When buying a new laptop or desktop computer, we always have a checklist of what we need according to the work we will use these devices for. First, we look at our budget. How much can we spend? It all depends on the device’s specifications.
If you’re purchasing your second device, you already know what you need to look out for, such as the processor, RAM (computer memory), graphics, computer software, and, most notably, the data storage device, which people need to replace after a few years. We come up with a checklist for your first-time hard drive purchase.
What is a Hard Drive?
A hard drive does several processes in your computer and laptop devices, but its primary function is to store information and find it later. There are two types of hard drives: hard disk drive (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD).
An SSD works similarly to a USB drive or SD Card, while an HDD uses mechanical platters and a moving read/write head to access your saved data. Though people prefer SSD for its fast loading time, most laptop and desktop computers, even the ones used for heavy graphics and gaming, still have an HDD storage device in them.
HDD still prevails in the market since it still offers the largest storage compared. Unlike the SSDs, you don’t need to purchase a new storage device for storing software programs. But if your work eats a lot of your storage, you might need to have a back-up HDD.
The Checklist
Whether you’re replacing your old hard drive, in need of a new one, or building your first PC, picking the right storage is vital to improve your system’s performance. Don’t let the salesperson hustle his or her way to your ears. Here are things you need to consider in purchasing a new hard disk drive.
Storage
Computers today come with 250GB and 750GB storage, but you have to choose the best ones with a higher capacity if you’re working on several massive files. There are several HDDs on the market that offer several storage capacities like the 500Gb and 1TB types. 500 GB is enough for saving simple files while the 1TB is for high-quality images and files.
Durability and Warranty
HDDs usually last up to four years. If maintained and used correctly, it can last more than the study suggests. Sometimes failures can occur unexpectedly, especially with constant writing and rewriting of massive files. Always buy from a trusted brand and take into consideration the warranty it provides.
Security
Several HDDs available in the market now have hardware encryption, which offers the best security than software encryption. Why is it important to consider this? If your HDD falls into the hands of a stranger, your sensitive files may be used. That’s something you don’t want to happen.
Speed Of Transfer
The last thing you should check is the speed of data transfer. HDDs with USB 3.0 offer the fastest speed of the transfer process. USB 3.0 is considered one of the fastest ports for transferring data from storage to your desktop computer or laptop.
Get to Know Your Hard Disk Drives
With the checklist we have given above, have you found which type of HDD you consider buying. There are three types of HDDs based on their interfaces. Let’s get to know some of them, so you will determine what kind of HDD you will need for your PC and laptop.
Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA)
This HDD is also called Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE). In the earlier motherboard versions and first computers, drives usually use the PATA interface. It can transfer data at a speed of 133 MBs/second. Since it has been widely used before, it is the most compatible drive in most motherboards.
PATA drives stored information using a rotating disk using magnetism to read-write any data stored. Motherboards in the earlier years can store up to four PATAs. However, this HDD is obsolete and upgraded into a Serial ATA drive, which we will learn about in the next item.
Serial ATA (SATA)
This type of hard drive is commonly used in laptops and desktop computers these days. They are also used in gaming consoles such as PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. Like the STA, it can work on any motherboard and operating system, making it perfect for all work types you will do on your computer device.
Aside from compatibility pros, it also offers many perks, such as efficiency in performance, readily available in most stores, and affordable. Anyone on a tight budget can always learn on SATA.
It can go up to 600MBs per second, and it can be connected to any motherboard with a single data cable. In terms of size, it offers variations. The SATA drive for desktop computers is usually 3.5, while for laptops, it’s 2.7 inches.
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
This drive is one of the oldest HDD interfaces created. It uses a 50-pin flat ribbon connector to link the hard disk drives to other peripherals. SCSI was famously called Scuzzy. Similar to PATA, it is also obsolete. You wouldn’t find this HDD in the market, and it is not recommended for use with the latest computers.
However, you could still find this hard drive interface in low-end computers. It has a data transmission rate of 80MB per second. In the 1970s it was the best HDD! If you happen to work on computers using this drive, retrieving data may be challenging since this drive’s data cables are difficult to find.
Takeaway
Choosing your next hard drive is like purchasing your first computer or smartphone device. It would be best to consider what you are using for your budget and other specifications. With the tips we have given you, you are not set to purchase your first hard drive!
