SSD/HDD and Formatting help

[Topxshelfxtre]

I have an Asus G74s that has 2 500GB WD HDD installed both have failed and are no longer working. I am looking into buying a 120GB Kingston SSD. My question is i have no operating system but i do have a windows 8 installation disc and key. Can i plug in the fresh SSD and then boot from my disc drive? Will the computer be able to partition the SSD or will i need another computer to setup the drive first? Thanks for any help!

If it helps this is the SSD I'm looking at
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107&cm_re=internal%2bssd%2bhard%2bdrive-_-20-721-107-_-Product

 

[digitaldoc]

I would not partition a 120 GB SSD that I was installing the OS to as you will use the whole drive for that. The drive comes formatted, and should be ready for the OS.

You should be able to load Windows onto it, assuming the key is valid and has not been used on another machine previously.

 

[clutchc]

+1^
Leave the drive as a single partition. Here is a guide for installing Win8 to a SSD. It will give you pointers to keep from writing itself to an early death and to conserve space: http://www.overclock.net/t/1240779/seans-windows-8-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds

 

[Topxshelfxtre]

Come to find out my Secondary Sata connector is messed up also. For now I'm probably going to get a Standard 1TB HDD due to needing the space. Looking to spend not much more than $50-$60 any other decent sites to browse other than newegg?

 

[digitaldoc]

Amazon is good, also Microcenter and sometimes they have bare drives that are cheaper.

 

[Topxshelfxtre]

When looking for a drive i know i need a 2.5 is there a big difference in size from a 2.5-3.5? I found a few 3.5's that are pretty decently priced?

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

When looking for a drive i know i need a 2.5 is there a big difference in size from a 2.5-3.5? I found a few 3.5's that are pretty decently priced?

Hey there, Topxshelfxtre!

The difference between the 2.5" and the 3.5" HDDs is that one is a mobile hard drive and the bigger size is a desktop drive. In other words, the 2.5" is smaller and can fit and work flawlessly into your laptop, while this is impossible for the 3.5" drive. Usually 2.5" drives have lower capacity, lower cache and lower angular velocity compared to 3.5" drives. For example at this time, largest consumer 3.5" drives can store up to 8/10 TB of data, but the downside is their power consumption which is generally around 5W. It is quite fine for desktop computers, but too much for battery operated devices. You can easily put a 2.5" drive into a desktop, using a mounting bracket (caddy) but unfortunately, the other way around is not an option! 🙁

P.S. +1^ for digitaldoc!

Hope I was helpful though!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[digitaldoc]

You can certainly use a laptop drive in a desktop if you have one laying around. If you are purchasing a new drive though for this, the 3.5" is definitely preferable for the reasons SuperSoph enumerated for you.