can i use my broken laptop harddrive in my desktop?

[Albert3232]

is a 5200rpm harddrive but it has 1tb of space and i want to use to install ubuntu on my desktop, i cant turn on the laptop to erase everythin in that harddrive so im wondering if i can just connected via sata to my desktop and erase all the data including the OS and install ubuntu there?

 

[mbilal2]

Yes you can most definitely do this. You will need a sata cable (use one that comes with your mobo) and connect the power cable to the HDD. You don't have to delete any data. When you install the new OS, perform a clean installation and your HDD will be automatically wiped.

Edit: You can also use it as an external HDD by buying a case.
Good Luck!