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Help upgrading my HDD

Tags:
  • Western Digital
  • Seagate
  • Storage
  • Hard Drives
  • Hand
Last response: in Storage
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October 2, 2014 5:11:43 AM

Hi guys,

Currently I have SEAGATE ST3500630NS. And I'm planning to buy a 2nd-hand WD Black WD1001FALS 1TB 32MB worth I don't know, maybe around U$60.00+ in my area. I can maybe haggle down to $50.00. HDD sentinel health and power both are at a 100%. And power on time is less than a year.

Is it worth it? My current HDD is rather loud, it vibrates noticeably especially when reading. Like transferring files from one partition to another.

Does this have a significant increase in read and write?
Will this hold as an OS and storage drive in the mean time? Will be getting a 120gb SSD as a dedicated OS drive soon.

I need to upgrade since I'm running out of space to store my movies and games.

Thanks guys.

More about : upgrading hdd

October 2, 2014 5:22:45 AM

The 630NS is an older model for sure. I obtained a number of 1TB 330NS units, they're much better.

As an OS drive, I doubt you'd really notice that much difference though. It's moving to an SSD which
really provides the visible performance kick for OS drives.

As for SSD choice, I'd recommend something larger, 250GB+. Remember some space is needed for
the Windows paging file (assuming it's Windows you're running), and I usually leave 5% of SSD
space unused as extra spare area for increased longevity. 250GB/256GB SSDs are well priced
these days - I don't think the price drop down to 120GB is worth the drop in performance/quality.

Personally I'd get a Samsung 840 EVO, 840 Pro or 850 Pro, erring towards the 840 Pro. Your use
of a Seagate NS makes me infer you want something reliable, as the NS range are for Enterprise
& 24/7 use. If this inference is the case, not sure I'd trust my new OS disk to a used drive. I might
add that I'd be perfectly happy to get an OCZ Vertex4 or Vector if they were still available, but sadly
they're not (if anyone starts yabbering about OCZ they can get knotted, that had nothing to do with
these models which don't use Sandforce), or if they are then they're usually too costly. The Vector 150
is still around, but again often costs too much. The Sandisk X210 or other Enterprise SSD would also
be good though.

Btw, I've been able to obtain several 2TB Hitachi Enterprise SATA drives off eBay for about $90
each (new/unused); worth checking around, much better option than a used WD Black. Some
equivalent Seagates too.

Ian.


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a b G Storage
October 2, 2014 5:28:34 AM

Hi there iAmAdrian,

Having an SSD as your OS drive is a great idea. I wouldn't trust a second hand drive though.
In case you decide to go with the WD Black I would advise you to run the extended test of WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic.

DLG tool: http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=810...

Cheers,
D_Know_WD
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October 2, 2014 6:06:06 AM

Well, as of this moment. I can't really get my hands on an SSD since my budget is allotted on something else.

And yes, for the SSD my first choice is the Samsung EVO. I'll definitely consider the 250GB what with it's price per GB now.

My current ST3500630NS is pretty much running 24/7 since I also work at home and use this same computer as both for my office works and media entertainment(movies,games,etc.).

I just need to store my nearly 400GB of files elsewhere. Now that it's almost full, it's getting loud and boots slow.

@D_Know_WD,
Would or wouldn't trust? Just want to clarify.
I can't do the test unless I get the unit too.

Then I guess it's 2 no's?
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a b G Storage
October 2, 2014 6:21:31 AM

I wouldn't trust. My bad.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD
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October 2, 2014 3:08:50 PM

Then I guess, I'll settle for a brand new one. Which is a bit expensive, but yeah it's definitely reliable and safe.

Thanks for the input.
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October 3, 2014 10:02:08 AM


Do check if any new Enterprise units are being listed as normal auctions though, good route to a bargain.
Here's the one I keep bagging (bought five so far, cheapest was 50 UKP, same seller):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1514...

No idea what eBay US might have, but worth checking.

Ian.

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