A removable self-contained rigid disk drive has a head and disk assembly (HDA) and controller enclosed by a top and bottom cover. The industry standard form factor drive is externally dimensioned to be removably installable in a disk bay of the same form factor. HDA components are mounted on one side a composite plastic-steel base, and the controller is attached to the other side. The controller is proved with an industry standard electrical interface for connecting the drive with a host computer system with a complementary electrical interface. The covers of the drive are made of metal to reduce electromagnetic interference when the drive is in operation.