Add another hard drive

[agc12]

Hello, I have a HP Pavillion 500-270 I would like to know if it is possible to add an internal hard drive? If so what are my options?

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@agc12 , welcome to the Community.

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@agc12 wrote:

Hello, I have a HP Pavillion 500-270 I would like to know if it is possible to add an internal hard drive? If so what are my options?

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Yes, you can add another hard drive to your computer.  However, I suggest that you consider adding a SSD boot drive and use your hard drive disk (HDD) for storage.  I can't tell from the specifications if there is an empty drive bay.  If not, a 2.5" SSD is very easy to install anywhere in the case.  You will need a SATA power connector from your power supply unit (PSU) and a SATA data cable that will connect to one of the empty SATA ports on your motherboard.  There are 4 SATA ports on the motherboard.  There should be at least one empty.  You would connect the SSD to SATA port #1, which is the port that your HDD is connected to at this point.

The system performance increase will be very good with a SSD.  Here is an example of what should work: https://www.newegg.com/samsung-1tb-870-evo-series/p/N82E16820147793?Description=870%20evo&cm_re=870_...

I will never have another computer without a SSD boot drive.  The difference is unbelievable.

Here is a HP Knowledge Base article that will explain how to transition from a HDD to a SSD: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Knowledge-Base/Upgrading-Desktop-or-Laptop-to-a-SSD/ta-p/73048...

If you decide not to go with a SSD, let me know if there is an empty drive bay.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[agc12]

Can I ask about a graphic's card upgrade here? or do I need to post another question in the form? 

[old_geekster]

@agc12 

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@agc12 wrote:

Can I ask about a graphic's card upgrade here? or do I need to post another question in the form? 

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Yes, I will be glad to help you.  If you play games, use this link to determine the system requirements for them.  I always look at the Recommended specifications because I want my games to run smooth and fast.  Once you have an idea of which video card that you want, let me know.

Here is a HP Knowledge Base article that will explain what to consider when upgrading the video card.

[agc12]

I'm not running games I'm running photoshop and Lightroom! I'd like to understand more about the Intel HD Integrated Graphics. It says that if I were to install a graphics card then I wouldn't have the integrated graphics anymore. 

[old_geekster]

@agc12 

Here is a good article from Intel explaining the difference in Integrated Graphics and a discrete Graphic Card (GPU).  The motherboard is engineered to disable the Integrated Graphics when a discrete card is installed.  This eliminates the possibility of conflicts between the two form or graphics.

In many instances, you will have to upgrade the power supply unit (PSU).  The current PSU is only 300W.  Here are two examples of the cards that will run with your current PSU:

https://www.newegg.com/msi-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-gtx-1050-ti-4gt-oc/p/N82E16814137055

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-gv-n105toc-4gd/p/N82E16814125915?quicklink=true

These cards a reasonably priced, by today's standards, and should do a fairly good job of running Photoshop and Lightroom.  Read the Reviews to see what users have to say about them.  They are a good example of what you will need if you decide not to buy either of them.

If you decide to upgrade the PSU, I like Corsair products.  A full modular PSU is good for smaller mid-size cases.  They allow you to use only the cables that are absolutely necessary.  If you read the HP Knowledge Base article that I provided there is more information about power needs.