Upgrading Hard Drive

gfloridafan93

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I have a 750GB 5400RPM hard drive in my computer. I ran hdparm in Ubuntu last night, and my hard drive speed clocked in at around 94 mb/s. Is that very good? If not, could you guys recommend a better hard drive for my laptop? I really wouldn't like to spend over $100 if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

Leonell12

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That would depend on what you're using it for, are you using it for gaming? or intense video editing or something? ...also would you happened to know exactly which hdd you have? or maybe your laptop model? and to answer your initial question, that speed isnt that bad...but Western Digital Caviar Blue 2.5'' HDDs clock in about 140mb/s transfer rate
 

gfloridafan93

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Type: ATA
Model: Hitachi HTS547575A9E384
Firmware Version: JE4OA50A
Capacity: 750 GB

I do sometimes play games. The laptop is an HP Pavilion dv6-6c53nr by the way. Basically, I am just looking for faster startup speeds on applications and operating systems. Would you recommend upgrading? Or do you think it is unnecessary?
 

gfloridafan93

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Do you have any recommendations? I wouldn't like to spend a whole lot if possible.
 

Leonell12

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Hmm neon neophyte has a point, if you want faster startup speeds, then an upgrade to an SSD would be alot more worth it, however since its a laptop there obviously wont be any space for you to store your extra SSD...that might be only worth considering if you dont take the laptop out and about anywhere, and will always stay at home (since the SSD will be a boot drive and you wont be able to start the laptop up without it) ...a HDD upgrade for faster boot times...? nah
 

Leonell12

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Samsung 840 evo 128gb ...hands down the best ssd for the money
 

gfloridafan93

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I wouldn't want to restrict myself to home use only, so I would like to still take my laptop places. I really don't know what to look for when purchasing a new hard drive. What about a hybrid drive?

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Solid-Hybrid-2-5-Inch-ST1000LM014/dp/B00B99JUBQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1401414543&sr=1-3&keywords=laptop+ssd+hard+drive
 

neon neophyte

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you wouldnt be restricted to home use only. you would just be more limited on what can be stored directly on your laptop.

external hdds can easily overcome that fault. you can get a 1 or 2tb external hdd at some point.
 

gfloridafan93

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Ahh. So I can install the ssd, have minor storage capacity but still function properly and have some storage? Then, for pictures and other "crap", just store it on my old hard drive externally? Okay. Now I am planning to run a dual boot (Windows and Linux). This won't affect performance right? Any you would recommend for $100 or so?
 


Do you use the optical drive (CD/DVD) in your laptop?

 

gfloridafan93

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Yes I do sometimes.
 

neon neophyte

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i get by on 128gb operating drive. leaves room for all my programs and a few large games

personally, i wouldnt want to squeeze all of my windows stuff onto 60gb, but it is possible. maybe a 90/30 split would be better. could always look at the 240gb drives as well.