Buying New Hard Drive


  1. Posts : 4,751
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
       #1

    Buying New Hard Drive


    I currently have a 160 GB HD for my OS and Docs. I am going to get a 500 GB HD and replace it. I need to keep the price under $100 so a SSD is out of the question. What specs do I need to look for to insure I get the fastest drive for the buck. Also I would like to find out the specs on my current 160 GB. It was in the computer when I purchased it so I do not have a manual. How can I find out the specs? Thanks,
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       #2

    Speed it rotates (5400, or 7200)

    Cache (the bigger the better)

    IDE, or EIDE (if internal), ATA, or sata.

    If external USB 2 or 3, or firewire.

    I would also check out what their warranty is.




      My Computer


  3. Posts : 8,398
    ultimate 64 sp1
       #3

    you should be able to find your hdd model in device manager - then you can google for its specs.

    probably the most important thing to look for is the speed - you want 7200 rpm

    sata should be quicker, and makes life easier with much neater cabling, so long as your mobo supports it - it looks like your board has two sata slots - are they used at present?

    also do bear in mind that hdd prices are still pretty high following last year's floods in thailand - prices are slowly starting to come back down, i believe.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #4

    From Newegg Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Hard Drives, Internal Hard Drives, 400GB - 900GB, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 500GB
    Only two under $100 and one is recertified.

    Their IDE drives.
    Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Hard Drives, Internal Hard Drives, IDE Ultra ATA133 / ATA-7
    You may find a SATA III (6Gb/sec) slightly less.
    I'd recommend
    7200RPM
    SATA II or SATA III
    16MB or more cache
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,653
    Windows 10 Pro. EFI boot partition, full EFI boot
       #5

    Not a good time to need a new hard drive Neww egg doesn't have the greatest prices right now. Here is my recommendation from Amazon.

    WD Blue - good all around performer. $89:

    http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita.../dp/B00461G3MS

    500GB black, $108:

    Amazon.com: Western Digital Caviar Black 500 GB SATA III 7200 RPM 32 MB Cache Internal Desktop Hard Drive Bulk/OEM - WD5002AALX: Computers & Accessories

    These are better prices than newegg.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #6

    Good ones Gene. I have a buddy with a WD Black 1TB and he said it really runs fast. I believe his has 64MB cache which may help out.
    Jim, I jope you aren't completely confused yet.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 296
    Windows 7 Professional
       #7

    This Hybrid SSD, usually can be found on sale for $99:

    Newegg.ca - seagate xt

    You'll need a 3.5" HDD bracket to mount the hard drive and it should be partitioned and used as you main drive for OS and docs.

      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,751
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thank you all for the info. That helps a lot. The prices are still up there I see. I had bought 500 GB about two years ago for $54. No prices near that now I see. One of you said this is a bad time to need a new HD. Since I have a birthday in two months and Mom has more money that I do, I think I will through a few hints around. Thanks again.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,114
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #9

    bigmck said:
    Thank you all for the info. That helps a lot. The prices are still up there I see. I had bought 500 GB about two years ago for $54. No prices near that now I see. One of you said this is a bad time to need a new HD. Since I have a birthday in two months and Mom has more money that I do, I think I will through a few hints around. Thanks again.
    You can't go wrong with WD Black 500 7200rpm I have 3 and have never had any problems, they also carry a 5 year warranty best in the business and 32 mb cache. Bought the last one about 1 year ago $59 but i see they have really jumped in price.
      My Computer


 

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