Add more hard disk space

When you buy a PC it usually includes a hard disk that seems big enough to last forever.

However, with applications getting larger and websites offering entertaining - but hefty - video downloads, the chances are that one day it’ll begin to run out of space.

Carefully pruning some unwanted files can ease the problem temporarily, but the only long-term answer is to add another hard disk, whether externally or inside the PC case. Fortunately, this is cheap and easy to do.

In this article we’ll explain about the various types of hard disk that are available, talk through the pros and cons of each one and demonstrate how to install a second disk inside a desktop PC.

We’ll also explain how to remove the hard disk from an old PC that you want to sell or dispose of and use it as extra storage for your new computer.

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There are two reasons why it might become necessary to get acquainted with the hard disk inside your PC. Your disk might be filling up, in which case you’ll need to replace it or add another, bigger model.

Alternatively you might be about to sell or dispose of an old PC. If this is the case then taking the hard disk out is both clever recycling and good security - keeping the disk ensures that some computer-savvy snoop doesn’t get hold of it and entertain themselves by trawling through your family accounts, photos, and letters.

Increasing the amount of storage in a PC is simple. It rarely requires anything more than a screwdriver and a little patience, and it can usually be accomplished in less than an hour from start to finish. We’ll explain exactly how to do it later in this article. Before that, though, we’ll look how to make sure you choose the right kind of hard disk for the job.

The first choice to make is between external and internal disks. External disks come in a case and connect to your computer using a USB. External disks are very easy to set up, can be moved between PCs and make good backup devices. On the other hand they usually need a separate power supply, cost more than internal disks and take up desk space.

Alternatively, you can buy internal disks that fit inside your computer. Adding an internal disk involves opening your PC’s case, finding a spare drive slot, adding plastic guides to the sides of the disk, slotting it in, then connecting the disk to the power and interface cables.

After adding the disk you’ll probably need to spend a minute or two formatting it so that Windows can use it. Internal hard disks are usually cheaper than external ones and sit neatly inside the your PC’s case. They can also be faster than external drives.

An internal SATA disk like the one we’ll install in this article will be faster than an external disk that’s attached to a PC via a USB2 cable.