[SOLVED] Can I Install 2 HDDs on my system?

[metahard]

Hi, I am a newbie. My question is that can I install 2 HDDs on my PC. I have an existing hard drive (about 300 GB), can I install a new one, (2 TB 7200 RPM) without replacing my first one?

My Specs:
Motherboard - Gigabyte B85M-HD3-A
CPU: Intel Core I5 4460 3.2 Ghz
RAM: 2x4 GB (1666 mhz)
Graphics Card : Gigabyte RX 560 4 GB OC
PSU: Thermaltake Litepower 450 W

Can anyone help me please? Also if I do can add a new HDD, would it be harmful for PC, like not providing enough power?
Thanks in Advanced.

 

[rgd1101]

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-B85M-HD3-A-rev-10/sp#sp
yes it have 6 sata port
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0/1/2/3)
2 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2 4/5)

 

[DeauteratedDog]

Yes you can. It is very commonly done.
Your motherboard supports up to four SATA 3 drives and up to two SATA 2 drives (now obsolete).

 

[geofelt]

Your motherboard can support 6 sata drives.
What is the make/model of your case?
A very small case may not have the physical space to install a larger 3.5" conventional HDD.
Otherwise, the power needs of drives are minimal, no problem there.

I might suggest that you look into using a ssd instead,
It will make everything you do much quicker.
And, you could keep your old HDD which I might repurpose for External backup.

You can easily replace your current HDD with a 512gb Samsung 860 EVO ssd like this:
https://www.newegg.com/samsung-860-evo-series-500gb/p/N82E16820147674?&quicklink=true

Or a 1tb samsung 860 QVO ssd like this:
https://www.newegg.com/samsung-860-qvo-series-1tb/p/N82E16820147738

 

[metahard]

Your motherboard can support 6 sata drives.
What is the make/model of your case?
A very small case may not have the physical space to install a larger 3.5" conventional HDD.
Otherwise, the power needs of drives are minimal, no problem there.

I might suggest that you look into using a ssd instead,
It will make everything you do much quicker.
And, you could keep your old HDD which I might repurpose for External backup.

You can easily replace your current HDD with a 512gb Samsung 860 EVO ssd like this:
https://www.newegg.com/samsung-860-evo-series-500gb/p/N82E16820147674?&quicklink=true

Or a 1tb samsung 860 QVO ssd like this:
https://www.newegg.com/samsung-860-qvo-series-1tb/p/N82E16820147738

I can't detect if my case is a mid tower or mini tower. But its definitely taller than 15 inches and wider than 7 inches.
And thank you very much for the SSD suggestion. I am planning to buy an SSD (in future) but I am in badly need of some storage space.

 

[geofelt]

You should see some 3.5" mounting bays inside.
So long as it is not a sff mini case, you should be ok.

When you say storage space, what kind of storage do you need?
A HDD is very good for bulk sequential storage such as video files.
But,, if you are going to use the space for active apps, then a ssd is better.
How much space do you need right now, and for perhaps a year out?

SSD prices per gb are getting lower each day.
Trust me on this, once you use a ssd, you will never go back.
I mentioned samsung primarily because they have a nice ssd migration app.
I have used it many times.
You install your new ssd, run the app and change the boot order and you are done.
You can read the instructions and download the app here:

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

www.samsung.com

After, your old HDD can be repurposed for added storage.

 

[metahard]

You should see some 3.5" mounting bays inside.
So long as it is not a sff mini case, you should be ok.

When you say storage space, what kind of storage do you need?
A HDD is very good for bulk sequential storage such as video files.
But,, if you are going to use the space for active apps, then a ssd is better.
How much space do you need right now, and for perhaps a year out?

SSD prices per gb are getting lower each day.
Trust me on this, once you use a ssd, you will never go back.
I mentioned samsung primarily because they have a nice ssd migration app.
I have used it many times.
You install your new ssd, run the app and change the boot order and you are done.
You can read the instructions and download the app here:

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

www.samsung.com

After, your old HDD can be repurposed for added storage.

Like I feared. I had only one mounting bay. And thanks again for the ssd suggestion. Actually, I have never installed an SSD. Due to coronavirus I am also avoiding going outside. That's why I ordered and installed an HDD. I will upgrade to it when things start to get cool down.