What factors should I consider when choosing a hard drive?

When selecting a hard drive, decide first if you need an internal or external model, then consider how frequently you save data and the amount of storage space required. Always opt for the fastest speed you can afford, which enhances performance. For a detailed overview, see the External Hard Drive Buying Guide.

How does RPM affect hard drive performance?

The speed of data access in hard drives is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Higher RPMs, such as 7200 or even 9600, offer faster performance and better experience for uses like gaming, but may also generate more heat and noise. Compare speeds to find what best suits your needs.

What is the difference between internal and external hard drives?

Internal hard drives store all the data on your computer, whereas external hard drives provide additional protection and portable storage. Assess your usage and storage needs to determine which option is best for you. For more insights, read the External Hard Drive Buying Guide.

How much storage space do I need in a hard drive?

Determine the amount of space you'll need based on how often you save files and the size of the files you work with. Larger capacity is important for storing extensive media libraries or backups. Visit our External Hard Drive Buying Guide for help estimating your storage requirements.

Where can I get help choosing the right hard drive?

For personalized guidance on finding the best hard drive for your needs, please contact us. Our experts are happy to assist with all your questions.

800-860-3577

BUNDLE AND SAVE

SHOP NOW

External Hard Drives

Desktop and Laptop External Hard Drives

Helpful Resources

External Hard Drive Buying Guide

Learn More

19 Items

Filter

Showing all 19 products

Frequently Asked Questions

Internal hard drives store all of the data on your computer, while external hard drives help protect it

When finding the right hard drive, you'll want to choose a drive which is optimized for your primary purpose. There are a few main things to consider when selecting a hard drive: decide first if you want an internal or external hard drive. Then, figure out how often you save items and how much space you will be taking up. Finally, whatever the size and style, always go for the fastest hard drive you can afford. You can do this by comparing the speed between units.

Speed of data access is measured using RPMs (revolutions per minute). Typical drives range from 5400 to 7200 ROM, with more and more 9600 RPM drive appearing on the scene. A faster rotational speed means greater performance, especially in games, however, it may cause greater heat and noise. Carefully analyze and decide what unit works best for you. Since all of your important documents are stored onto a hard drive, a good hard drive is worth every penny.