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: Worth installing new hard drive on old computer?

GS8
11-26-2016, 01:50 PM
The computer is 8 years old and was used as a server / gaming rig / video editing rig.

I got a S.M.A.R.T Sata error telling me the drive is bad. Considering the age of the computer, is it still doable to install a new hard drive and have it play well with my motherboard / power supply / gfx card.

I now use the rig as a streaming device but there's some other issues it has that I can fix with a reformat / reinstall of XP. The HD is the only hardware issue I have so I'm wondering if it's possible.

I'm not really a computer pro so any help would be great. Thanks.

Here's what it has:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r25/Crimson_Jackal/Misc/IMG_20161126_133118-2_zpsdocmkfmt.jpg
mos_skeeto
11-26-2016, 02:22 PM
Yup. Hard drives are relatively cheap and if you upgrade to SSD you'll also notice a good performance bump. Make sure you plug it into the SATA2 port on the motherboard.

If the rest of the computer croaks at a later date you can pull it out for your next build or get a usb enclosure.
twitchyzero
11-26-2016, 02:50 PM
good timing
grab a SSD on sale and your computer will feel almost new again (not so much editing/gaming)
donk.
11-26-2016, 03:03 PM
Would you install a 700$ exhaust on a 600$ civic?

:joy:
Hondaracer
11-26-2016, 03:58 PM
those Adata 250GB SSD's are like $89.. at the very least its worth a shot
GS8
11-26-2016, 06:16 PM
those Adata 250GB SSD's are like $89.. at the very least its worth a shot

Funny enough, I just came back from NCIX with an Adata 1TB rugged external drive they had on sale. Was going to use it to backup the rig before reformatting.

Didn't check for replies here first before heading there. Could have bought an SSD. Forgot they were closed on Sundays.

I actually went to NICX 3 times this week and made a purchase each time. Could have been 4.

:joy:
Cillu
11-26-2016, 07:32 PM
Yeah, that setup is still pretty useable once you stick an SSD in there. If you require more space for storing images, videos, and large files, buy a traditional hard drive as well.
GS8
11-27-2016, 10:24 PM
Yeah, that setup is still pretty useable once you stick an SSD in there. If you require more space for storing images, videos, and large files, buy a traditional hard drive as well.

That's good to know. I spent a lot of $$$ on this build 8 years ago. Glad it's still standing the test of tech time. Picked up a cheap Adata SSD from NCIX that will replace the old Samsung HDD.

Bestbuy had similar spec models for less but I refuse to shop there.