Advice on Adding Internal HardDrive?

Hi,
I have an older computer (yes I need to buy a new one...but just cant yet) My computer is a Dell Dimension XPS, Windows XP, I'd like to add a hard drive for it, but after looking on Dell's site...I'm a little more confused....I'd like to have it faster as I store allot of pictures, I do a big web site of my own, run my own business and in school...I noticed color seemed to determine speed...

I don't want to spend a whole lot of money, but just thought I'd ask here as I always get good advice from here on some good choices without killing the pocket book...

Thanks, Rhonda

 

PS....I'm looking at Internal Hard Drives...Rhonda

 

Rhonda there's two popular types of HD's available right now, first we need to determine which you need.

Also older systems may have BIOS restrictions on the size of the drive. Unfortunately there are numerous models of DELL XPS's so I'd suggest you enter your System Details before we can offer advice.

 

Dell Dimension XPS Gen 2
Windows XP
SP3
Processor: Intel Pentium
4 CPU 3.00 GHz
3.62 of RAM
74.4 GB

I hope this helps I don't actually have the computer here, I have someone working on it, I have this written down from a previous time I was on here.

Rhonda

 

If you go to User CP near the top left of this page, you can put your info in and save it. Then it will show as My System in all your post.
If it is like my son's and friends XPS, they have XP Media Center. They have a different HD in them. Need to know which you have. ATA or IDE. I picked up a ATA drive for son's off of e-bay pretty cheap.

 

Rhonda please follow the instructions in the link provided in post #3

 

I'll have to wait till I get my computer back, I said I didn't have it here it's getting worked on.

 

Perhaps all the better, can the person working on it give you some advice, or even install the drive for you?

Even answering the following questions would help...

1) Does the system require a SATA or PATA drive?
2) If PATA (commonly called IDE though technically both types are IDE) is there any BIOS restrictions on the size of supported HD's

EDIT: Finally if you're planning on adding a drive instead of replacing one is there room for it internally.

 

I'v e sent them the info to give me, it has plenty of room for another, actually it has 3 extra ports...this was like a big gaming computer (in it's time!! LOL) I never used it for that I wanted the extra space and speed...soon as I get the info I will post it.

 

No problem, to be honest I don't think there'll be a size limitation but we do need to know the type of drive required and even if there is space can your PSU handle another drive and is there data/power connectors available also.

I think you can see why we need information Rhonda, even with a small change such as adding an HD a number of factors have to be taken into account.

 

Just to add a little comment here in regards to saving a little money.
In my experience here in AU. SATA drives are quite a bit cheaper than the older PATA drives. I personally do not buy PATA drives even for older computers, I buy the cheaper SATA drives and install a little adapter SATA to PATA, they also work in reverse PATA to SATA and cost only a few of dollars.
I have been using them myself for a number of years now and have never had any problems with them.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812816113

 

Just a silly question Bill, would Sata drivers be needed or does the OS supply requirements? Neil.

 

A valid course of action if you're penny pinching, but personally I prefer the KISS method and try to avoid unnecessary middle men.

Since IMHO everyone should be using at least XP SP3 on the hardware we've seen above SATA drivers should not be a problem.

 

I would prefer SATA over PATA even with adapter. They are cheaper, faster & more readily available. And available in capacity till 1 GB ie. till Thailand got hit with water.

 

rsinfo, my sentiments exactly.
wildfire, some middlemen can be of valuable use
Neil, no I did not have to install additional SATA drivers.

wildfire, here is a example of what I was trying to state regarding saving some money, not just Penny-pinching.
IDE 160GB $AU 143.-
SATA 2TB $AU 160.-

more comparisons here:

http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/desktop-hard-drives-c-107_22.html