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Author Topic: 2 computers failed on me within 24 hours - need Hard Drive  (Read 14675 times)

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« on: July 28, 2010, 09:05 »
0
One of my computers failed on me due to a motherboard issue. It will be replaced today.

However my second computer which is the one for eeeeverything (photo editing, video rendering and all the stock stuff) failed on me as well.

I can't replace both computers due to the lack of a raise from SS - lol

OK here is the deal. I need a reliable, SMALL SATA hard drive.

This hard drive will only be used for the OS and not storage. Since my OS drive failed, I can't use my newer computer as the secondary HD is full  :-X

All I need is a small, reliable and preferably dirt cheap HD. Ideally I'd like to pick it up at Staples, Office Max, Office Depot or BestBuy so I can go on with my work today.

Reading reviews of ANY HD shows that some people ALWAYS had a failure within warranty time or just after. Is there a drive that usually quite reliable?

I had a 500GB Seagate that failed and I'm inclined not to get a Seagate anymore.
But online I read from other people that Maxtor and Western Digital suck and they only get Seagate  ::)

What should I do? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.


« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2010, 09:10 »
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One of my computers failed on me due to a motherboard issue. It will be replaced today.

However my second computer which is the one for eeeeverything (photo editing, video rendering and all the stock stuff) failed on me as well.

I can't replace both computers due to the lack of a raise from SS - lol

OK here is the deal. I need a reliable, SMALL SATA hard drive.

This hard drive will only be used for the OS and not storage. Since my OS drive failed, I can't use my newer computer as the secondary HD is full  :-X

All I need is a small, reliable and preferably dirt cheap HD. Ideally I'd like to pick it up at Staples, Office Max, Office Depot or BestBuy so I can go on with my work today.

Reading reviews of ANY HD shows that some people ALWAYS had a failure within warranty time or just after. Is there a drive that usually quite reliable?

I had a 500GB Seagate that failed and I'm inclined not to get a Seagate anymore.
But online I read from other people that Maxtor and Western Digital suck and they only get Seagate  ::)

What should I do? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

I've only had problems with sata drive, crashes, data lost etc...
I've installed my start up (windows, programs etc) on a IDE drive, no problem since.
Since then  i've replaced all SATA backup drives with external IDE drives, not taking any risk anymore with SATA.

Patrick.

« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2010, 09:15 »
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i've never had a hard drive fail, either IDE or SATA.  But it would be silly to go out of your way to buy old IDE technology thats slow and dated. 

Buy a WD Raptor drive 10K RPM, they are amazingly fast and quiet and I love them.  Got 2, plus 1 TB 7200 RPM, 400 GB 7200 and 320 GB 7200 in my system

« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2010, 09:29 »
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i've never had a hard drive fail, either IDE or SATA.  But it would be silly to go out of your way to buy old IDE technology thats slow and dated.  

Buy a WD Raptor drive 10K RPM, they are amazingly fast and quiet and I love them.  Got 2, plus 1 TB 7200 RPM, 400 GB 7200 and 320 GB 7200 in my system

I've had a SATA drive 80 Gig configured as the scratch drive for photoshop only... internal... and problems too (numerous crashes, freezing, data loss etc) ... replaced it with an IDE an no problems anymore.

Patrick.

ps : i'm working on a Packard Bell P IV quad core 2.4 .. 8 gig memory.... however, the motherboard seems to be buggy with SATA drives (research on several forum and sites.. )
« Last Edit: July 28, 2010, 09:34 by patrick1958 »

« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2010, 09:34 »
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Thanks for you responses.

The WD Raptor start at about $130 right?

I can't afford that right now.

How about this one: http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-WD3200KSRTL-Caviar-3-5-Inch/dp/B000FBSREU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280327294&sr=8-1 for $50

It really doesn't have to be 10RPM.

If I could I'd get a nice SSD to be on the fast side...  ;)

Another question about the IDE thing. I doubt that I would go that route but mys system doesn't have IDE ports. I just have a ton of SATA connectors. Would I have to get a converter plug or even a expansion card to get IDE connectors in there? It's a DELL XPS720 (from 2008).

« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2010, 09:35 »
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If it's only for the OS, who cares it breaks down after 2-3 years? An OS and the progs are easy to restore. Data aren't. It will break if you use it all the time, certainly when you also use it as PS scratch disk. Mine broke down exactly after 3 years of use, and I replaced it by the cheapest one around which seems to be 300 Gig something for 50$. Off the shelf.

« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2010, 09:40 »
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Thanks for you responses.

The WD Raptor start at about $130 right?

I can't afford that right now.

How about this one: http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-WD3200KSRTL-Caviar-3-5-Inch/dp/B000FBSREU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280327294&sr=8-1 for $50

It really doesn't have to be 10RPM.

If I could I'd get a nice SSD to be on the fast side...  ;)

Another question about the IDE thing. I doubt that I would go that route but mys system doesn't have IDE ports. I just have a ton of SATA connectors. Would I have to get a converter plug or even a expansion card to get IDE connectors in there? It's a DELL XPS720 (from 2008).


You can use IDE drives by adding a PCI-e card into a free slot that drives a combo of IDE drives or SATA drives, ranging speeds from 4000-15000  rpm.  Costly... but worth the investment.

Patrick.

« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2010, 09:42 »
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If it's only for the OS, who cares it breaks down after 2-3 years? An OS and the progs are easy to restore. Data aren't. It will break if you use it all the time, certainly when you also use it as PS scratch disk. Mine broke down exactly after 3 years of use, and I replaced it by the cheapest one around which seems to be 300 Gig something for 50$. Off the shelf.

Sure... a scratch disc doesn't store data... it only uses that disk to perform operations... so no loss of data ...

Patrick H.

lisafx

« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2010, 09:45 »
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I am not a techy sort of person, but I have added several internal SATA drives over the years and had good luck with Western Digital.

Here's a well reviewed one for pretty reasonable:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136334&cm_re=sata_hard_drive-_-22-136-334-_-Product

« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2010, 09:50 »
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Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

It's true that I don't care whether the drive fails on me in 2 or 3 years because it's just the OS and not other data. So a cheap drive will do.

@Lisa: Thansk for the link. This is how I shop: I look at local stores what's on sale, then check the reviews on Newegg and Amazon to see if it's any good. Once I found what I want, then I'll look for online coupons to get it cheaper (if possible).

I found a coupon for the drive I posted above at BestBuy for 10% off. No biggie but at least something. I keep looking, maybe there is a $10 off somewhere around  ;D

Oh, I won't be installing a PCS-e card as you mentioned... Price. But thanks so much for your input. I will keep all responses in mind next time I buy a whole new system.

Thanks again for all your responses.

« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2010, 09:59 »
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Here's a well reviewed one for pretty reasonable:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136334&cm_re=sata_hard_drive-_-22-136-334-_-Product

If it's only for the OS+progs, OP doesn't need 500GB. He can have a 160GB one for under 40$. If your system disk is too large, sooner or later you'll get tempted to also store data on it. A hint is also to make a full backup of your clean OS HD after all is installed. Do most with the internet cable unplugged. In case you are plagued by weird locally bred viruses or worms (I do), it's a good practice to reformat every month. From a full backup, restore works like a charm.

@OP: why order online? You'll have to pay at least 8$ extra for the carrier and it will take time. If something goes wrong you'll have to ship it back and forth. HD's are a commodity. Just try a local shop and you'll have it now. If something goes wrong, you can easily bring it back. It's easier to deal with a local shop keeper eye to eye than with a call-center agent in India.
« Last Edit: July 28, 2010, 10:06 by FD-regular »


« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2010, 11:16 »
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I would go with WD as well.

« Reply #13 on: July 28, 2010, 11:27 »
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I'm not ordering online. I'm going to the store locally for the reasons mentioned above.

I guess I'll pick up a WD 320 GB for a little less than $50. That should do it.

Thanks again for all your responses.

« Reply #14 on: July 28, 2010, 12:19 »
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i've never had a hard drive fail, either IDE or SATA.  But it would be silly to go out of your way to buy old IDE technology thats slow and dated.  

Buy a WD Raptor drive 10K RPM, they are amazingly fast and quiet and I love them.  Got 2, plus 1 TB 7200 RPM, 400 GB 7200 and 320 GB 7200 in my system

I've had a SATA drive 80 Gig configured as the scratch drive for photoshop only... internal... and problems too (numerous crashes, freezing, data loss etc) ... replaced it with an IDE an no problems anymore.

Patrick.

ps : i'm working on a Packard Bell P IV quad core 2.4 .. 8 gig memory.... however, the motherboard seems to be buggy with SATA drives (research on several forum and sites.. )


SATA drives are IDE !?  or do u mean PATA ??

They ALL have the same hardware, the only difference being the electronics (which are very similar).
One uses parallel data transfer, the other serial.

All modern drives are good, but will fail eventually.  It's how you look after them and use them that makes the difference in lifespan :)

« Reply #15 on: July 28, 2010, 12:31 »
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...All modern drives are good, but will fail eventually.  It's how you look after them and use them that makes the difference in lifespan :)

I didn't know that. I refrain from kicking my computer. I also remove dust from the interior of the housing regularly.

How do I extend the life span of a hard drive? Or how do I "look after them"?

« Reply #16 on: July 28, 2010, 12:49 »
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...All modern drives are good, but will fail eventually.  It's how you look after them and use them that makes the difference in lifespan :)

I didn't know that. I refrain from kicking my computer. I also remove dust from the interior of the housing regularly.

How do I extend the life span of a hard drive? Or how do I "look after them"?

keep them cool (more fans), use second drive as pagefile (swapfile), use UPS to protect system...etc..  :)

« Reply #17 on: July 28, 2010, 13:08 »
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keep them cool (more fans), use second drive as pagefile (swapfile), use UPS to protect system...etc..  :)

Got 6 fans, using other drives as pagefile and have UPS.

I thought I didn't do enough already...

« Reply #18 on: July 28, 2010, 13:23 »
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I have used LaCie, Seagate and Maxtor over the years and haven't had an issue with any of them, though I know I read that some people do. I have only worked on 1 computer (not mine personally, but at my employers) where the internal drive failed and had to be replaced. I think it was a Western Digital.

I think you should go to Staples and get the cheapest thing you can, any one of the big name brands. I got a 1TB Seagate a couple of months back for $120 so I am fairly certain they would have something smaller for about half as much.

Just my 2 cents, probably not even worth that.

Sorry about your computer failures...

« Reply #19 on: July 28, 2010, 13:48 »
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...All modern drives are good, but will fail eventually.  It's how you look after them and use them that makes the difference in lifespan :)

I didn't know that. I refrain from kicking my computer. I also remove dust from the interior of the housing regularly.

How do I extend the life span of a hard drive? Or how do I "look after them"?

Simple, Don't remove dust.
Just joking.

« Reply #20 on: July 28, 2010, 13:54 »
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I have used LaCie, Seagate and Maxtor over the years and haven't had an issue with any of them, though I know I read that some people do. I have only worked on 1 computer (not mine personally, but at my employers) where the internal drive failed and had to be replaced. I think it was a Western Digital.

I think you should go to Staples and get the cheapest thing you can, any one of the big name brands. I got a 1TB Seagate a couple of months back for $120 so I am fairly certain they would have something smaller for about half as much.

Just my 2 cents, probably not even worth that.

Sorry about your computer failures...

Personaly never use LaCie, I heard they are safe (and expensive),
Seagate is another alternative but I had Maxtor that failed on me and lost some data.

« Reply #21 on: July 28, 2010, 14:18 »
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Thanks cclapper, I do value all your opinions as they are less "anonymous" than "S. Johnson from CO wrote:..."

In my situation 2 Seagate drives failed on me within 2 years - that's pretty lousy in my opinion.

So naturally I'll try out something else. Like I mentioned before the are people who had bad experiences with WD and swear by Seagate now...

« Reply #22 on: July 28, 2010, 15:39 »
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Sometimes drives just die.  I've had a WD Raptor die after a few years, yet other ones that are still running fine after 5+ years.  I've also seen drives fail within a few days, and others (I'm thinking specifically about a drive in my kids' computer) that are quite old (and I've been surprised that a drive with a 1 year warranty would still be kicking after 8+ years).  There's an old DG server in our data center at work that's from 1993, and it's 4G SCSI boot drive is still just ticking along.  Keep them cool, give them good power, don't kick them around, and don't flick the power switch on-off-on-off-on-off and they'll stick around for a while.  :)

jbarber873

« Reply #23 on: July 28, 2010, 17:29 »
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  This from my computer geek son-
   Western Digital is much better than seagate. Try to get the ones in the black box if available, blue box second and green box last. Even the green box is better than seagate's most expensive.
   Sata is just an interface, has nothing to do with quality or life of drive, is just a faster interface and easier form factor.
   And this hint, in case you need to recover data from a crashed drive:
      Put the drive in the freezer for an hour, take it out and plug it in. On 75% of crashed drives, you will have enough time to boot up the drive and pull of the most important data ( then it will stop working as it warms up.) My son told me this after I came back from a location shoot with 2 days worth of images shot tethered directly to hard drive and the hard drive wouldn't work. I was able to pull the images off the drive and onto another drive. It worked!

« Reply #24 on: July 28, 2010, 17:49 »
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If you are PiCi-Windojz fun in first place I suggest you to buy better power supply and UPS.
After that you can play with good mother board, ssd, and graphic cards, etc...


I have Mac dual 1GHZ 8 years old which works like old diesel tractor but at the end off they task work is done.
For some complex tasks it is slow so I have time for moaning on this forum about iStock.

 ;D


 

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