Your Guide to 400GB Hard Drives

For the average computer user, a 400 GB hard drive might be enough for all his storage needs for files, photos, various applications, music files, video clips and others.

If you are still confused about which HD will best suit your needs, take a look at this simple guide to help you choose the best hard drive to suit your preferences and needs.

1. What is your budget?

While various manufacturers set different prices on a 400 GB hard drive, each one offers different features from the others. Determine how much you are willing to spend and search around your budget.

2. Do you need an external hard drive or an internal one?

If you are using a desktop, you can add more than one HD inside your rig, so you can buy an internal one. However, if you use a laptop and you don’t have plans of replacing your old HD, consider getting an external one.

3. What connection do you need?

There are 2 connections available: IDE/ATA or SATA. SATA is widely used nowadays while IDE is found on older rigs.

4. How fast do you want?

HDs range from 5400 rpm to 7200 rpm, and some may reach 10000rpm even. The higher the RPM, the faster the HD reads or writes data.

5. For external HDs, will you bring it with you often?

3.5” or desktop HDs, when used as external HDs, require an external power source. It is also bigger and heavier. 2.5” or laptop HDs can be used only by using a SATA or IDE to USB connection, making them more portable.

However, other external HDs can also be connected via Firewire, making them faster than USB. Other external HDs can also use an Ethernet connection, to be shared with your network via a router.

6. What about warranty?

Most HD warranties range from 2 years, 3 years or 5 years. Check with your authorized dealer when buying.

When choosing your 400 GB hard drive, try to ponder on these things so you won’t be lost in the search for finding a perfect hard drive for your needs and preferences that you’ll probably use for the years to come.