Do I replace the hard drive?

[Thawk]

I just ordered the following to upgrade my system:

ASUS A7M266/1.33 Thunderbird
Thermalright SK2
256MB DDR PC2100 RAM
GeForce II Pro

I currently have a Maxtor Diamondmax 15 GB hard drive. Do I need to or should I replace this piece? If so, recommendations?

Thanks,
Thawk

 

[Thawk]

and if possible a good place to purchase?

 

[MrBond]

As long as the drive wasn't getting full, you should be fine. Reformatting isn't a bad idea, as swapping motherboards on a windows install can make it a bit odd.

As far as purchasing new drives, check Newegg.com, they have the best price/service/selection combination

 

[thorin]

Do you feel that your HD is small or slow. If so then grab a new one if not then no big deal.

I definately agree with MrBond that you should do a reformat during the process of setting up your new sys.

Thorin

 

[GustySoul]

Thawk,

Hmm, well I would say that it all depends on how much green stuff you are willing to spend.

You new componenets look real nice, and should be very fast. A 15GB hard drive, though plenty of space for most things, is starting to be on the small side nowadays - especially if you have broadband and download alot or if you do lots of things with audio and video.

If size is not a concern, remember that the hard disk is one of the primary bottlenecks for dekstop systems nowadays. How old is your current hard disk? If it is a couple years old and you have the cash I'd say you would definitely see a performance increase if you bought a new new one. A newer 7200 RPM disk will yield better throughput so you'll be able to take advantage of the ATA100 controller on your new motherboard and, more importantly, it'll have lower random acess times so your system will just feel a bit snappier and faster (programs will start quciker and such). NewEgg.com is a great place for new hardware. I would personally recommend the IBM 60GXP series, they are moderately priced, reliable, have very good performance, and come in farily diverse range of capcities to suit your needs.

Hope that helps a bit and good luck,
obispo21

 

[ObiDon]

Fry's usually had good hard drive prices in their ads. Isn't there one in Tempe somewhere? Too bad you have that sales tax though. You might only break even vs. buying at Newegg. Newegg is good too 🙂

 

[Thawk]

OK, I think I can get this HD for 175ish so I will make the plunge. The IBM 60 GXP series is the HD that I was leaning toward after some good recommendations from this site and Sharkys. One other consideration that I did not list is that the 15MG HD can go in my other system that has an ancient HD in it. Can't remember the size but it is slow.
Yes, there is a Fry's in Tempe. I will check the prices there before ordering online.
Thanks to all for your input, I could not build this computer without your expertise!
Thawk

 

[Thawk]

Blah! The price at Frys was $230 plus tax! Newegg price is $175 shipped. No brainer here. ;P

 

[DDad]

Just my $.02 worth
Buy a cheap ($15.00 or so) removable hard drive rack- lets you make backups really easy