| Well generally we buy an internal hard disk and after | | | | HDD and it cannot be connected to a SATA HDD |
| sometime feel that we made a wrong choice. It | | | | which is technologically superior to PATA. Although, |
| happened with me too! That's why I am writing this | | | | there is a connector you can buy for a few extra |
| guide to help everyone in not doing this mistake. The | | | | dollars which connects to the Molex cable to create a |
| steps are as follows: | | | | SATA power cable. |
| 1. The capacity is the most important factor in selecting | | | | 4. When you like a Hard Disk for its features and it |
| the perfect hard disk. But, it does not mean you have | | | | suits your requirements check the period of the |
| to buy the hard disk with the highest storage capability. | | | | warranty and the factors the warranty covers. Buy a |
| First, estimate your capacity requirements then buy a | | | | Hard Disk with a long warranty as you can never |
| hard disk with the capacity you will need, nut always | | | | accurately predict the life of a Hard Disk. Also, use the |
| make it a point to keep some extra storage. A 500GB | | | | internet to research about the company's technical |
| HDD is the most decent buy, but it is high on cost per | | | | support and reliability. This is very important as |
| gigabyte. But, then you should always get the biggest | | | | everyone need quick support and the product should |
| disk you can afford. | | | | be a trusted one. |
| 2. The HDD spindle speed is a very important as it | | | | 5. Always go for the latest technology as it will keep |
| depends on the spindle speed, how quickly the HDD | | | | your system up to date. It is never recommended to |
| can transfer data. 7,200rpm (rpm stands for rotations | | | | buy a Hard Disk which is a derivative of older |
| per minute) is the most common speed in desktop | | | | technology. All new Hard Disks come with a |
| computers, but it varies according to usage and | | | | technology called S.M.A.R.T. which stands for |
| purpose. If you run high demanding applications on your | | | | Self-Monitoring, Analysis and reporting technology |
| computer, like video editing or audio production | | | | which helps to detect and report various issues the |
| software, then a speed of 10,000rpm or more is | | | | Hard Disk faces and tells you when it is time to |
| essential but it will be more expensive. We would | | | | change the Hard Disk. A benefit of this technology is |
| recommend anything less than 7,200rpm is not worth | | | | that, it gives you a chance to back up all your |
| buying. | | | | important data and when you report the error to the |
| 3. Check your system before purchasing any | | | | company's technical support they help you replace |
| computer component. There are two types of HDD | | | | your HDD if it is in warranty. |
| majorly used, Serial ATA (SATA) and Parallel ATA | | | | Minimum Recommended HDD:- |
| (PATA). SATA uses a thin cable for power supply | | | | Capacity: 500GB. |
| and has a SATA power port for power input and | | | | Speed: 7,200rpm. |
| PATA uses a wide ribbon cable which generically | | | | Interface: SATA. |
| looks old and has a Molex port for power input. Some | | | | Warranty: Minimum 1 year but we would always |
| of the PSU's (Power Supply Unit) in older computers | | | | prefer 3 years. |
| have a Molex 4 Pin cable which is meant for PATA | | | | |