Can PC lag because of a HDD?

[Seek54]

Hello, sometimes my PC freezes for a short time or at the start it doesn't load files (desktop) for like 20 secs, when i try to close programs they don't respond.
Can this be because of an HDD?
OS: Windows 10
HDD: TOSHIBA DT01ACA100

Btw, if I buy an SSD will it be a huge difference since I'm using SATA2?

I wanted to buy Samsung 850 EVO 250GB. Is it worth it? Or should I buy other brand? Price limit would be +-100 Euro.

Thanks

 

[snurp85]

It can be, when a HDD hibernates it can often take a few seconds to get back up to speed and find the file. Check your power settings and check to see if your HDD is set to turn off after a certain amount of time, disable it if it is.

a SSD will make a big diffrence, even using sata2. samsung evo is the best TLC model out. but give that you are operating at sata2, you could get away with going with a cheaper model, something like one from sandisk.

 

[xDeuiii]

Before upgrading anything, I would suggest do a full maintenance of your PC:

1. Perform a FULL virus scan with your antivirus and and a FULL scan with Malwarebytes.

2. Delete unnecessary files and/or programs.

2. Defragment your HDD.

3. Take your PC out, literally and dust it out.

4. IF you have the patience, you could perform a fresh install of Windows. Be sure to backup everything though. If you'll do this, then you don't need to do step 1 and 2.

Of course, it won't become lightning fast but that should help a bit. If your PC stopped freezing occasionally, then it was probably a virus or something or your PC needed that "cleaning".

For the slow loading times, you could try reducing number of programs which boot up at start up. If it's slow, then it's definitely the HDD. HDD are slow in nature so getting a SSD will surely speed things up by a notch. Yes, you can get the EVO 250 at ~100 euro but prices differ by region so be sure to check out thoroughly.

 

[MatthewGB]

If you want a cheaper option, Drevo X1s are really good value, but get 120GB or more, as the 60GB has slow writes.