Reference number: CH000497

How to determine what type of hard drive I have?

Question:

How do I determine what type of hard drive I have?

Answer:

Users running Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, or XP

Microsoft Windows users can easily determine the type of hard drive that is currently installed in their computer by following the below steps.

1. Click the Start Button and then click the "Programs" folder.
2. Next, click the "Accessories" and then the "System Information" or "System Tools" folder.
3. Open the "System Information" file.
4. Within the "System Information" window, click the "+" symbol next to "Components".
5. Click the "+" next to "Storage" and click on "Drives", in the right side of the window you should be able to locate complete information about the hard disk drive including the size of the hard drive and the serial number.  

IBM compatible users

IBM compatible users can usually enter the computer's CMOS to view additional information about their hard disk drive. Commonly, the CMOS will list the hard disk drive's serial number and/or model number, cylinders, heads, sectors, and/or the size of the hard disk drive.

Note: If the CMOS is not configured to auto detect the hard disk drive, it is important to note that the hard disk drive values may not be correct.

Disk utilities

Many disk utilities designed to setup the hard disk drive will properly detect and setup a hard disk drive; in addition, may also provide the user with some basic additional information about the hard disk drive.

For example, using the fdisk utility you can display additional information about the size of the hard disk drive and partition information. 

Determining the speed or RPM of a hard disk drive

To determine the speed or RPM of a hard disk drive you must first determine the manufacturer and model of the hard disk drive. Once you've determine this information you can lookup the drive on the manufacturers web page to determine the RPM of the drive.

Some manufactures will also list the RPM of the hard disk drive on the actual drive. If you open the computer and remove the hard disk drive look on the top sticker to see if the RPM is listed.

Other methods of determining the type of hard disk drive

One of the best methods for determining additional information about a hard disk drive is to obtain information directly off the hard disk drive. The majority of hard disk drives have a sticker on the top of the drive that contains complete information about the drive. If you are unable to locate the information you need through software, it is recommended you open the case and remove the hard disk drive to get the information you need.

Reasoning:

Product listing or specifications

If you are trying to list all the specific information about your computer, specifying the manufacturer, model, type, and size of the hard disk drive is sufficient. For example:

Maxtor 54098H8 IDE 40Gig hard disk drive

Drivers or installation

Additional information about installing a computer hard disk drive can be found on document CH000413.

Replacement or repair

If you are trying to determine the type of hard disk drive because it needs replaced or repaired, it is recommended that the drive simply be replaced with another hard disk drive. As long as you are using the same type of hard disk drive interface, the model or manufacturer of the previous drive should be irrelevant.

Additional buying tips on buying a computer hard disk drive can be found here.