SSD/HDD problems need help

It means the hard drive (like your filing cabinet) is where the 'code' is stored to make programs like Windows and such work. It is dying, and with it you also will need your Windows DVD to reinstall it when you replace it, if you have it.

Depending on the model computer (is this a All in one Desktop? is this a tablet? is this a huge metal PC from 1998? etc.) and consider the costs involved, you might just want to invest in a new computer. A new general use PC (even laptops!!) are only $249 at Walmart. Considering a new drive is $49, and you don't seem tech savvy, so you have to pay someone to put it in (another $99 or more) then if you don't have your Windows DVD you will need a new license copy ($179 for Windows 8.1Update last I saw) then of course installing and setting it ALL by hand (again your probably going to pay someone to do that, so add on another $149 charges for that service) and you can see how QUICK the costs are compared to replacing it out completely.

um for that budge you could maybe but it would be all budget items (and lesser performance)...so i would get an SSD now using your whole budget and a bigger HDD later. and with your specs i can tell you yes both will fit though you will need an ssd adapter tray to fit a 2.5 in ssd in a 3.5 in bay (assuming you want said SSD actualy screwed down to your rig, i know some folks who don't and just lay them in the 3.5 in bay since SSD has no moving parts they aren't all that fragile and can run in pretty much any position).

SSD will NOT improve your gaming. Your issue for gaming is NOT the SSD if that is the point, while it will help get 'Windows out of the way' that is for a more ..... better performance system. The "intel quad duo... 550 ti" would still bottleneck things and you won't get the 'bump' your looking for. As your HDD is dying, you have a low OLD system, it is time to look at REPLACEMENT instead.

As I noted in other posts let me lay out your options REALISTICALLY... to game on PC means you NEED TO PAY TO PLAY.

Even if you grabbed a i5, 8GB, 1TB off www.slickdeals.net for $399 (for example http://slickdeals.net/f/7665554-dell-inspiron-desktop-computer-660-intel-i5-8gb-ram-1tb-399-99-staples-com?v=1) you can swap out the PSU in there for yours MAYBE IF YOURS can support higher end video cards (check what connections it has) AND shouldn't be a cheap PSU, as it will not fully push 650W but actually as low as 425W, always stick with at least BRONZE rated PSUs. Any 'common' GPU to meet all your qualifications, would be a Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB for $310 (almost the price of the whole PC) http://pcpartpicker.com/part/zotac-video-card-zt9010110p . You could go cheap Nvidia 750Ti that is a additional $125 http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp43753kr for a Low to Medium Graphics, but won't play newer titles as it is underperforming.

In all cases, any changes like that would also have to ask, what computer is this you have now? A Dell / HP / Emachine / etc.? If so the license of your Windows is ONLY working for THAT PC now, you can't 'move it' to different hardware (Windows actually stops working, and won't repair / reload once it sees different hardware), per the OEM Licensing. That is a additional $179 for a new copy of Windows ON TOP of all that.

So the alternative if your NOT able to save up around $800+ for a Gaming PC , then go PS4 (console). You get MUCH better performance, and not have to worry about any of this stuff I mentioned PLUS numerous GREAT titles, very sadly, are EXCLUSIVE to the consoles (like The Last of Us: Remastered 1080p @ 60fps [n] - AARRGGGGG!!!)

Alien: Isolation 1080p @ 30fps [n]
Battlefield: Hardline 1080p @ 60fps [n]
Blacklight Retribution 1080p @ 60fps [n]
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare 1080p @ 60fps(targeted) [n]
Call of Duty: Ghosts 1080p @ 60fps [n]
Dying Light 1080p @ 60fps [n]
Minecraft 1080p @ 60fps [n]
Planetside 2 1080p @ 60fps [n]
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition 1080p @ 60fps [n] and so forth.

u still need the 2.5 in bay adapter is all and as i said some people just lay i ssd in their case since no moving parts...for adapter something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0VE-000W-00007&cm_re=2.5_to_3.5_hard_drive_adapter-_-0VE-000W-00007-_-Product
SSD i would do one of these below (first choice second etc)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147372 ($114)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233627 ($104)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148945 ($99)

i don't use them on my wife rig for the SSD's. they just lay at the bottom of the hard drive cage. the living room PC/my rig has 2.5 drive support built into the case. keep in mind though being loose like that means they slid around as much as the wires let them and can foul other things up like fans or wiring.