{"id":7197,"date":"2024-08-27T08:40:39","date_gmt":"2024-08-27T08:40:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/?p=7197"},"modified":"2024-08-27T08:40:39","modified_gmt":"2024-08-27T08:40:39","slug":"how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Upgrade and Install a New Hard Drive or SSD in Your PC"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >\u062c\u062f\u0648\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u062d\u062a\u0648\u064a\u0627\u062a<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Key_Takeaways\" title=\"Key Takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Step_One_Choosing_Your_New_Drive\" title=\"Step One: Choosing Your New Drive\">Step One: Choosing Your New Drive<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Should_You_Get_Regular_Drive_an_SSD_or_Both\" title=\"Should You Get Regular Drive, an SSD, or Both?\">Should You Get Regular Drive, an SSD, or Both?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#What_Physical_Size_Should_the_Drive_Be\" title=\"What Physical Size Should the Drive Be?\">What Physical Size Should the Drive Be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#What_Connection_Do_I_Need\" title=\"What Connection Do I Need?\">What Connection Do I Need?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#How_Much_Storage_Do_I_Need\" title=\"How Much Storage Do I Need?\">How Much Storage Do I Need?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#How_Fast_Does_My_Drive_Need_To_Be\" title=\"How Fast Does My Drive Need To Be?\">How Fast Does My Drive Need To Be?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Step_Two_Decide_Whether_to_Transfer_Your_Operating_System_or_Perform_a_Clean_Installation\" title=\"Step Two: Decide Whether to Transfer Your Operating System or Perform a Clean Installation\">Step Two: Decide Whether to Transfer Your Operating System or Perform a Clean Installation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Transferring_Your_Operating_System\" title=\"Transferring Your Operating System\">Transferring Your Operating System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Performing_a_Clean_Installation\" title=\"Performing a Clean Installation\">Performing a Clean Installation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Step_Three_Install_Your_New_Drive\" title=\"Step Three: Install Your New Drive\">Step Three: Install Your New Drive<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Installing_Your_New_Drive_In_a_Laptop\" title=\"Installing Your New Drive In a Laptop\">Installing Your New Drive In a Laptop<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/#Installing_Your_New_Drive_in_a_Desktop_PC\" title=\"Installing Your New Drive in a Desktop PC\">Installing Your New Drive in a Desktop PC<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<section class=\"emaki-custom-block emaki-custom-key-points\">\n<div class=\"emaki-custom key-points\" id=\"custom_block_0\">\n<h3 class=\"title icon i-list\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"custom_block-content key-points\">\n<ul>\n<li> Choosing between a regular hard drive and an SSD depends on whether you want more speed or more storage for your PC. SSDs are faster but more expensive per gigabyte than regular hard drives. <\/li>\n<li> Hard drives come in two sizes: 2.5&#8243; for laptops and 3.5&#8243; for desktops. M.2 drives are another form factor to consider, but you need to check if your PC supports them. <\/li>\n<li> M.2 drives are the fastest SSDs available, and use the PCIe bus to transfer data. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":0,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":0,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":0,\"ruleCount\":200,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":240} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":1,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":1,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":0,\"ruleCount\":200,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":200,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/section>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":1,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":1,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":1,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- No winning ad found for zone: below first paragraph! --><\/p>\n<p> A hard drive upgrade is one of the easiest ways to improve your PC, whether you&#8217;re looking for more storage or the speed boost an SSD provides. Here&#8217;s how to choose and install your new drive. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":1,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":1,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":1,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":202} --><br \/>\n<!-- No winning ad found for zone: native in content! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"step-one-choosing-your-new-drive\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_One_Choosing_Your_New_Drive\"><\/span> Step One: Choosing Your New Drive <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :56.266666666667%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;Corbin Davenport \\\/ How-to Geek&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A Samsung SSD\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=750%2C422&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" title=\"\"> <\/picture><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Corbin Davenport \/ How-to Geek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":1,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":1,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":1,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":442} --><\/p>\n<p> Choosing a drive that fits your budgets and does what you need is the first step. These days, your most important choice is between a traditional hard drive or a solid state drive (SSD). But there are few other things to think about, too. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":1,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":1,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":1,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":682} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"should-you-get-regular-drive-an-ssd-or-both\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_You_Get_Regular_Drive_an_SSD_or_Both\"><\/span> Should You Get Regular Drive, an SSD, or Both? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p> Here&#8217;s the question to ask yourself: do you want more speed or more storage? <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":1,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":1,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":1,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":764} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":764,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":136,\"nextBlockCount\":355,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1119} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":1,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":1,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":1,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":2,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":2,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":1,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<p> Modern SSDs are amazing, and are a worthy upgrade to just about any system. Moving from a regular drive to an SSD improves speed across your system. You PC will start faster, load apps and large files faster, and decrease load times in most games. The trouble is, once you get past a terabyte of storage space, SSDs start to get prohibitively expensive. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":2,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":2,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":2,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":219} --><\/p>\n<p> Alternately, conventional hard drives are slower, but offer huge amounts of storage relatively cheaply. You can find desktop drives that hold four terabytes \u2014 enough to satisfy all but the most demanding of media hoarders \u2014 for under $100 USD. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":2,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":2,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":2,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":476} --><\/p>\n<p> You can also combine the strengths of SSDs and hard drives. If your desktop can handle more than one drive (and most of them can), you can install your operating system on the main SSD for speedy access to programs and essential files, and use a large capacity traditional drive for storing files. This makes an SSD an especially attractive upgrade if you already have a hard drive, since you can move the operating system over and &#8220;demote&#8221; the hard drive to storage duties. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":2,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":2,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":2,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":962} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":3,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":3,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":2,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :56.266666666667%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_133_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;Corbin Davenport\\\/How-to Geek&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Multiple kinds of storage drives. \" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_133_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_133_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=750%2C422&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" title=\"\"> <\/picture><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Corbin Davenport\/How-to Geek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":3,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":3,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":3,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":240} --><\/p>\n<p> If money is no object \u2014 or if you&#8217;re limited to a single drive connection in your laptop \u2014 you can spend quite a lot to get a multi-terabyte SSD. But for most people, a smaller SSD combined with a larger hard drive is a great compromise. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":3,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":3,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":3,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":495} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-physical-size-should-the-drive-be\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Physical_Size_Should_the_Drive_Be\"><\/span> What Physical Size Should the Drive Be? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_653_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_653_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_653_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":3,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":3,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":3,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":735} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":735,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":165,\"nextBlockCount\":370,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1105} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":3,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":3,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":3,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":4,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":4,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":3,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<p> Hard drives typically come in two sizes: 2.5&#8243; and 3.5&#8243;. The 3.5&#8243; drives are also known as &#8220;full size&#8221; or &#8220;desktop drives.&#8221; Pretty much every desktop PC out there has room for at least one (and sometimes many) 3.5&#8243; drives. The possible exception to this are the super-small form factor PCs that can only handle a 2.5&#8243; drive. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":4,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":4,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":4,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":205} --><\/p>\n<p> 2.5&#8243; drives are traditionally meant for laptops, but will also fit just fine in a desktop PC. Some desktop PCs have built in mounting points for 2.5&#8243; drives. If yours doesn&#8217;t, you&#8217;ll need a mounting bracket like this one. Note that these are usually labelled as &#8220;SSD mounting brackets.&#8221; This is because all SSDs in the traditional hard drive form are 2.5&#8243; drives. That&#8217;s what size you&#8217;ll use whether you&#8217;re mounting it in a desktop or laptop. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":4,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":4,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":4,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":694} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":694,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":206,\"nextBlockCount\":518,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1212} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":4,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":4,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":4,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":5,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":5,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":4,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<p> And speaking of SSDs, there is one more form factor to talk about: the M.2 standard. These drives actually look more like a stick of RAM than a hard drive. They come in a handful of different lengths, ranging from about 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) to 110 millimeters (4.3) long. Instead of connecting to your motherboard via a SATA cable the way regular drives do, M.2 drives get plugged into a specialized slot. If you&#8217;re interested in the M.2 drives, you&#8217;ll have to determine whether your PC supports them. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":5,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":5,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":5,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":312} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :61.866666666667%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_426_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;Nick Lewis\\\/How-to Geek&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"750\" height=\"464\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A small m.2 solid state drive. \" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_426_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_426_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=750%2C464&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" title=\"\"> <\/picture><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Nick Lewis\/How-to Geek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":5,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":5,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":5,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":552} --><\/p>\n<p> One other note about laptops. As they&#8217;ve gotten smaller and sleeker, laptops have also gotten harder to upgrade. Most laptops that aren&#8217;t super-tiny still use 2.5&#8243; drives, but they may or may not have a user-accessible drive bay for upgrades. Cheaper, bulkier laptops, and few business-class designs like Lenovo&#8217;s ThinkPads or Dell&#8217;s Latitudes, still allow access fairly easily. Other models might need some extensive work to get to the drive bay, or may not have access at all, especially if they&#8217;ve moved to the expensive M.2 standard. Upgrading those drives will probably void your warranty, and you&#8217;ll need to look for a model-specific guide, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ifixit.com\/Guide\/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2012+SSD+Replacement\/9706\">like this one on iFixIt<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":5,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":5,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":5,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":1254} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":6,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":6,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":5,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-connection-do-i-need\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Connection_Do_I_Need\"><\/span> What Connection Do I Need? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_643_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_643_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748033_643_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":6,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":6,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":6,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":240} --><\/p>\n<p> All modern 3.5&#8243; and 2.5&#8243; drives use a SATA connection for power and data. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":6,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":6,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":6,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":325} --><\/p>\n<p> If you&#8217;re installing the drive into a desktop PC, the SATA power cable is a 15-pin cable that runs from your PC&#8217;s power supply. If your PC only offers the older 4-pin Molex cables, you can buy adapters that work just fine. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":6,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":6,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":6,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":557} --><\/p>\n<p> The SATA data cable requires that your motherboard support a SATA connection (all modern PCs do). You&#8217;ll find them in slightly different configurations. Some (like the one pictured below) have a straight plug on one end and an L-shaped plug on the other end. The L-shaped plug makes it easier to fit into jacks that are closer to other components. Some SATA cables have straight plugs or L-shaped plugs on both ends. You should get SATA cables with your hard drive, but if you&#8217;re working in a particularly tight space, be aware that these other options exist. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":6,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":6,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":6,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":1126} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":7,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":7,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":6,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<p> If you&#8217;re installing into a laptop that allows user access, things are easier. You&#8217;ll usually be able to plug the drive right into a slot that already has the power and data connections ready \u2014 no cables to connect. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":7,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":7,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":7,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":231} --><\/p>\n<p> One other word on SATA drives. The latest revision to the SATA standard is SATA 3.3, and drives and cables are backwards compatible with older versions. On desktops, you&#8217;ll want to make sure that the drive you&#8217;re buying is as fast or faster than the connection that your motherboard accepts \u2014 most motherboard SATA connections from the last five years have at least 3.0 support. The same goes for the SATA cable you buy. Laptops don&#8217;t use SATA cables, so just make sure that the drive you&#8217;re upgrading to uses the same SATA revision or newer than the drive it&#8217;s replacing. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":7,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":7,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":7,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":831} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-much-storage-do-i-need\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Storage_Do_I_Need\"><\/span> How Much Storage Do I Need? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p> This one&#8217;s easy: whatever fits your budget. More storage costs more money, no matter what type of drive you&#8217;re looking at. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":7,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":7,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":7,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":963} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":8,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":8,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":7,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-fast-does-my-drive-need-to-be\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Fast_Does_My_Drive_Need_To_Be\"><\/span> How Fast Does My Drive Need To Be? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p> The default answer here is &#8220;as fast as you can afford.&#8221; That said, if you&#8217;re upgrading from a hard drive to an SSD, you&#8217;re going to be blown away by the speed increase no matter what. So you might not want to splurge on the fastest SSD you can get. Getting more storage on an SSD will be more important to most people than getting more speed. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":8,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":8,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":8,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":362} --><\/p>\n<p> If you&#8217;re buying a regular drive, speed is generally expressed in RPM \u2014 the revolutions per minute of the spinning data platters. 5400 RPM is a typical speed for inexpensive drives (especially in 2.5&#8243; form factors), with 7200 RPM drives also being quite common. Some high-performance hard drives are offered at 10,000 RPM, but these have been mostly superseded by faster SSDs. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":8,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":8,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":8,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":755} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :66.666666666667%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_227_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;Nick Lewis\\\/How-to Geek&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SATA connection on a hard drive. \" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_227_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_227_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=750%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" title=\"\"> <\/picture><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Nick Lewis\/How-to Geek<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":8,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":8,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":8,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":995} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":9,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":9,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":8,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<p> There&#8217;s another option here, if your choice is limited to a conventional hard drive. &#8220;Hybrid&#8221; drives combine a large, standard hard drive with a small cache of flash storage. This won&#8217;t magically make your hard drive as fast as an SSD, but the file caching can make a considerable improvement if you&#8217;re constantly accessing mostly the same programs and files. It might be worth the small price premium versus a standard hard drive. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":9,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":9,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":9,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":455} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":9,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":9,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":9,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":455} --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"step-two-decide-whether-to-transfer-your-operating-system-or-perform-a-clean-installation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_Two_Decide_Whether_to_Transfer_Your_Operating_System_or_Perform_a_Clean_Installation\"><\/span> Step Two: Decide Whether to Transfer Your Operating System or Perform a Clean Installation <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p> You&#8217;ve purchased your new drive, and you&#8217;re ready to install it. Your next step is to decide whether you want to transfer your operating system to the new drive or just do a clean installation and start fresh. There are pros and cons for each. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":9,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":9,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":9,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":708} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"transferring-your-operating-system\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transferring_Your_Operating_System\"><\/span> Transferring Your Operating System <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.png\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.png\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.png?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":9,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":9,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":9,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":948} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":10,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":10,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":9,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<p> Transferring your operating system (and all your data and installed apps) means not having to worry about reinstalling Windows, setting it up the way you like it again, and then reinstalling each of your apps. The downside is that it&#8217;s a pretty slow and tedious process. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":10,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":10,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":10,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":276} --><\/p>\n<p> If you&#8217;re upgrading from only one drive to another (as opposed to simply installing an additional drive in a desktop), you&#8217;ll probably want to transfer your operating system to the new drive instead of installing fresh. The bad news is that this is a slow and tedious process. The good news is that it isn&#8217;t too hard to do. Most new drives come with tools to make it happen. And if you didn&#8217;t get a free tool, there are other ways to upgrade to a larger hard drive without reinstalling Windows. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":10,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":10,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":10,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":788} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":788,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":112,\"nextBlockCount\":336,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1124} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":10,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":10,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":10,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":11,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":11,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":10,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<p> If you use a laptop, you&#8217;ll need to use a USB-based SATA adapter or enclosure so that you can have both drives hooked up at once. You can go that way with a desktop, too, but it may be easier just to install the new drive, do the transfer, and then decide whether to leave the old drive in place for extra storage or uninstall it. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":11,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":11,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":11,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":224} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"performing-a-clean-installation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Performing_a_Clean_Installation\"><\/span> Performing a Clean Installation <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p> There are also advantages to just performing a clean installation of your operating system on your new drive. The big one is that you get to start fresh. No old program installations hanging around; it&#8217;s a fresh copy of your OS without the clutter. You get to set it the way you want, and only install what you want. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":11,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":11,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":11,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":546} --><\/p>\n<p> The downside, of course, is that you have to do all that. While it typically goes faster than transferring your OS to the new drive, doing a clean installation does mean that you&#8217;ll have reinstall the apps and games you want, and restore your personal files from backup (or copy them from the new drive). You&#8217;ll also need make sure you have access to your applications for reinstallation. If you installed them from DVD or downloaded the installation files, you&#8217;ll need to find those \u2014 along with any necessary activation keys. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":11,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":11,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":11,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":1093} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":12,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":12,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":11,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":12,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":12,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":12,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"step-three-install-your-new-drive\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_Three_Install_Your_New_Drive\"><\/span> Step Three: Install Your New Drive <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p> The steps for installing (or replacing) a drive differ a bit, depending on whether you&#8217;re installing the drive in a laptop or desktop PC. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":12,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":12,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":12,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":143} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"installing-your-new-drive-in-a-laptop\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Installing_Your_New_Drive_In_a_Laptop\"><\/span> Installing Your New Drive In a Laptop <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p> Different laptops have different methods for accessing the storage drive compartment, if they allow easy access at all. Some business-class designs let you swap out a drive by removing a single screw, others might need you to completely remove the bottom of the machine or even take out the keyboard. You can usually find specific instructions by searching the web for your laptop manufacturer and model. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":12,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":12,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":12,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":549} --><\/p>\n<p> For this example, we&#8217;re swapping the drive in a ThinkPad T450s. The design is a few years old now, but it&#8217;s small enough that it requires the entire bottom to be removed, which is fairly typical among designs that allow a hard drive upgrade. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":12,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":12,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":12,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":800} --><\/p>\n<p> To access the drive, I have to remove the battery, and then take out eight different screws. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":12,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":12,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":12,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":894} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":894,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":6,\"nextBlockCount\":240,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1134} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":12,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":12,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":12,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":13,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":13,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":12,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_628_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_628_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_628_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":13,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":13,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":13,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":234} --><\/p>\n<p> That loosens the metal body plate enough to let me pull it off the computer. You can see the hard drive in the lower-left corner. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":13,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":13,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":13,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":365} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_741_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_741_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_741_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":13,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":13,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":13,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":605} --><\/p>\n<p> To pull the drive itself out, I need to remove another screw, pull the drive up a bit, and then slide it off of the integrated SATA connection. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":13,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":13,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":13,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":750} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_248_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_248_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748034_248_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":13,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":13,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":13,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":990} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":14,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":14,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":13,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<p> For this model, the drive caddy is just a thin piece of aluminum with a rubber bumper. I pulled it off, and then placed it on the new drive. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":14,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":14,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":14,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":142} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_293_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_293_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_293_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":14,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":14,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":14,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":382} --><\/p>\n<p> Then, I reverse the process, slipping the new drive onto the SATA connection in the laptop, screwing the caddy back down to the frame, and replacing the body panel. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":14,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":14,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":14,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":548} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_12_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_12_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_12_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":14,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":14,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":14,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":788} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":788,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":112,\"nextBlockCount\":240,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1028} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":14,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":14,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":14,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":15,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":15,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":14,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_261_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_261_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_261_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":15,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":15,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":15,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":128} --><\/p>\n<p> Again, this process is going to vary quite a lot depending upon which laptop you have. If you need a step-by-step breakdown for your model, Google is your friend \u2014 you&#8217;ll generally find at least a few users who want to do the same thing, and maybe an article or video if you&#8217;re lucky. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":15,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":15,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":15,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":428} --><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"installing-your-new-drive-in-a-desktop-pc\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Installing_Your_New_Drive_in_a_Desktop_PC\"><\/span> Installing Your New Drive in a Desktop PC <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p> This process is a bit more involved than on a laptop, but the good news is that getting the case off and accessing the drive is typically a lot easier than on most laptops. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":15,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":15,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":15,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":602} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":602,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":298,\"nextBlockCount\":739,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1341} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":15,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":15,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":15,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":16,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":16,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":15,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<p> You&#8217;ll need a standard Philips-head screwdriver and a SATA cable. If you&#8217;re completely replacing a single drive, you can use the SATA cable that&#8217;s already in place. Your power supply probably has a free SATA power connection \u2014 multiple plugs are often available \u2014 but if not, you&#8217;ll need an adapter cable. If you&#8217;re working in an area that&#8217;s particularly prone to static electricity, you&#8217;ll want to use an anti-static bracelet as well. If you built your own PC, the screws needed to install your new drive should have come with the case \u2014 I hope you kept the box of accessories. If not, you&#8217;ll need to get some replacement screws. Finally, you&#8217;ll want a bowl or a cup to hold screws. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":16,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":16,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":16,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":441} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.224961479199%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_903_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"649\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_903_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_903_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=649%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":16,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":16,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":16,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":681} --><\/p>\n<p> Power down your machine and remove all cables, then move it to your work area. This should be a cool, dry spot that&#8217;s easy to access, preferably without carpet below you. If you know the configuration of your computer&#8217;s internal parts, feel free to place it at the most accessible angle. If you don&#8217;t, just leave it upright \u2014 you may have to take multiple panels off for a full installation. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":16,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":16,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":16,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":1092} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":17,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":17,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":16,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_177_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_177_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_177_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":17,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":17,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":17,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":240} --><\/p>\n<p> Remove the access panel from the primary side of the case \u2014 that&#8217;s the one on your left if you&#8217;re looking at your computer from the front. Most designs require you to remove two to three screws from the back side before it will slide or swing out. Set the access panel aside. Some desktops require that you take the whole case cover off rather than just an access panel. If you&#8217;re unsure, look up your desktop model or case on the web. Instructions should be easy to find. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":17,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":17,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":17,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":732} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":732,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":168,\"nextBlockCount\":456,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1188} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":17,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":17,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":17,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":18,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":18,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":17,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<p> Take a moment to orient yourself. If you&#8217;re working on a conventional desktop you&#8217;re probably looking at the motherboard, with the boxy power supply either at the top or the bottom of the case. You should be able to see your computer&#8217;s storage drive or drives mounted towards the front of the case. A SATA data cable should be running from the motherboard to the drive. A SATA power cable should be running from the power supply to the drive. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":18,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":18,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":18,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":288} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_117_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_117_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_117_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":18,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":18,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":18,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":528} --><\/p>\n<p> Note: If you can&#8217;t see either a larger 3.5-inch drive or a smaller 2.5-inch drive, it might be mounted in an alternate spot. In newer designs this is often behind the motherboard itself \u2014 remove the opposite access panel to check. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":18,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":18,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":18,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":770} --><\/p>\n<p> If you&#8217;re not keeping your old drive in your system for extra storage, now&#8217;s the time to take it out. You can also leave the cables attached to the motherboard and power supply and then just connect them to the new drive after installing it. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":18,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":18,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":18,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":1021} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":19,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":19,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":18,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<p> First, unplug the data and power cables from the back of the old drive. There&#8217;s nothing too complex about this: just pull it out. Some cables have a little tab locking mechanism you&#8217;ll have to squeeze first. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":19,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":19,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":19,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":217} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_114_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_114_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_114_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":19,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":19,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":19,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":457} --><\/p>\n<p> If the drive is on a sliding caddy, remove it (and note that some sliding caddies are screwed into place). Now, just use your screwdriver to remove the screws from the drive, whether it&#8217;s in a caddy or affixed directly to the case. The screws come in many sizes and lengths \u2014 some including silicone spacers for sound damping \u2014 and might be mounted to the bottom of the drive or the side, depending on your case&#8217;s design. It doesn&#8217;t really matter: just remove them, set them aside in a spot where you won&#8217;t lose them. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":19,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":19,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":19,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":1004} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":20,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":20,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":19,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_111_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_111_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748035_111_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":20,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":20,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":20,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":240} --><\/p>\n<p> Your old drive is now free! Set it aside. Be careful with it, but don&#8217;t worry too much \u2014 they&#8217;re pretty sturdy. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":20,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":20,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":20,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":367} --><\/p>\n<p> To install the new drive in place of the old one, you&#8217;ll just reverse the process. Put the new drive into the caddie, and then slide it into place on the case (and secure it if necessary). <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":20,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":20,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":20,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":561} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_691_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_691_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_691_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":20,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":20,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":20,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":801} --><\/p>\n<p> Now, plug the cables into the new drive. It&#8217;s easy to figure out \u2014 they only fit one way. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":20,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":20,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":20,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":902} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":21,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":21,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":20,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_177_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_177_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_177_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":21,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":21,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":21,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":240} --><\/p>\n<p> If you&#8217;re adding a new hard drive and leaving the old one in place, it&#8217;s a bit more complicated. You&#8217;ll need to mount the new drive to the case (sliding it into an extra caddy that should have come with your case, if necessary). And, you&#8217;ll need to plug in additional cables. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":21,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":21,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":21,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":533} --><\/p>\n<p> Plug one end of the SATA data cable into the back of the new hard drive and the other end into your motherboard. The motherboard slots are generally on the side closest to the front of the PC, usually in a cluster of two to six. It doesn&#8217;t particularly matter which plug you use, though you might want to plug it into the top-left one (which is the &#8220;0&#8221; drive) or the closest one in sequence, just for the sake of organization. <\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":21,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":21,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":21,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":975} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":22,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":22,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":21,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"actualCount\":0} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":false,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":0,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":null,\"countRemainingForInjection\":null,\"nextBlockCount\":null,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":null} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_6_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_6_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_6_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":22,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":22,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":22,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":240} --><\/p>\n<p> Now plug the SATA power connection from the power supply into the new drive. If you already had a drive installed, check the power cablecoming out of it, because they generally have more than one plug and can be used for multiple drives. If your power supply doesn&#8217;t have any free SATA power connections, you&#8217;ll need to use an adapter or a splitter. <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":22,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":22,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":22,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":599} --><\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img image-expandable img-article-item\" :46.153846153846%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_853_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n<figure><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px)\" data- \/><source media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" data- \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_853_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748036_853_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?resize=650%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"display:block;height:auto;max-width:100%;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"> <\/picture> <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":22,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":22,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":22,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":839} --><br \/>\n<!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"currentRuleCount\":900,\"actualCount\":839,\"hasActualCountMetThreshold\":true,\"countRemainingForInjection\":61,\"nextBlockCount\":331,\"hasCountRemainingForInjectionMetThreshold\":true,\"nextCount\":1170} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"before\",\"adPosition\":22,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":22,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":22,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":900} --><!-- Zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"after\",\"adPosition\":23,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":23,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":22,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"isEarlyInjection\":true,\"actualCount\":0} --><\/p>\n<p> After that, your drive should be ready to go! Double check your connections, make sure the cables aren&#8217;t touching any heatsinks or bumping up against cooling fan blades, and then replace the access panel on the case. Move your PC back to its original position, reconnect all your accessories and power cables, and fire it up! <\/p>\n<p><!-- No repeatable ad for zone: character count repeatable. --><!-- Repeatable debug data: {\"injection\":\"none\",\"adPosition\":23,\"startingPoint\":0,\"skipEvery\":null,\"nbrPlacementFilledEachSkip\":23,\"nbrPlacementsScanned\":23,\"ruleCount\":900,\"degradationStartingPoint\":1,\"stopAds\":null,\"actualCount\":270} -->\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Choosing between a regular hard drive and an SSD depends on whether you want more speed or more storage for your PC. SSDs are faster but more expensive per gigabyte than regular hard drives. Hard drives come in two sizes: 2.5&#8243; for laptops and 3.5&#8243; for desktops. M.2 drives are another form factor &#8230; <a title=\"How To Upgrade and Install a New Hard Drive or SSD in Your PC\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/how-to-upgrade-and-install-a-new-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-pc\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How To Upgrade and Install a New Hard Drive or SSD in Your PC\">\u0625\u0642\u0631\u0623 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0632\u064a\u062f<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7198,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[93],"tags":[276,95,626],"class_list":["post-7197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diy","tag-diy","tag-hardware","tag-pc-optimization"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1724748037_How-To-Upgrade-and-Install-a-New-Hard-Drive-or.jpg?fit=1920%2C1080&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7197\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}