Windows 7: Which Internal HD Questions, Please ?

Hello,

Thought it would be best to start a new thread on this.
Much thanks for all the previous help.
Will blame all my ignorance on being a se. Citizen now.
Great excuse for everything !

As suggested, I will give it a try and replace the hd that failed on my three year old hp desktop Pavillion.

Found a 500 Gb unit on Amazon that looks like it will do the job, but would appreciate you comments on it before I order it. It is going for $ 70.

It is a Seagate barracuda, 500 gb, ncq, 16 mb cache
ST 3500641 AS-RK

a. It has the Retail Kit. Dont need the cables probably, but it also has what Seagate calls their disc wizard installation software and sea tools diagnostic software.

The mechanical replacement aspects of this project I am comfortable with, but not comfortable with the software, and hoping that the three hp restore discs that I created when I got the pc will get me going again with Windows 7.

The installations software that is included sounds good.
How necessary is it really do you think, or should I also consider a "Bare" drive ?

b. this drive does Not include their opti cache technology or their accu trac technology or their smart align technology.
Their 1 tb model does have these three items, but is a "Bare drive".



How important are these three "technologies" that are missing ?

I can get the bare 1 tb model for another $ 30 or so, but would prefer the cheaper 500 g
The 1 tb models are Bare, but have these 3 technologies.
Which should I get, please ?

c. My old drive says Sata. These seem to say ata-Sata. Same thing and would be o.k.?


d. The 500 gb drive descr. Seems to imply that it can be set up either for 4k or 215 byte sectors. Which would I want ?

Again, I really appreciate the help very much.
Thank you,
Bob

You are WAY over-analyzing the decision. If you have an SATA cable already, the bare drive is fine. If not, you can still get the bare drive and just add to your shopping cart an SATA cable. Those are always good to have sitting around.

A bare drive typically means it is just the drive and nothing else. That's what most of us buy. You don't need any tools or discs to go with it. Since your computer already had an SATA drive, it should have the cable and proper power connector. For only $30, you could double your space. I'd go that route, but check the warranties on both drives.

As for the sectors, just let Windows use it's default. There's no need to worry about this on a desktop computer.

If the drive that went bad was SATA you already have the right cables, go for it.

You may as well get the bare OEM drive.

Disk Wizard and Sea Tools can be downloaded if you think you need them for any reason.

Re Amazon: I wouldn't have any qualms about buying from Amazon directly, but I might avoid buying from certain Amazon affiliated dealers. Which are you planning to do?

Hi all,

Have ordered a new hd from amazon.

Thanks for all the great help.
Much appreciated.

Bob