[jimiclaptoncarl]

Hey guys,

First post here!

Here's the deal, I'm a musician, and I rip all my CDs(pretty big collection) to my pc as well as using a music subscription service(Rhapsody). So my computer is getting pretty filled up with stuff, mostly music, so I'm thinking about adding a new hard drive.

I would like to know if I can add a 1TB HDD to my existing computer and just be able to put all my downloaded music and ripped music on that drive. Could I do that?

I was thinkin' about this one?: http://www.bestbuy.c...p;skuId=8909595

Right now, I have 2 HDDs in my pc, a Drive C and a Drive D, so I guess I can call the new one Drive E(assuming I can have more than 2 hdds)?

How much work do I need to do to get it all setup and do I need to install Vista on it?

Thanks in advance

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As long as you have room in your computer basically all you have to do is plug all of the wires into to it and it will work out of the box. I might suggest you checking if your D drive is just and partition of your C drive used for backup, because if it is you will most likely have more room for an other hard drive.

[I eat crayonz]

As long as you have room in your computer basically all you have to do is plug all of the wires into to it and it will work out of the box. I might suggest you checking if your D drive is just and partition of your C drive used for backup, because if it is you will most likely have more room for an other hard drive.

[123Runner]

Hi jimiclaptoncarl and welcome to Geeks to Go.

Adding a second hard drive is a great way to go for added storage and backup.
There are a few things to be worked out a head of time though. You can't just throw a drive at it and expect it to work.
What you need to know is crucial.

Do you have enough physical room in the case?
Is the C and D partitions on 1 physical drive?-------->>If 2 physical drives, this could limit the space available.
Do you have a SATA connector on the board?------->>You want to install a SATA drive, you must have a SATA board connector.
Do you have a SATA power connector coming from the PSU?----->>You will need this also.

Once the drive is in, you most likely will have to format it through computer management. It does not need a OS on it.

Since you asked about VISTA being put on the drive, I assume you have a newer computer, and it would probably take SATA.

123runner

[jimiclaptoncarl]

Duplicate post

Edited by jimiclaptoncarl, 27 December 2009 - 11:37 AM.

[jimiclaptoncarl]

Thanks for the welcome 123Runner!

I'm assuming that I will have to open it up, right?

What should I look for? Will the SATA connecter actually say SATA Connecter?

Also, if I get an extra HDD, will I be able to download stuff directly to that extra HDD and not have to transfer everything over?

1 more Will I be able to have programs on the extra HDD, even without an OS?

Thanks

[123Runner]

Opening it would be the easiest way to be sure.

I would not recommend installing programs to the 2nd drive. You can do it and it will work since it is installed in the computer. I install all programs to the main OS drive.

You may download directly to the drive. You just need to change the path to point to that drive when you download.

[attachment=37298:Ide_and_...ta_cable.jpg] [attachment=37299:Ide_and_SATA_power.jpg]
The ide connectors are on the left and SATA are on the right in the pictures.

[jimiclaptoncarl]

Okay cool,

One thing, do SATA cables always have 4 wires? 2black, 1Yellow, 1Red?

Thanks again for your help!

(EDIT) I checked on the box my computer came in and it says it has a: 320GB SATA hard drive

Should I still check?

Edited by jimiclaptoncarl, 27 December 2009 - 12:50 PM.

[123Runner]

If it has SATA in it already you will have SATA connectors.
You should be good to go.

[jimiclaptoncarl]

Ok, can you reccomend a 1TB SATA HDD, or is the one that I'm lookin' at good.

http://www.bestbuy.c...p;skuId=8909595

Thanks for your quick responses!

[123Runner]

Any SATA drive will do.
Brand does not matter, except you will see some techs prefer a certain manufacturer such as western digital, maxtor, or seagate.
I have used them all and have had no issues.

[jimiclaptoncarl]

Okay, thanks 123Runner!

1 last thing, I'm going to pick up a SATA cable: http://www.bestbuy.c...4...904&st=SATA cable&cp=1&lp=1

Is there anything else I'll need?

Thanks

[123Runner]

I can't think of anything else.

[jimiclaptoncarl]

Hello again,

While saving up my dough for the HDD, I got to thinkin' about an external HDD...

What would the pros and cons of getting an external HDD as compared to an internal HDD?

Also, would I still be able to download to this external drive?

Thanks in advance

Edited by jimiclaptoncarl, 22 January 2010 - 05:36 PM.

[jimiclaptoncarl]

Hello again,

While saving up for the HDD, I got to thinkin' about an external HDD...

What would the pros and cons of getting an external HDD as compared to an internal HDD?

Also, would I still be able to download to this external drive?

Thanks in advance

[edge2022]

It's been a while since I posted here.

If you got an external drive, then it would probably take more time to write/read to it than an internal SATA drive. If you plan to move the drive, then you should get an external one, if not then definitely internal. You would be able to download to it with no problems.
Does your computer have an E-SATA port?

That Caviar Black is highly recommended. It has a very good warranty and is built for speed and performance; I own the 500GB version. Make sure you have an open drive bay, SATA power and data cable, and an open SATA port on your motherboard. The actual installation is very easy, and should only take you 10 minutes.