Upgrading Hard Drive

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

I have a 750GB 5400RPM hard drive in my computer. I ran hdparm in Ubuntu last night, and my hard drive speed clocked in at around 94 mb/s. Is that very good? If not, could you guys recommend a better hard drive for my laptop? I really wouldn't like to spend over $100 if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Leonell12 · May 29, 2014

gfloridafan93 :

That would depend on what you're using it for, are you using it for gaming? or intense video editing or something? ...also would you happened to know exactly which hdd you have? or maybe your laptop model? and to answer your initial question, that speed isnt that bad...but Western Digital Caviar Blue 2.5'' HDDs clock in about 140mb/s transfer rate

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

Leonell12 :

Type: ATA
Model: Hitachi HTS547575A9E384
Firmware Version: JE4OA50A
Capacity: 750 GB

I do sometimes play games. The laptop is an HP Pavilion dv6-6c53nr by the way. Basically, I am just looking for faster startup speeds on applications and operating systems. Would you recommend upgrading? Or do you think it is unnecessary?

neon neophyte · May 29, 2014

why upgrade by a sliver when you can upgrade by a mile.

toss in a ssd and use your current drive for storage. would probably need to use an external cradle for it but whatever. done deal.

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

neon neophyte :

Do you have any recommendations? I wouldn't like to spend a whole lot if possible.

Leonell12 · May 29, 2014

gfloridafan93 :

Hmm neon neophyte has a point, if you want faster startup speeds, then an upgrade to an SSD would be alot more worth it, however since its a laptop there obviously wont be any space for you to store your extra SSD...that might be only worth considering if you dont take the laptop out and about anywhere, and will always stay at home (since the SSD will be a boot drive and you wont be able to start the laptop up without it) ...a HDD upgrade for faster boot times...? nah

Leonell12 · May 29, 2014

gfloridafan93 :

Samsung 840 evo 128gb ...hands down the best ssd for the money

neon neophyte · May 29, 2014

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147247&Tpk=20-147-247

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

Leonell12 :

gfloridafan93 :

Hmm neon neophyte has a point, if you want faster startup speeds, then an upgrade to an SSD would be alot more worth it, however since its a laptop there obviously wont be any space for you to store your extra SSD...that might be only worth considering if you dont take the laptop out and about anywhere, and will always stay at home (since the SSD will be a boot drive and you wont be able to start the laptop up without it) ...a HDD upgrade for faster boot times...? nah

I wouldn't want to restrict myself to home use only, so I would like to still take my laptop places. I really don't know what to look for when purchasing a new hard drive. What about a hybrid drive?

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Solid-Hybrid-2-5-Inch-ST1000LM014/dp/B00B99JUBQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1401414543&sr=1-3&keywords=laptop+ssd+hard+drive

neon neophyte · May 29, 2014

you wouldnt be restricted to home use only. you would just be more limited on what can be stored directly on your laptop.

external hdds can easily overcome that fault. you can get a 1 or 2tb external hdd at some point.

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

neon neophyte :

Ahh. So I can install the ssd, have minor storage capacity but still function properly and have some storage? Then, for pictures and other "crap", just store it on my old hard drive externally? Okay. Now I am planning to run a dual boot (Windows and Linux). This won't affect performance right? Any you would recommend for $100 or so?

1shado1 · May 29, 2014

gfloridafan93 :

neon neophyte :

Ahh. So I can install the ssd, have minor storage capacity but still function properly and have some storage? Then, for pictures and other "crap", just store it on my old hard drive externally? Okay. Now I am planning to run a dual boot (Windows and Linux). This won't affect performance right? Any you would recommend for $100 or so?

Do you use the optical drive (CD/DVD) in your laptop?

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

1shado1 :

gfloridafan93 :

Do you use the optical drive (CD/DVD) in your laptop?

Yes I do sometimes.

neon neophyte · May 29, 2014

you could always burn things to dvd as well.

i posted a 120gb samsung evo on sale earlier in the thread

here it is again:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147247&Tpk=20-147-247

if you really wanted to get fancy, a 240gb ssd would surely be enough for all your operating needs.

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

So the ssd you posted, 120 gb, would be enough to run dual boot, 60 a piece correct? Then I can just burn or store other data to DVD or external hard drive?
Buy that, $80, and I'm set correct?

neon neophyte · May 29, 2014

i get by on 128gb operating drive. leaves room for all my programs and a few large games

personally, i wouldnt want to squeeze all of my windows stuff onto 60gb, but it is possible. maybe a 90/30 split would be better. could always look at the 240gb drives as well.

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

Okay yeah that makes since. I will probably just go with the 120 because of the great price. Do I need to buy a cable to clone to the ssd? Any other purchases? I appreciate everyone's help.

neon neophyte · May 29, 2014

to use your current hdd externally you will need a cradle/dock

they range in price from 20 bucks to 50, depending on what connection interface you are using. usb 2, 3 and e-sata

gfloridafan93 · May 29, 2014

Okay sounds good. Thank you for your help.

Upgrading Hard Drive

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