Clean install, but avoiding same mistakes


S

Sam_Tether

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Windows 11
Hello

Hopefully someone here can advise me.

A few months ago I discovered that I there was a slot for an extra hard drive in my laptop. I managed to install one, an HDD, I had left over from a previous laptop. Up until then I had no idea that an SSD hard drive existed, I thought everything was still HDD (I evidently haven't kept up with technology).
Windows was naturally already installed on the laptop's existing SSD and I thought I'd use the newly installed HDD to store files on (documents, photos, music, etc..). Since then I've found that explorer is extremely slow to respond, taking 10 to 20 seconds to load. I can't remember what I did during the installation of the HDD but it looks like I must have done something wrong to cause this sluggishness.
My intention is to do a fresh install of Windows and would like to know the best way to do it. I'd like to have Windows and installed programs on the SSD and all my files on the HDD without everything taking forever to load.
What would be the best way to do this during installation and what must I avoid doing?

Thank you
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
Whoah! Why not try to fix the problem? Are you sure the drivers for the HDD are correct and up to date? Try uninstalling and deleting the HDD driver using Device Manager and then reboot. Windows should find and install the correct drivers. See if File Explorer is now faster.
Did you format the HDD? Is it FAT32, NTFS or something else?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.2894
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
kelper said:
Whoah! Why not try to fix the problem? Are you sure the drivers for the HDD are correct and up to date? Try uninstalling and deleting the HDD driver using Device Manager and then reboot. Windows should find and install the correct drivers. See if File Explorer is now faster.
Did you format the HDD? Is it FAT32, NTFS or something else?
Click to expand...
Hi kelper, thanks for your response.

I did as you advised. I uninstalled the HDD in Device Manager and rebooted. If anything, Explorer felt slower, definitely not faster.
The HDD is NTFS and I'm certain that I would have formatted it before installing it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
I'm going to guess that the HDD is running at 5,400 RPMs. If it is, that would explain why the HDD is slow. I'm not sure why or even if that would slow down the SSD.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Just disconnect the HDD and boot up, don't remove it from the fitting
Check is slowness gone
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 710
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG
    Screen Resolution
    1366*768
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870EVO
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes Premium
Sam_Tether said:
Up until then I had no idea that an SSD hard drive existed
Click to expand...


Terminology...

HDD = Hard Disk Drive (spinning discs inside)
SSD = Solid State Drive (no moving parts)


Image1.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.3037 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2 ♦♦♦non-Insider
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
2.5" SATA SSDs are meant to directly replace 2.5" SATA HDDs. That is because they have the same connectors. 2.5" SATA SSDs are preferred now because they are noticeably faster than the older 2.5" SATA HDDs.

Note in the picture below that both 2.5" SATA HDDs and 2.5" SATA SSDs use the same power and data connectors.

2.5-in HDD & SSD.webp

Five years ago some computers had M.2 SATA SSDs. That is because M.2 SATA SSDs were cheaper back then than M.2 NVME SSDs. Note 2.5" SATA SSDs and M.2 SATA SSDs are about the same speed because they are both limited by the SATA interface. Currently M.2 NVME SSDs and M.2 SATA SSDs are about the same price. M.2 NVME SSDs are the preferred M.2 SSD because they are much faster.

Note in the picture below that M.2 SATA SSDs and M.2 NVME SSDs have difference connectors on their left ends.

M.2 SSDs.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2022)
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800H with Radeon 680M GPU (486MB RAM)
    Memory
    Crucial DDR5-4800 (2400MHz) 32GB (2 x 16GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB RAM)
    Sound Card
    n/a
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6-inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 300Hz
    Hard Drives
    2 x Samsung 980 (1TB M.2 NVME SSD)
    PSU
    n/a
    Mouse
    Wireless Mouse M510
    Internet Speed
    2000Mbps/300Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II
    Memory
    G.SKILL Flare X 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-RTX3060TI-08G-V2-GAMING (RTX 3060-Ti, 8GB RAM)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23A300B (23-in LED)
    Screen Resolution
    1080p 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    2TB XPG SX8200 Pro (M2. PCIe SSD) || 2TB Intel 660P (M2. PCIe SSD)
    PSU
    Corsair RM750x (750 watts)
    Case
    Cooler Master MasterCase 5
    Cooling
    Scythe Mugen 6
    Mouse
    Logitech K350 (wireless)
    Keyboard
    Logitech M510 (wireless)
    Internet Speed
    2000 Mbps down / 300 Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge, Chrome
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes (Premium)
    Other Info
    ASUS Blu-ray Burner BW-16D1HT (SATA) || Western Digital Easystore 20TB USB 3.0 external hard drive used with Acronis True Image 2025 backup software || HP OfficeJet Pro 6975 Printer/Scanner
Hi

I haven't yet gone as far as disconnecting the HDD (I'm not very comfortable fidgeting with the internals unless I really have to) but here is what I've found and done so far;
If I open Music, Videos and Documents then there is no sluggishness. However, if I open Downloads or a folder I have named 'ST' which sits in the Documents folder then it is quite slow to load. I copied the ST folder to the SSD drive where Windows is located and it opens just fine. I then renamed the ST folder on the HDD drive and for some reason it now opens without a problem. It seems that at the moment only the Downloads folder is slow to open. I've attached a few screenshots that show the addresses of the different folders, there seem to be differences in in the address structure, maybe that might be causing problems.Downloads_1.webpHDD_1.webpMusic_1.webpPictures_1.webpST_1.webpVideos_1.webp

Something else that makes me think a clean install might not be a bad idea is that the fans seem to be often working very hard even though I have pressurised air to clean them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
Check the HDD with any disk app like CrystalDiskInfom maybe it is failing
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 710
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG
    Screen Resolution
    1366*768
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870EVO
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes Premium
Hi Grammy

Here is a screenshot of the CrystalDiskInfo status for my HDD, it says it's 'good';

CrystalDiskInfo_1.webp
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
I've been thinking. I originally installed the spare HDD to increase storage space on my laptop, but I suppose all my problems could be solved by just buying a faster SSD with more a TB or 2 of storage. Would that be an easier way of sorting out sluggishness?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
probably. But try a repair install of Windows first.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.2894
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
Sam_Tether said:
Here is a screenshot of the CrystalDiskInfo status for my HDD, it says it's 'good';
Click to expand...


The sluggishness is because the hard drive is 5400rpm.
A regular "speedy" hard drive is 7200rpm.


For example...

Image1.webp


0000 Crystal - WD Black 7200rpm FZBX.webp


Image1.webp
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.3037 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2 ♦♦♦non-Insider
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
You could put the old HDD in a caddy and connect with USB as and when you needed it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.2894
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
you could check via the device manager the hard disk drive properties.
on this properties menu click 'policies'
and on his menu check to see if 'better performance' is marked and allow 'write caching' is marked.
this should give you a slight increase in disk performance for your HDD.
1733140910937.webp

best of luck, Steve ..
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home 24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP 24" AiO
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    64GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Sound Card
    RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" HP
    Hard Drives
    1TB WD Blue SN580 M2 SSD Partitioned.
    250GB C:/Windows .. 750GB D:/Home.
    2x 1TB USB HDD External Backup/Storage.
    Internet Speed
    900MB full fibre
    Browser
    Vivaldi .. Browser, Calendar, eMail.
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security
    Other Info
    Mainly Open Source Software
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP 24" AiO
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 5500u
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon GPU
    Sound Card
    RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP
    Hard Drives
    1TB WD blue SN580 M2 SSD Partitioned.
    250GB C:/Windows .. 750GB D:/Home.
    2x 1TB HDD External Backup/Storage.
    Internet Speed
    900MB Full Fibre
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security
    Other Info
    Mainly Windows Software
    'The Wife's Computer'
Yes, Something faster than 5400rpm would probably help.

I already have 2 or 3 HDDs in a caddy, they're handy for back-ups but I like the convenience of not having to plug it in all the time.

The 'write caching' is already checked so I won't get any improvement there.

HDD_policies_1.webp


Thank you everybody for all the advice you have given. I think the best option would be a new fast SSD with plenty of storage and remove the HDD.

Any suggestions on a good and fast SSD?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.3037 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2 ♦♦♦non-Insider
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Ghot said:
Have a look at these, external SSDs.
They are sorted by price, lowest to highest, so the larger ones will be further down the list...

Loading…

pcpartpicker.com
Click to expand...
Thanks. But they seem to be portable ones, I'm looking to replace the SSD in the laptop.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
Sam_Tether said:
Thanks. But they seem to be portable ones, I'm looking to replace the SSD in the laptop.
Click to expand...


Ok... one sec...

Samsung internal SSDs... (M.2 2280)

Loading…

pcpartpicker.com


Crucial upgrade finder...
www.crucial.com

Memory & SSD Upgrades | Crucial.com

Crucial Memory and SSD upgrades - 100% Compatibility Guaranteed for - FREE US Delivery
www.crucial.com www.crucial.com



And... since you filled out your computer specs... I gave you ten cookies. :-)
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.3037 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2 ♦♦♦non-Insider
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 10750H @ 2.60GH
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Lenovo), Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    931GB Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172 (SATA )
    476GB KBG40ZNT512G TOSHIBA MEMORY (Unknown (SSD))
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox / Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
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