Internal hard drives for desktop computers come in a variety of sizes to meet different storage needs. The most common desktop internal hard drive sizes currently available are:
- 500 GB
- 1 TB
- 2 TB
- 3 TB
- 4 TB
- 6 TB
- 8 TB
- 10 TB
- 12 TB
- 14 TB
- 16 TB
Hard drive sizes have increased over the years as storage technology has improved. In the early 2000s, 80-120 GB hard drives were common in desktops. By 2010, 320 GB to 1 TB drives had become more standard. Today, 1-3 TB drives are prevalent, with higher capacities up to 16 TB available for those who need massive storage.
When considering what size hard drive to get for your desktop computer, there are a few key factors to take into account:
Storage Needs
First, think about how much storage space you require. For basic computing needs like word processing, web browsing and simple multimedia playback, a 500 GB to 1 TB drive is typically sufficient. Power users who work with lots of large files, install many programs, play PC games or use media production software may want 2-4 TB instead. Extreme data hoarders and professionals working with massive datasets can utilize drives 8 TB or higher.
Consider not just your current storage needs but how they might grow in the future. It’s recommended to leave at least 20-30% of your hard drive free. So get more capacity than you need today to accommodate expansion down the road.
Hard Drive Types
Desktop internal hard drives come in two main types – traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs):
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
HDDs have spinning platters and magnetic read/write heads inside. They are the older technology but offer more affordable storage per TB. HDD capacities range from 500 GB to 16 TB. The higher the capacity, the more platters are needed. This makes very high capacity HDDs bulkier and less suitable for smaller desktop cases. 10 TB is around the practical limit for most desktop HDD use.
Solid State Drives (SSDs)
SSDs use integrated flash memory chips and have no moving parts. They cost more per GB but are much faster, more reliable and compact than HDDs. Consumer SSDs in desktops typically range from 120 GB to 4 TB. For most users, a 250 GB – 1 TB SSD is sufficient as the primary drive to host the operating system and key programs. Additional HDDs can provide expanded storage.
Form Factors
Desktop internal hard drives come in two physical sizes:
3.5 Inch
The standard 3.5″ desktop drive format has a width of 4″ and depth of 5.75″. This is the typical size for both HDDs and SSDs. 3.5″ bays are available in most desktop computer cases. These drives require both 5V and 12V power from the computer’s power supply unit.
2.5 Inch
Smaller 2.5″ drives were originally designed for laptops. However, 2.5″ SSDs are now popular in desktops too due to their compact footprint. 2.5″ drives are around 2.75″ x 3.96″ in size. You’ll need a 3.5″ to 2.5″ adapter bracket to install one in a standard desktop drive bay. 2.5″ drives run on just 5V power.
Common Desktop Hard Drive Sizes
Here is an overview of the most widely used internal hard drive sizes for desktop computers and their typical applications:
| 500 GB HDD | Entry-level general storage |
| 1 TB HDD | Main drive for basic computing |
| 2 TB HDD | Mid-range capacity for mainstream use |
| 3-4 TB HDD | Enhanced storage for media files |
| 6-10 TB HDD | High capacity storage for professionals |
| 12-16 TB HDD | Max capacity drives for data centers |
| 120-250 GB SSD | Primary OS and program drive |
| 500 GB-1 TB SSD | Larger SSD for gamers and creators |
| 2-4 TB SSD | Max consumer SSD capacity |
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Hard Drive
Consider the following factors when choosing an internal hard drive for your desktop computer build or upgrade:
Storage Needs
Assess how much capacity you require – 500 GB to 16 TB drives are available. Budget at least 20% free space.
Performance Needs
SSDs are much faster than HDDs if top speed is important. Larger 7200 RPM HDDs outpace smaller 5400 RPM models.
Physical Size Requirements
Compact cases may need slim 2.5″ drives. Standard towers can fit 3.5″ drives.
Noise Level
SSDs and 2.5″ HDDs run silently. 3.5″ 7200 RPM HDDs generate more noise from drive spin.
Budget
HDDs offer more storage per dollar. SSDs cost more but have speed and reliability benefits.
Backup Needs
Larger capacity drives allow more onboard data backups. External drives or cloud storage may also be required.
How to Measure Your Current Hard Drive Use
If you are not sure how much hard drive space you really need, check your current usage on your existing computer to get an idea:
On Windows:
– Open File Explorer then right-click on your main hard drive (usually Local Disk C:) and select Properties. This will show total capacity and free space left.
On Mac:
– Go to About This Mac in the Apple menu then click Storage. This shows capacity and space used/available for each drive.
You can also use a third party app like TreeSize or WinDirStat to scan your drive and visually break down storage by folder size.
This will reveal if you are using hundreds of GBs or just a few. You can then determine the appropriate drive capacity for your needs and workflow. Add some headroom for future expansion too.
Typical File and Storage Sizes
To estimate how much desktop hard drive space you need, consider the typical file sizes and storage requirements below:
Documents
– Word doc: 50 KB
– Excel sheet: 100 KB
– PowerPoint: 5 MB
– PDF: 100 KB – 100 MB
Photos
– JPG: 1 – 10 MB each
– RAW: 10 – 100 MB each
– PNG: 100 KB – 10 MB
Video
– 1080p clip: 500 MB per minute
– 4K clip: up to 2 GB per minute
Music
– MP3 song: 3 – 5 MB
– Lossless audio: 10 – 30 MB per song
Games
– Small indie game: 1 – 3 GB
– AAA title: 25 – 100 GB
Programs
– Small utility app: 10 – 50 MB
– Large suite like Creative Cloud: 5 – 10 GB
Operating System
– Windows 10/11: 15 – 20 GB
– MacOS: 10 – 15 GB
Add up the storage needed for the files you work with regularly for your OS, software, photos, videos, music, games and other personal documents. That will give you a good estimate of your ideal hard drive size.
Choosing the Right Interface
Desktop internal hard drives use the following interfaces to connect to the computer’s motherboard and power supply:
SATA
SATA is the long-standing internal storage interface supported by all modern desktops and drives. SATARevision 1.0 delivers transfer speeds up to 150 MB/s. The latest SATA 3.0 specification boosts speeds up to 600 MB/s. This is more than adequate for HDDs but SSDs can saturate a SATA connection.
PCIe NVME
For ultra-fast SSDs, PCIe NVMe offers directPCI Express bus connections for massive bandwidth up to 3500 MB/s. NVMe drives require an M.2 or PCIe slot on the motherboard. Top of the line for high performance computing.
Power Cables
3.5″ HDDs need both 5V and 12V power cables from the PSU. 2.5″ SSDs and HDDs just need 5V. Ensure your desktop power supply has the required drive connectors.
Choose an internal drive with the appropriate SATA or NVMe interface to match your desktop motherboard’s capabilities. The connectors must align physically as well.
Installation Best Practices
Follow these best practices when installing a new internal hard drive for your desktop PC:
– Ground yourself against static discharge by wearing an anti-static wrist strap. Static electricity can destroy drive components.
– Power down and unplug the computer before opening the case to install the drive for safety.
– Refer to your computer or motherboard manual for the exact steps to add a drive to your model. The process varies.
– Mount the hard drive securely in a 3.5” or 2.5” drive bay as applicable. SATA cables and power cables should connect snugly.
– Ensure no cables are pinched or stressed when replacing the case panels. Cable routing affects airflow.
– Initialize and format the new drive in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) before transferring data.
– Install your operating system and programs fresh on a new primary C: drive for optimal performance. Migrate personal files and settings separately.
– Running the CHKDSK /f command is recommended to check for drive errors in Windows.
Take proper antistatic measures, follow manufacturer instructions carefully, and initialize volumes correctly for a smooth hard drive installation. Your desktop will then be ready to access the full capacity.
Conclusion
Desktop internal hard drives range widely in size from 500 GB to 16 TB or more. The right capacity for you depends on your budget, performance needs, and current/future storage requirements for files, photos, video, games and more. 1-6 TB HDDs or 250 GB – 2 TB SSDs are typical for most home and office users. Enterprise and professional applications can utilize massive 10-16 TB hard drives. Consider the interface and physical size as well to select a compatible desktop drive. With an understanding of common capacities and features along with proper installation practices, you can upgrade or build a PC with the ideal internal hard drive setup.