Adding internal HDD to a PC

georgiac

Hi, I have a Dell PC that is full! It's got two hard drive - (c) and (d) and I'd like to add some more storage.

I know v. little about the insides of a computer so I don't know if there is likely to be a third memory slot or if two is standard?!

If two is the limit then can I replace (d) with a bigger 1TB memory and are they all a astandard fit?

At the moment D is a NTFS 465GB Disk but that's all I know about it.

Sorry to be vague but hope someone can steer this ludite in the right direction.

Thanks

prowla

What model of PC is it?

Some have multiple HDD bays and connectors, whilst others don't.

Assuming it is a recent-ish model then the connectors are likely to be SATA, in which case it's a doddle to fit one, as they only plug in one way (so you can't get it wrong).

If it doesn't have space/connections for an extra internal drive, then external USB drives can be bought cheaply.

georgiac

prowla said:

What model of PC is it?

Some have multiple HDD bays and connectors, whilst others don't.

Assuming it is a recent-ish model then the connectors are likely to be SATA, in which case it's a doddle to fit one, as they only plug in one way (so you can't get it wrong).

If it doesn't have space/connections for an extra internal drive, then external USB drives can be bought cheaply.

Hi, thanks for the reply, I think it's a Dell Vostro 3900 PC if that gives you any more of a clue, thanks.

prowla

It is easy to replace a drive with a larger one, but NTFS does slightly complicate transferring data unless you simply copy it off the old drive beforehand and then back onto the new one after.

georgiac

If I copied the data off the d drive onto an external hdd could I then just replace d with a 1tb hdd and please do you know what type I should be looking to buy. Thanks

facade

Go to  https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-uk/product-support/product/vostro-3902-mini-tower/docs

and download the owners manual.  It tells you how to do what you want.

Step 1 is to open the side panel and see if there is space to add a hard drive, there may be 2 already, or both the C and D drives may be on one disc.

[Deleted User]

Do you have a backup of your current data?

prowla

It looks like there is the space and connectivity to add an extra drive.

With reference to this picture...

There are two disk bays at the bottom (6) and one at the top (between 2 & 3).

So, as suggested, just open the side panel and have a look at what's there.

You'll see those blue and orange cables there - they'll connect to the SATA connectors (14 & 17) on the motherboard; check if there's one of those free.

km1500

are c: and d: separate hdds or just one hdd partitioned ?

georgiac

Thank you so much for all your help

georgiac

[Deleted User] said:

Do you have a backup of your current data?

[Deleted User] said:

Do you have a backup of your current data?

Yes, on an external hdd