How to Tell What Kind of a Hard Drive You Need

Selecting a new hard drive or upgrade is a fairly simple process. However, it is best to make certain that you are getting the right type before buying. Most retail stores will not allow returns on items such as computer peripherals.

Things You'll Need

• The tech specs of the computer on which you wish to replace the hard drive
• An Internet connection or a phone line

Instructions

Identifying and Finding a Replacement for a Computer Hard Drive

1. Identify your current hard drive set-up. In most cases, the tech specs about your computer will be located in either the manual or the printed documentation that you received when purchasing your computer. If you do not currently have either one of these items, then you should search for your factory computer specs online. Using Google, you can easily type in the name of the manufacturer and the model of your computer and search. You should get results that list your hard drive configuration along with other specs. If you still cannot find the hard drive type for your computer, contact the manufacturer by phone as they should have this information on hand.

2. When shopping for a new hard drive, first review your current replacement options. Many hard drive configurations are interchangeable. For the most part, all desktop hard drives are compatible within desktops and all laptop hard drives are compatible within laptops. Details such as RPM and capacity are a preference.

3. Choose a replacement that best suits your needs. After you have found it, it is best to shop around for the lowest price. You can often find better deals on computer hardware by shopping online compared to buying at a retail store.

4. Install the hard drive yourself or have someone install the drive for you. Often, installing a hard drive is a very simple process. You can find plenty of walk-throughs and tutorials online. Choosing to install it yourself is obviously a money saver.

Tips & Warnings

• Some websites offer a wizard that will automatically find the hard drive that your computer requires. You can search for them using any major search engine.

• Only attempt to install a hard drive if your are confident in your computer knowledge. It is a relatively simple process for anyone with some computer knowledge.