1TB Internal Hard Drives

Internal hard drives store the operating system, photos, videos, games, documents and other files on a laptop or desktop computer. Whether you're performing an upgrade on an existing system or building a custom computer, choosing the right 1TB hard drive ensures plenty of space for storing files locally, rather than relying solely on cloud storage.

Speed Options for 1TB Internal Hard Drives

Hard drives come in many different speeds, but the most common include 5,400, 7,200 and 10,000 RPM (revolutions per minute). These speeds refer to how quickly the platters, which store the information, rotate. Hard drives with speeds of 5,400 RPM work well for retrieving and saving smaller files and documents. The 7,200 and 10,000 RPM drives load larger files and applications faster, as the increased revolutions make finding the information more efficient. The transfer rate of 1TB internal hard drives is also important and depends on the RPM. The transfer rate is how quickly information is transferred to and from the drive, with the most common speeds ranging from 180MB to 6GB per second, depending on the revolutions per minute.

Choosing the Right Size

Internal hard drives are available in 2.5- and 3.5-inch sizes, ensuring there is a form factor that will work for most towers and laptops. A 2.5-inch 1TB internal hard drive works in laptops and smaller custom builds. Consider a 3.5-inch hard drive for replacing an older model or adding to a larger tower. When creating custom builds, users can include multiple 2.5-inch drives, making sure there is plenty of space available for backing up videos, documents, game progress and other files on a single device. The overall size of an internal hard drive doesn't affect performance, letting users choose the options that work for their needs.

Is SATA or SAS the Correct Option?

Internal hard drives are available in SATA, SAS and eSATA drive types. SATA drives are commonly used for everyday computer builds and connect with a single connector inside the tower. SAS drives are designed for situations where multiple hard drives or devices are used together and share an interface. These drives can be used with a variety of devices, including those with single, dual and wide ports. SAS drives are typically seen in business-level computer setups. eSATA hard drives differ from SATA and SAS due to connectors that let users add them externally, rather than inside the tower, which is useful when there is no more space available in the casing.

Durability

Internal hard drives are available in traditional and mobile options. A traditional 1TB internal hard drive features a design that works well in stationary computer towers. These drives have a lighter build and materials, which means they can be damaged by bumps and rough treatment. Drives for mobile use feature stronger, more durable materials that withstand the movement and bumps a laptop may go through on a daily basis. Consider drives marked as rugged or high performance for laptops used in the field or in other demanding conditions, such as at construction job sites.