Sata 3 from 2 X Sata 2 Ports ?

Well, that's that then !
I will just have to satisfy myself with my new WD caviar black. I am awaiting my new HDD dock that will also "Clone" my old Fujitsu hard drive to my new WD drive
Many thanks to you all.

I would definitely still consider buying an SATA3 drive, as you are, because it will be more suited to future upgrades, such as a new motherboard and processor. However, just keep in mind that the SATA2 vs SATA3 comparison really only matters with SSDs.

I had a 500 GB WD Caviar Black as my primary drive for a while, and it worked out well. Then, I moved it to be one of my data drives and used an SSD as my primary. So you'll have that route available to you as well.

Upgrading a motherboard is probably beyond my present ability ( or lack of guts ? ) But I suppose that I will have to look into it at some time.

Then let's assume you'll just buy a new computer at some point down the road. Your new WD drive can be used with that computer, without any worries or concerns.

DeaconFrost said:

I had a 500 GB WD Caviar Black as my primary drive for a while, and it worked out well. Then, I moved it to be one of my data drives and used an SSD as my primary. So you'll have that route available to you as well.

This has basically been the evolution of my systems as well, which may change now that I use a smaller SSD as my main OS drive. Several of my data drives now were previous OS drives.

I am currently seeking out tutorials on motherboard replacement. It looks as though that if you are going to go that far, you may as well build your own machine. I am not too keen on replacing the motherbord unless I can get some very clear guidance on how to do it and what the compatability issues are.

Since you have an OEM system, you likely will be either building a completely new computer or buying another OEM computer. OEM cases don't usually accept aftermarket motherboards.

That being said, building a computer is actually very simple. My wife has built several of her own towers with very little help from me. The compatibility part is easy as well, with a little but of research. You mainly just need to make sure the processor socket is the same as the motherboard socket, for example 1155. The motherboard will tell you what type of memory you need, and what type of graphics card it will accept. It will also tell you how many SATA ports it has for drives.

I've built hundreds of coputers myself and taught several others how to build them...and each person has commented on how easy the process is once they are finished.

To tell the truth I have heard that said before. Then I look at all the wires inside and think ............
..........YOU MUST BE JOKING !!!! and run away down the pub.
Perhaps I will cut my teeth on a very small computer building project.

Then I look at all the wires inside and think .....

And most of those are extras unless you use a modular power supply, that allows you to only use the leads/cables you need. All things considering it is easier to build a computer than build something from Meccano. Basically,

1. Insert CPU in socket and attach heatsink outside of the case (can also add the ram at this time).

2. Put motherboard in case and mount with the required screws.

3. Mount hard drive(s) and optical in the provided cages.

4. Connect all necessary power and data cables to motherboard and drives.

5. Install video card and any other cards (do this last as it makes it easier to hook up the drives and motherboard power cables).

6. Hide all unused cables if not using a modular PSU in an open drive bay or behind the motherboard.

Not much more to it than that really.

Oh and tools required, a single Philips screwdriver.

As daunting as it may seem, once you build one for the first time you should come to the realization that those that say it is easy aren't too far off.

There are lot of smaller steps in between those that can get much more complicated, but that's a good rough outline of the steps. I would personally recommend either heavily researching the types of issues you can encounter and particular "best practices" for each of the steps above in great detail, or having a seasoned builder with you when building your first machine. It sounds easy, and can very well be if everything goes as planned, but sometimes it does not. It shouldn't scare you off from doing it at all, but you need to be aware of what can go wrong in each of those steps above so you can be ready to deal with it.