A hard disk drive system comprises a hard disk assembly (HDA) comprises a magnetic medium that stores data. A spindle motor rotates the magnetic medium. A read/write element writes the data to and reads the data from the magnetic medium. A first connector arranged on the HDA receives a removable non-volatile semiconductor memory module. Portions of the data of the magnetic medium are selectively cached in the removable non-volatile semiconductor memory module. A hard disk control (HDC) module controls the HDA. A flex cable provides a connection between the HDC module and the spindle motor, the first connector, the removable non-volatile semiconductor memory module and the read/write element.