What Is An Internal Hard Drive?

Date First Published: 22nd March 2024

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 4/10

Learn about what an internal hard drive is in this article.

An internal hard drive is a type of hard drive located inside a computer case. It is a key component of a computer since it stores the operating system, preinstalled software applications, and other files. Unlike other components which can easily be replaced, if an internal hard drive fails, the data may not be recoverable, which is why it is important to regularly back up the data stored on an internal hard drive using another storage device or cloud storage.

An internal hard drive uses two ports: one for data and the other for power. The data port uses a SATA or ATA interface, which allows it to communicate with the motherboard. The power port is connected by an electrical cable, which carries the power the hard drive needs from the power supply of the computer.

Desktop computers support multiple internal hard drives, allowing them to provide greater storage. The number of supported hard drives depends on the number of available SATA slots in the motherboard. Laptop computers only support one internal hard drive, forcing the user to add an external storage device to store data that exceeds the internal capacity of a laptop.

Difference Between An Internal and An External Hard Drive

The main difference between internal and external hard drives is that an external hard drive is portable, meaning that it can be easily connected and disconnected at any time without losing the data. External hard drives are also smaller and lighter than internal desktop hard drives. They receive power from the computer or laptop and their portability comes with convenience. They are best suited for temporary use and when transferring large files between different computers that are too large for a USB flash drive or DVD. Like internal hard drives, it is important to consider read/write speed, storage capacity, cost, and system compatibility before making a purchase.

Unlike internal hard drives, external hard drives are not directly connected to the motherboard inside the computer case. Instead, they first run through the outside of the computer case, and then connect to the motherboard. This makes an external hard drive quicker to install and start using in a few minutes. However, they are prone to mechanical damage, can fail more easily, and are more likely to be stolen, because they are moved around more often than internal hard drives.

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