There is no need to get rid of an old computer because it is running slowly or poorly. Many times, you are one new hard drive away from having a fast, useful computing experience. There are several avenues you can take to buy a new hard drive. However, in this economy, you want to buy cheap computer hardware whenever possible. When it comes to computer hard drives, cheaper isn’t always lower quality.
Knowing a few tips for how to buy a hard drive will give you the best value for your money. If you want to skip “big box” electronics stores and find an affordable, quality hard drive for your computer, follow these 4 steps for buying a cheap hard drive.
Know what kind of hard drive you want or need
The type of hard drive you are looking for will depend on the machine you are looking to put it in. If you are looking for a hard drive for an older computer, some newer, more sophisticated hard drives might not be compatible. The two main deciding factors for a hard drive are speed and size. Certain tasks necessitate a minimum hard drive speed. In addition, if you are going to need plenty of storage, hard drive size is certainly an issue. On top of these decisions, there is also the choice of an internal or external hard drive. If you are constantly on the go, an external hard drive can be very useful and beneficial.
Comparison shop online
Once you have decided on the type, size, and speed of the hard drive that will suit your current computer and computing needs, it is a good idea to comparison shop. Like any other purchase, you want to get prices from several stores, retailers, and websites so you can get the best value. The more prices you compare, the better chance you have of getting the best value. Keep an eye out for coupons in your local paper or website specials. Being a keen shopper can save you hundreds of dollars.
Consider bare hard drives over kit hard drives
Hard drives can either come bare, meaning without mounting kits, screws, and cases, or they can come with a kit. If you are computer savvy or know someone knowledgeable about computers, a bare hard drive will save you a solid amount of money. Most electronic outlets will sell both bare hard drives and kit hard drives. If you can install a bare hard drive yourself or know someone who can install it for you, go with the cheaper, bare hard drive.
Buy used hard drives
With auction sites like eBay and other community-oriented websites like Craigslist, buying used items is easier than ever. There are plenty of ways to buy computer equipment on these sites. There is a certain amount of risk involved whenever you are buying a used hard drive; however, the savings are substantial. Weigh the risk to reward and make the decision that best suits you.