Computers have a hard drive that is responsible for storing the data and applications provided by the operating system. However, the case may arise in which it is due change a hard drive for an SSD, this article will explain this whole process
Large capacity storage devices
Change a hard drive
The hard disk is a magnetic device, it is also a component of the computer which has the purpose of saving all the data and information of the files and applications that are on the computer. Due to this it is a fundamental device that every user requires to store essential and important files.
With the evolution in technology, this storage has been expanded to new devices that increase the speed of data transfer, which is why we proceed to change a hard drive for an SSD. This action allows an increase in the speed of the performance of the computer and the execution of the applications.
The notable changes that are observed when making this exchange of the device can be highlighted from the moment the operating system boots, in the same way in the execution of a game, since these work correctly without sticking at the beginning or at the moment that the required commands are being applied.
The first step is to select the format class to be used on the new SSD device. It may be the case of having a modern motherboard which has the characteristic of having an M.2 slot, so it must be known if it has the capacity to support a connection to the PCI express bus.
You should also check the compatibility of a possible connection to the SATA bus because it depends on the type of SSD that you want to buy, this is because not all have these types of connections so it cannot be executed or function with the speed optimal transfer and storage of equipment data.
It is important to remember that in this case of changing a hard drive does not merit cloning it to the SSD device, it is more likely that it is not convenient because the operating system that has been used will be saved and this generates a problem since you are going to have a configuration for mechanical storage and not for saving data to a solid one.
This also produces failures in the performance of the computer and the SSD, being one of the worst cases that this storage device is damaged giving additional problems to the user. For this reason, the cloning to the hard disk should not be carried out, instead it is advisable to install an operating system that is compatible with the SSD.
When this action is done, the priority should be to make a backup of each of the files that is saved on the hard disk, this procedure is known as Back Up. It is also recommended that this solid device be defragmented to facilitate the storage of all important data and files.
This way you can have a greater organization when saving the backed up information of the hard disk since you will have a division in the system spaces, you will have the C drive as the main storage sector, and the other spaces will acquire a destination specific in which it serves to increase the performance of the team.
The situation may arise in which there is no other mechanical storage unit, that is, a hard disk to proceed with the Back Up process, so this device has to be disconnected to establish the connection with an SSD. Then you must install the operating system you want, it is important to check that this component is working.
The hard drive must then be reconnected to have the ability to save important backed-up information so that the operating system available on the device can be removed. In this way, any failure in the execution of the SSD on the computer to boot the operating system is avoided.
However, if you do not have a computer with this type of connection, the procedure explained above cannot be carried out. In this case, there is only one solution, which consists of buying and obtaining a new unit that is in a 2.5 format; since by its properties it allows to change the hard disk and to extend the performance of the equipment.
If you want to understand more about this storage device, then it is recommended to read the article from What is an external hard drive?
Examples
Some types of devices can be recommended that can be used to swap a portable hard drive for an SSD since there is a wide range on the market which has the same function and can raise doubts as to which one to buy. Due to this, below are some examples that are suitable for this procedure along with its main characteristics:
Kingston SSD A400
This device is presented with a capacity of 120 GB of storage, it is characterized by being a unit with great capacity and can be purchased in the market with an acceptable price. The transfer of data and files is carried out at high speeds, facilitating the startup of the operating system and also the loading of installed applications.
It has a SATA Rev 3.0 interface so it has a speed of 6 Gb / s, the power consumption is 0,195 W when it is in a state of rest. Its transfer performance is estimated to average 500 Mb / s in read mode and 320MB / s in write mode.
If you want to solve the storage problem of your pendrive, it is recommended to read the article on Remove write protection on a USB
Corsair MP300
It is a solid storage device that has a capacity of 120 GB, it has an M.2 NVMe drive, it is on the market with a higher price than the Kingston SSD A400. Due to its interface it presents a higher performance and speed in a reading mode reaching 1600MB / s in data transfer.
It offers a guarantee of durability and value, so that the user can have greater security when exchanging a hard disk for this device. Its format is compact so that its connection does not need additional cables to install it on the motherboard, it has an optimized surface that improves the increased thermal conductivity, preventing heat from the source from being generated.