Internal Hard Drives

Increase your computer's internal storage capacity with a reliable and cost-effective internal hard drive (HDD). Ideal for bulk and long-term storage, our range of HDDs from leading brands like Seagate, WD and Toshiba are perfect for backing up your important files, completed projects and media libraries. Browse our range of 500GB - 10TB+ internal hard disk drives and optimise your laptop or desktop today.

What is an Internal Hard Drive?

An internal hard drive is a type of permanent computer storage device that is installed inside a computer. Internal HDDs slot directly into the motherboard and are often used to store data such as operating systems, applications and user files. HDDs use magnetic spinning disks to store data, which differs from SSDs that utilise flash memory.

Internal hard drives are also different from external hard drives, including portable external HDDs, which plug into a computer externally via either a USB-A or USB-C port. Internal hard drives are best utilised for backups, longer-term storage or storage of files that you don't need to frequently access - like media or game libraries. This is because HDDs can be slower than SSDs, which are better suited for storing applications and files that need to be read and written quickly.

What are Internal Hard Drives Best For?

Internal hard drives are a cost-effective and reliable way to expand your computer's storage capacity. Ideal for users seeking a high-capacity solution for bulk storage, media libraries and backups, whilst keeping costs affordable.

Whilst SSDs offer speed and performance advantages for certain users, they tend to be more expensive per GB of storage. This makes HDDs ideal for long-term data retention - especially for businesses, gamers, creative professionals or server backups.

Internal HDDs are available from leading brands such as Seagate, Toshiba and Western Digital, with capacities ranging from 500GB to 10TB+.

Can I add an internal hard drive to my PC?

Yes, anyone can add an internal hard drive to a PC or laptop as long as you have an available drive bay (usually 3.5" for an HDD) on your computer's motherboard.

Installing an internal HDD does require opening up your computer case and adjusting some computer components, so it's usually only recommended for those who have some knowledge of PC builds. You can always get an internal hard drive fitted by a professional if you're not confident fitting it yourself.

To install an internal hard drive you'll need a couple of tools, including a screwdriver, an anti-static wrist strap and a level, dust-free work surface. Here's a step-by-step:

• Ensure your PC is turned off and unplugged from any power sources.
• Open your PC case and locate the drive bays.
• Ensure you have enough drive bay, SATA port and case space for the drive.
• Slide the HDD into the drive bay and secure it with screws.
• Connect the SATA cable from the hard drive to the motherboard and the power cable.
• Close the case, boot up and format.
• Ensure your new HDD is compatible with your operating system (may require additional compatibility checks).

What is the difference between 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives?

• 2.5-inch drives: Primarily used in laptops and compact systems due to their smaller size and lower power consumption.
• 3.5-inch drives: Common in desktop PCs, offering higher storage capacity and a better cost-per-GB ratio. Ideal for users handling large files, such as video editing or extensive media libraries.

Can I use a hard drive as a storage backup?

Yes, internal hard drives are an excellent choice for backup storage, particularly for users needing a large, cost-effective storage solution