The 2.5-inch drive is widely used in laptops and small form-factor computers due to its compact size.

## Why It Matters
The 2.5-inch drive form factor played a crucial role in enabling compact and portable computing by providing a standardized size for HDDs and SSDs. Its introduction in 1988 by PrairieTek allowed for the development of smaller, more efficient storage solutions, which became essential for laptops and other space-constrained devices. The form factor's standardization under SFF-8201 and EIA-720 ensured compatibility across different manufacturers, driving innovation in data storage technology. Today, the 2.5-inch drive remains a foundational component in modern computing, enabling the miniaturization of storage solutions while maintaining performance and reliability.

## Notable For
- One of the earliest standardized drive form factors, introduced by PrairieTek in 1988.
- Defined by industry standards from the Small Form Factor Committee (SFF-8201) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA-720).
- Used in both HDDs and SSDs, including the WD Blue SATA SSD.
- Widely adopted in laptops and small form-factor computers due to its compact size.
- Referenced in Wikimedia Commons with images of 2.5-inch SSDs and HDDs.

## Body
### History
The 2.5-inch drive form factor was introduced by PrairieTek in 1988, establishing it as one of the earliest standardized drive formats. The form factor was later standardized by the Small Form Factor Committee under SFF-8201 and the Electronic Industries Alliance under EIA-720, ensuring compatibility across different manufacturers.

### Specifications
The 2.5-inch drive has a standardized width of 70.10 millimeters, making it suitable for compact storage solutions. It is used in both HDDs and SSDs, including models like the WD Blue SATA SSD and PATA hard drives.

### Usage
The 2.5-inch drive is commonly used in laptops and small form-factor computers due to its compact size. It is referenced in Wikimedia Commons with images of 2.5-inch SSDs and HDDs, including examples of PCIe SSDs with U.2 interfaces and PATA hard drives.

### Standards and Compliance
The form factor is defined by the Small Form Factor Committee under SFF-8201 and the Electronic Industries Alliance under EIA-720. These standards ensure compatibility and interoperability across different manufacturers.

### Related Entities
The 2.5-inch drive is a subclass of the broader drive category, which includes data storage devices containing recording media. It is also related to the disk drive class, which records data on the surface of rotating disks. The form factor is categorized under "2.5" computer bay devices" on Wikimedia Commons, with additional references to 2.5-inch hard disks.

### Aliases and Languages
The 2.5-inch drive is known by various aliases, including 2.5" drive, 2.5-inch hard drive, 2.5" SSD, and SFF HDD. It is also referred to in languages such as Spanish (unidad de 2,5″) and German (2,5"-Laufwerk).

### Discoverer and Inventor
PrairieTek is credited with introducing the 2.5-inch drive form factor in 1988, making it a foundational development in data storage technology. The form factor's standardization has since driven innovation in compact storage solutions.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.servethehome.com/e1-and-e3-edsff-to-take-over-from-m-2-and-2-5-in-ssds-kioxia/)
2. [Source](http://s3.computerhistory.org/groups/ds-prarietek-220-20121211.pdf)