Picking an SCSI 1 Internal Hard Disk Drive for Your Computer
Sometimes you'll find that you love your Dell computer, but you have run out of space for storing data. Instead of getting a new computer, consider adding an additional hard drive or replacing your current one. Many computers offer space for additional storage modules, but some don't, so you may consider upgrading to an SCSI hard disk drive that offers more storage. Increase your memory from 80 GB up to a 500 GB with a quick upgrade.
What are the Features of a Hard Disk Drive?
- Transfer Speed - The faster the disk spins, the quicker it can save and retrieve data. The most common drive speed is 5400 rpm (revolutions per minute), but if that isn't fast enough, you have other options such as 720, 10K, and 15K rpm
- Access Time - Transfer speed is the time it takes for the data to be retrieved and saved. Access time is the time it takes for the reader to position itself in order to write data to and read data from the hard drive.
- Storage Capacity - Thanks to the various storage capacities, users can upgrade as high as needed. In fact, depending on the model, there are internal HDDs that have a storage capacity of 16 TB.
- Cache Space - When a Dell hard drive has a larger cache it is able to transfer an array of data faster. The cache is used when the drive has to transfer data from one section to another. Common cache sizes range between 8 MB and 256 MB.
- Failure Rate - It might not seem like something you need to consider, but as with anything that has moving parts, a component is going to fail after extensive use. Not all HDD wear at the same time, so a little research will save you a big headache later. Models can fail with as little as 12 months of use, while other models have a life expectancy of six years or more.
- Connections - The connection on the hard drive needs be compatible with the connection type inside the computer. For example, if your computer is set up to use a 30-in design, then you will need to ensure you get an 80-pin connection on the hard drive or it won't fit. Also, you need to ensure the size of the unit will fit into the drive bay if your PC uses a drive bay.
How Does an HDD Interface with a Computer?
- SCSI - Small Computer System Interface. SCSI-1 supports multiple devices and uses an 8-bit bus at a data rate of 4 MBps.
- SATA - Serial Advanced Technology Attachment uses a single cable to create a point-to-point connection.
- IDE - Integrated Device Electronics supports drives up to 540 MB.
- EIDE - Enhanced-IDA supports storage drives up to 50 GB and allows for more than twice the transfer rate of an IDE drive
- ATA -AT Attachment supports multiple drives.
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