Hard drives

A hard drive is the most economical way to store a lot of data – photos, videos, archives, and backups. Here you will find 3.5-inch drives for desktop computers, NAS, and video surveillance, 2.5-inch models for laptops, and server drives for continuous operation.

How to choose

• The purpose. Desktop drives are for general use. NAS models are designed for 24/7 operation in network storage. Video surveillance drives are optimized for continuous recording from cameras, while server drives are for high loads.
• The capacity. There are drives from 1 TB to 20 TB and more. Get one with a reserve – data grows faster than you expect, and a larger drive is more cost-effective per terabyte.
• The RPM. Drives with 7200 rpm are faster, while those with 5400–5900 rpm are quieter and cooler. For archiving and surveillance, the slower ones are perfectly adequate.
• The size. 3.5 inches is the standard for desktop computers and storage, while 2.5 inches is for laptops and compact devices.
• The cache and warranty. A larger cache helps when working with many small files. NAS and server drives usually have a longer warranty and a higher allowable annual write volume.

What to watch out for

• A hard drive is slow for an operating system – for that, choose an SSD.
• SAS drives work only with controllers and servers that support them.
• For NAS, choose drives designed for NAS – they withstand the vibrations of multiple drives together.
• Keep a backup of important data in a second location.
• Mount the drive securely and away from vibrations – shocks during operation are dangerous for the mechanics.
• The new drive must be initialized and formatted in Windows before it appears in “This PC.”

Compatibility

Standard drives connect via SATA to the motherboard and power supply. In a desktop computer, look for a free 3.5-inch slot in the case. If you want to carry the drive with you, place it in an external enclosure or choose a ready-made external drive. For the system and programs, combine a large hard drive with a fast M.2 SSD.